Overview

This document provides comprehensive specifications, components, and usage instructions for PISCO's Vacuum Pen (Air Pincette) products. These energy-saving vacuum suction tools are designed for handling small, delicate components with fingertip-controlled vacuum suction. Available in standard and anti-static (ESD) versions, they cater to various industrial applications.

Product Types and Features

• VTA Type: Vacuum pen without push button valve, operated by blocking/unblocking a side hole.
• VTB Type: Vacuum pen with push button valve enabling quieter operation and precise fingertip control.
• Vacuum cups offered in standard diameters of ø1, ø2, ø4, ø6, and ø8 mm; larger sizes supported via specific vacuum headers.
• Anti-static versions utilize conductive materials to minimize static electricity, suitable for sensitive environments.

Model Designation and Components

Model codes specify switch type, color (light-gray standard or black anti-static), nozzle tip shape (bended or straight), vacuum cup size/material, and optional mounting brackets. Package sets typically include one air pincette, one header, multiple vacuum pads (ø2, ø4, ø6, ø8 mm), and a coiling tube. Materials vary between standard silicone rubber and conductive butadiene rubber for anti-static types.

Specifications

• Fluid Medium: Air
• Operating Pressure Range: 22 to 100 psi (0.15 to 0.7 MPa)
• Rated Pressure Supply: 72.5 psi (0.5 MPa)
• Nozzle Bore: ø0.5 mm (VTA), ø0.4 mm (VTB)
• Final Vacuum: -85 kPa (VTA), -80 kPa (VTB)
• Suction Flow: 0.07 scfm (2 L/min) [ANR]
• Operating Temperature: 0 to 60°C (no freezing)
• Volume Resistance (Anti-static types): 1×10² to 1.4×10³ Ω·cm depending on material

Materials and Construction

Standard and anti-static models differ in resin materials for body parts and vacuum cups. Anti-static versions use conductive resins (ABS, PA, POM, PBT) and conductive butadiene rubber for vacuum cups. Key components include resin bodies, nickel-plated brass nozzles and diffusers, PVF filter elements, and stainless steel springs (VTB type).

Vacuum Cups and Nozzle Tips

Various vacuum cup types are available: standard, bellows, multi-bellows, soft, soft bellows, ultrathin, skidproof, and general deep cups. Mounting styles include push-in, snap-on, and screw mounting depending on size and type. Nozzle tips come in straight and bended forms, with connection threads (M4, M6) for larger cups. Materials include PEEK and POM, with ESD options.

Performance Characteristics

Performance graphs illustrate relationships between supply pressure, final vacuum, suction flow, and air consumption for VTA and VTB types. The VTB model offers quieter operation with push button control.

Usage Instructions and Maintenance

• VTA operation: suction by blocking side hole during compressed air supply; release by unblocking.
• VTB operation: suction while pressing push button; release upon release.
• Avoid mechanical operation of push button to prevent damage.
• Regular maintenance of replaceable filter elements is necessary to maintain performance.
• Silencer elements in VTB are non-replaceable.
• Use coiling tubes to reduce load on fittings.

Vacuum Pad Selection Guide

Theoretical suction force depends on vacuum pad area and vacuum level. Safety factors differ by lifting orientation: 1/4 for horizontal, 1/8 for vertical lifting. Formulas and charts assist in selecting appropriate pad sizes considering work-piece weight, acceleration, and movement. Emphasis is placed on including sufficient safety margins and validating under actual conditions.

Dimensions and Mounting

Detailed dimensional drawings and weights are provided for air pincettes (with and without push button valves), mounting brackets, vacuum cups, and nozzle tips to facilitate proper installation and integration.

Safety and Compliance

Users must follow all safety instructions. Products comply with relevant safety standards and include anti-static options for sensitive environments.

Vacuum Pad Specifications and Selection Guide

1. Suction Force and Safety Factors

Suction force (W) is calculated from pad area (C) and vacuum level (P). Safety factors of 1/4 (horizontal) and 1/8 (vertical) lifting are applied. Charts provide theoretical suction forces for various pad diameters and vacuum levels, guiding practical selection.

2. Vacuum Pad Types and Availability

Available pad types include Standard, Bellows, Multi-bellows, Soft, Soft bellows, Skidproof, Ultrathin, and Mark-free. Sizes range from 0.7 mm to 200 mm diameter. Each type suits specific work-piece shapes and applications.

3. Pad Type Selection Based on Work-piece

• Standard and Bellows: General and deep-type pads.
• Ultrathin: Thin materials like paper or plastic bags.
• Skidproof: Work-pieces requiring slip resistance.
• Oval: Long or oval-shaped items such as circuit boards.
• Soft and Soft Bellows: Fragile or molded parts.
• Mark-free: Applications needing no surface marking, e.g., LCD glass.

4. Pad Material Selection and Properties

Materials include various rubbers and resins with distinct physical, thermal, and chemical properties:

• Nitrile Rubber (NBR): Good oil resistance, general use.
• Silicone Rubber: High temperature resistance, suitable for food and semiconductor uses.
• Urethane Rubber: Excellent abrasion resistance.
• Fluoro and Fluorosilicone Rubber: Superior chemical and heat resistance.
• Conductive Rubbers: For static dissipation in semiconductor environments.
• Resins (PEEK, POM, Conductive PEEK): Used for pad holders and attachments, offering high temperature and abrasion resistance.

Material choice depends on temperature, chemical exposure, and electrical conductivity requirements.

5. Installation and Operational Recommendations

• Use vacuum filter pads to prevent dust ingress.
• Install fall prevention valves between pads and holders to minimize vacuum drop and prevent system failure if work-piece falls.
• Position pads to avoid excessive impact or deformation.
• For porous/perforated work-pieces, use larger piping and smaller pads to reduce air leakage.
• For large flat work-pieces, consider pad size and placement to accommodate bending and weight.
• Use Long Stroke Series pads for variable height or stacked items.
• Use Free Holders for inclined work-pieces to maintain suction.
• Ensure secure pad fixation during rotary movement to prevent loosening.
• For soft/thin items like plastic bags or paper, use smaller pads and reduce vacuum pressure to avoid deformation.

6. Pad Diameter and Material Availability Tables

Comprehensive tables list pad diameters by type and material, covering 0.7 mm to 200 mm sizes, aiding precise selection for specific applications.

7. Summary of Critical Parameters

• Safety Factors: 1/4 horizontal, 1/8 vertical lifting.
• Operating Temperatures: Vary by material, e.g., Silicone up to 230°C, Nitrile up to 110°C.
• Chemical Resistance: Fluoro rubbers excel against acids and alkalis.
• Mechanical Properties: Shore A hardness varies by material and pad type, affecting flexibility and durability.

8. Best Practices

• Evaluate vacuum pad performance under real operating conditions.
• Select pad type and material based on work-piece and environment.
• Include safety margins and protective components like filters and valves for reliability.
• Regularly inspect pads to prevent premature wear or failure.

In summary, this document offers detailed guidance on selecting and using PISCO vacuum pens and vacuum pads effectively, emphasizing operational efficiency, safety, and material compatibility for industrial applications.