Ignite Mount Replacement vacuum cup and stand for the 16150 Ignite Mount.

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Vacuum Cup Lesson 101

Occasionally we receive questions regarding the differences between suction cups and vacuum cups, and the best way to secure mounts with vacuum cups to the glass.

Suction cups are cup-shaped devices, usually made of rubber, silicone, or other flexible compounds, that use negative fluid pressure of air or water to adhere to nonporous surfaces and in the process create a partial vacuum.[1] Suctioning cups are inexpensive and available in a variety of configurations. Suction cups require pressure to adhere to any given surface and the larger the cup the more pressure required for a secure mount in most cases.

Suction cups work well for attaching small lightweight parts like inspection mirrors, compact UV lights or other small parts that do not have a lot of back pressure against them.

Vacuum cups are typically rubber, silicone, or other flexible compounds. But, unlike suction cups, feature a lever, button, or pump that pulls the center of the cup up away from the glass, thereby creating a vacuum that holds the outer edges of the cup securely to the mounting surface. A vacuum cup is generally flatter, allowing more surface area to contact the glass, thus providing a more secure attachment with very little downward pressure regardless of the cup size. Attached properly, vacuum cups are also typically far more rigid than suction cups.

Vacuum cups are preferable over suction cups for attaching glass:

1. Less pressure is required to attach a vacuum cup securely to the glass. Minimizes the chance of causing a crack to run.
2. The rigid mount holds the injector firmly in place against the glass. Greatly reduces end seal leaks requiring less pressure against the glass to minimize the chance of a crack out.
3. A properly mounted vacuum cup is far less likely to “come loose” and fall off the glass. Minimizing the potential damage to equipment and to the customer’s vehicle. Also, bridges have back pressure against the injector and the leveling screw(s). So, maximum holding power is necessary.
4. A small vacuum cup has far more holding strength than a suction cup several times as large. It is therefore easier to carry, store and use.

Delta Kits uses high-quality vacuum cups on all mounts and bridges…. Continue Reading