Piab Vacuum Automation is your go-to podcast for exploring the science and technology behind industrial vacuum solutions. Each month, we break down essential topics- from the fundamentals of vacuum theory and the latest in COAX® innovation to expert tips on suction cup selection, system design, and IO-Link integration. Whether you’re an engineer, technician, or automation enthusiast, our episodes deliver practical insights and real-world guidance to help you optimize vacuum-driven processes and stay ahead in smart automation.
In this special episode, we are joined by Fredrik Thuman, Product Management and R&D Director in the Vacuum Automation division, for a conversation about how customer needs are transformed into real-world automation solutions.
Together, we explore the role of listening, collaboration, product development, and innovation in solving complex automation challenges, as well as the ideas shaping the future of the industry.
14 Aug 2026
Drop the Risk, Not the Box
In this episode of J&J, Johnny and Josef explore the world of cardboard handling for logistics and e-commerce. They put different cardboard materials and suction cups to the test, uncovering how leakage, surface texture, vacuum flow, and cup choice can make or break your system.
Packed with practical tips on cup selection, pump sizing, and handling tricky, dusty boxes, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to boost performance in high-speed carton picking.
7 Jul 2026
Unpacking the Packaging Industry
This 20-minute episode gives a fast, story-driven overview of how modern packaging lines work, from flexible snack bags to corrugated boxes and open cans and jars. It focuses on the challenges of handling these different materials at high speed and how vacuum technology solves them.
12 Jun 2026
piSOFTGRIP with J&J
Soft, clean and energy‑efficient gripping for food handling in one quick episode. Johnny and Josef pit traditional suction cups against soft grippers on tomatoes, chocolate, cookies and bread, showing how to get a secure, mark‑free grip on even the most delicate products. With the new 40‑3 size joining the piSOFTGRIP family, now is the perfect time to (re)visit this episode!
12 May 2026
Get a Grip on Piab Vacuum Pumps
Learn how to turn “vacuum confusion” into confident customer conversations. In this episode, we break down sealed vs leaking applications, centralized vs decentralized systems, and match them to Piab pumps solutions.
Perfect for anyone who wants to feel confident navigating Piab’s vacuum pump portfolio.
15 Apr 2026
Stop the Drops. Optimize the Design.
What turns a “good enough” vacuum setup into a system you can rely on not to drop parts?
In this episode, we take you into practical system design. We'll discuss how to choose the right cups for porous and non‑porous materials, why increasing cup area often beats pulling the vacuum level deeper, how to size in realistic safety factors for fast robot motion, and when to pick centralized versus decentralized vacuum architectures.
Tune in to learn how to design vacuum lifting systems that protect your products, cut energy waste, and keep your line running without the drops.
25 Mar 2026
Bag Handling Tips by J&J
We are bringing back a classic! If you missed one of our J&J episodes, this one's for you. In this episode, Johnny and Josef guide you through practical tips for maneuvering and managing challenging bag-handling applications.
18 Feb 2026
The Science of Suction Cups
Choosing the right suction cup is the difference between a smooth operation and a costly breakdown. In this episode, we look at why these "pieces of rubber" are actually high-tech tools. We explore how different shapes are the secret to a perfect grip and discover how the right material can make your factory quieter, save energy, and even prevent marks on your final product.
26 Jan 2026
The COAX Technology: Inside the Vacuum Ejector
It’s time to get technical. In this episode, we go inside the nozzle to see how COAX technology utilizes supersonic air and progressive staging to outperform traditional methods.
We break down the vital differences between maximizing flow versus maximizing depth, and why distinct industrial environments require specialized, dirt-tolerant designs. From energy-saving valves to "supersonic" geometries, this is your practical guide to choosing the right vacuum engine- ensuring you prioritize the right metrics for speed, efficiency, and grip.
15 Dec 2025
Full of Nothing, Built for More
In this episode, the focus shifts from theory to practice, exploring how different vacuum generators perform in real industrial environments. The discussion compares mechanical pumps, single-stage ejectors, and multi-stage ejectors, highlighting trade-offs in vacuum level, flow, energy consumption, noise, and maintenance. Key concepts such as the de Laval nozzle, Bernoulli’s principle, and the crucial difference between displacement flow and mass flow are clarified. The episode concludes with practical guidance on selecting efficient vacuum technology for continuous and cycling applications, with special attention to multi-stage Coax ejectors and their impact on speed, energy use, and overall system performance.
4 Nov 2025
The Power of Nothing
Join us as we kick off the first part of our two-part series on vacuum theory! In this episode, we break down the fundamental concepts behind vacuum technology- from the very definition of a vacuum to the crucial role of atmospheric pressure and how altitude impacts vacuum applications.
Discover how everyday devices like suction cups harness the power of pressure differences, and learn why understanding units and pressure scales is essential for anyone working with vacuum systems.
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