Geometrical Parameters Optimization of Suction Cups-Based Devices for Large-Sized Ceramic Slabs Handling

In the last decades, due to remarkable technological improvements in ceramics production cycles and materials, the manufacturing and the commercialization of large-sized ceramic slabs have risen. While some phases of the process are well defined, there are some routines that lack systematic procedures and rely uniquely on the internal know-how of the single companies. In particular, this paper focuses on the handling and transportation of large-sized ceramic slabs, which are, in the vast majority of cases, performed by suction cups-based gripping devices. The scope of this paper is to investigate how the type of suction cup pattern and its geometrical parameters affect slab stresses and deformations and to provide a guideline for the choice of the pattern, in order to cope with some critical aspects associated with wide surface and small thickness of the slabs. In particular, some of the most common large slab sizes and thicknesses available on the market are considered, and the most suitable suction cup patterns (and their geometrical parameters) for handling them are evaluated in order to minimize slab stresses and deformations.