Overview

This document provides comprehensive technical details on PISCO's Vacuum Pen (Air Pincette) products, designed as energy-efficient vacuum suction tools for handling small, delicate components. It covers product specifications, components, usage instructions, and selection guidelines.

Product Description

• Functionality: Vacuum pens generate suction controlled by fingertip operation to pick and release small parts.
• Valve Options: VTA model without push-button valve; VTB model with push-button valve for quieter, fingertip-controlled operation.
• Vacuum Cup Sizes & Materials: Standard diameters from ø1 to ø8 mm; larger sizes supported with specific vacuum headers. Cups made from silicone rubber (standard), conductive butadiene rubber (anti-static), and other materials.
• Anti-Static Versions: Available with conductive materials and black color coding for static-sensitive applications.

Model Designation and Components

• Model codes indicate switch type, color (standard or anti-static), nozzle tip type (bended or straight), vacuum cup size/material, and mounting bracket presence.
• Package sets include air pincette, header, vacuum pads (ø2, ø4, ø6, ø8 mm), and coiling tube.
• Vacuum cups vary by type: standard, bellows, multi-bellows, soft, ultrathin, skidproof, mark-free resin attachments.
• Nozzle tips available in straight or bended forms with snap-on, push-in, or screw mount connections.

Specifications

Materials and Construction

• Resin bodies: ABS, PA, POM, PBT; conductive versions for anti-static models.
• Vacuum cups: Nitrile rubber, Silicone rubber, Conductive Butadiene rubber (low resistance).
• Metal parts: Nickel-plated brass for diffusers, nozzles, valve components.
• Other parts: Stainless steel springs, PVF filter and silencer elements.

Usage Instructions

• VTA Model: Picks up work-piece by vacuum when compressed air is supplied and side hole is blocked; releases by unblocking side hole.
• VTB Model: Picks up work-piece by pressing push button during compressed air supply; releases by releasing button.
• Precautions: Avoid mechanical operation of push button; maintain filters regularly; silencer element in VTB is non-replaceable; use coiling tubes to reduce fitting stress.

Vacuum Cup Selection Guide

Theoretical suction force depends on vacuum pad area and vacuum level. Selection must consider work-piece weight, acceleration, and movement. Theoretical values apply to static conditions; practical testing is recommended. A formula for suction force calculation is provided.

Dimensions and Mounting

Detailed dimensions and CAD references are provided for vacuum pens, nozzle tips, and mounting brackets. Mounting options include snap-on, push-in, and screw mount depending on cup type and size.

Performance Characteristics

Graphs illustrate relationships between supply pressure, final vacuum, suction flow, and air consumption for VTA and VTB models, supporting performance prediction and system design.

Replacement Parts

• Filter elements for VTA and VTB are replaceable; model codes and weights specified.
• Nozzle tips available separately in straight and bended types with various connection codes.

Summary of Critical Information

• Operating pressure: 0.15 to 0.7 MPa; rated at 0.5 MPa.
• Vacuum levels: approx. -80 to -85 kPa.
• Vacuum cup sizes: ø1 to ø8 mm standard; larger sizes with specific headers.
• Anti-static options use conductive materials and black color coding.
• Push-button valve model (VTB) reduces noise and allows fingertip control.
• Regular maintenance of filter elements is essential for performance.
• Use coiling tubes to minimize mechanical stress on fittings.

Vacuum Pad Strength and Suction Force Evaluation

Methods to evaluate vacuum pad strength under actual conditions are described, considering horizontal and vertical lifting. Safety factors of 1/4 (horizontal) and 1/8 (vertical) are applied to theoretical suction force calculations.

Theoretical Suction Force Charts and Pad Availability

Theoretical suction force charts cover pad diameters from ø0.7 mm to ø200 mm and vacuum levels up to 100 kPa. Safety factors must be applied. A detailed table shows availability of various pad types (Standard, Bellows, Multi-bellows, Soft, Skidproof, Ultrathin, Mark-free) across diameters.

Vacuum Pad Selection Guide

• Standard and Bellows Series: General and deep-type applications.
• Ultrathin and Skidproof Series: For thin or slippery surfaces.
• Oval Series: For oval-shaped work-pieces.
• Soft and Soft Bellows Series: For fragile or molded parts.
• Sponge Series: For uneven surfaces like exterior wall panels.
• Mark-free Series: For sensitive applications such as LCD glass and semiconductor painting.

Vacuum Pad Material Selection

A comprehensive table details pad materials, codes, applications, physical properties, and suitability ratings. Key materials include:

• Nitrile Rubber (general use, food safe)
• HNBR, Silicone Rubber, Conductive Silicone Rubber (semiconductor, molded parts)
• Urethane, Fluoro, Fluorosilicone, EPDM (chemical resistance, high temperature)
• Conductive Butadiene and NBR (static control)

Physical properties such as hardness, temperature range, weatherability, chemical resistance, and volume resistance are specified.

Vacuum Pad Resin Material Selection

Resin materials for pad holders include PEEK, POM, and Conductive PEEK, with physical properties and application suitability noted. These properties apply only to resin attachments, not rubber pads.

Installation and Operational Recommendations

• Use vacuum filter pads to prevent dust ingress.
• Install fall prevention valves when operating multiple pads from one vacuum source to minimize vacuum drop.
• Avoid strong impacts on vacuum pads; position pads for light lip contact with work-piece.
• For porous or perforated work-pieces, use smaller pads and appropriate vacuum system specs to reduce air leakage.
• For large flat work-pieces, consider pad size and placement to accommodate bending.
• Use Long Stroke Series pads and Free Holders for soft, uneven, or inclined surfaces.
• Ensure secure fastening for rotary movement; apply vertical lifting safety factor (1/8) for rotary or lateral motions.
• For soft materials, use smaller pads and reduce vacuum pressure to avoid deformation; offset pads to open bags effectively.

Pad Diameter and Material Availability Tables

Extensive tables list available pad diameters by type and material, covering Nitrile, Silicone, Urethane, Fluoro, NBR, Conductive Silicone, Chloroprene, HNBR, EPDM, and others, aiding correct pad size and material selection for specific applications.