SMT pick and place vacuum hand picker

thingiverse

Edit: crafting a mouthpiece from a pliable material such as NinjaFlex or TPU renders it more ergonomic. NEW: added a prototype for a standalone pick and place tool with no vacuum pump needed, featuring a flexible silicone tube sourced from a pet store and a 1/4" automobile fuel filter as the filter unit, fitted to the tube. This single-piece design functions as a handle for a vacuum hand picker, tailored for electronics SMT components. It offers two versions: one with a release hole and one without (the latter is being utilized in conjunction with a foot pedal and 12V pneumatic valve for enhanced release stability). The printed release hole is deliberately small; however, users can drill a larger opening if desired or print the version lacking the hole altogether. The handle is compatible with standard industrial blunt needles, available on eBay, as well as aquarium air hose (users are advised to opt for silicon tubing, such as "TopFin Silicone Airline Tubing", for increased flexibility). Files containing 'demo' within their name have been included to demonstrate the internal components. These should not be printed. I produced this item using a Prusa i3V 3D printer, printing it with PLA, achieving 20% infill and 5 top, bottom, and vertical shells through Slic3r for enhanced air tightness without any material support (material support would obstruct the internal airflow). Achieving proper air tightness is essential for optimal functionality. Testing its airtight nature by submerging it in water while blocking the tip and blowing into the hose is advised. In case of residual bubbles through cracks or holes, increasing the number of shells printed, printing slower, ensuring not to underextrude, or applying vacuum seal glue to fill the holes is recommended. This design serves as a foundation for improvement; contributors may choose to optimize it by minimizing residual vacuum when released via strategically placed air flow, incorporate an adjustable valve to control lifting force, include built-in filtration systems, or ensure ESD safety protocols. The source files provided include an inkspace .svg file, which is exported into DXF format using the BetterDxf extension within inkspace and necessary for correct compilation of the scad file.