What Is a Vacuum Pick?
A vacuum pick is a tool for picking up an object using a vacuum.
It is almost the same in function and use as a product called vacuum tweezers.
Several types of parts with different sizes of suction pads, nozzle diameters, and bends are included in the package. Therefore, the optimum combination can be used depending on the size and shape of the flat surface of the object to be suctioned. The pads are made of silicone rubber or other insulating material, making them ideal for work where static electricity is to be avoided.
Uses of Vacuum Picks
Vacuum picks are used to pick up parts that cannot be grasped with ordinary tweezers as well as with fingers.
- Lenses of Cameras, Telescopes, Microscopes, etc.
Assembling, disassembling, and maintenance can be performed without scratching vulnerable lenses and glass products. - Spherical and Complex Shaped Parts
For manufacturing and assembling precision equipment as well as plastic model parts, clear parts, beads, etc. - Chips and Parts of ICs (Integrated Circuits) and Electronic Components
Since silicone rubber or other insulating material is used for the suction part, it can also be used for items where static electricity is a concern. - Batteries and Other Objects That are Difficult to Pick Up With Tweezers
- Thin Stickers and Foils
Principle of Vacuum Picks
A vacuum pick has an air chamber inside, and the air chamber can be compressed with a fingertip. By pressing the tip of the pick against an object with the air chamber compressed and then releasing it, the air chamber creates a vacuum that attracts the object.
Some picks can be attached and detached by pressing and releasing the air chamber with a finger, while others can be operated by holding the grip.
The latter, in particular, can be used while wearing gloves, and its workability is not easily affected by the angle of the hand holding the pick.
There are also products shaped like syringes and create a vacuum by using the force of a spring to knock.
They are small and inexpensive, making them easy to carry around. Since there is no locking mechanism, they are not suitable for holding a vacuum in place, but they are very lightweight and easy to handle.
In addition to manually operated vacuum picks, there are also vacuum picks that are connected to a power source and use air. These vacuum picks can be used simply by connecting to a power source and turning on a switch, and because of their simple mechanism, many of them are quiet enough to not bother the operator.
Because they use a power supply, they are less portable, but they are characterized by their strong suction.