Typically they don't have a solenoid valve, just a hole on the handle
to vent the vacuum (or not).
It would be trivial to add a solenoid valve. You would prefer the
variety which vents the output, not just on/off. Also you want a valve
that doesn't need pilot pressure or has a separate port for pilot
pressure (which you would hook to an air supply).
Actually, just about everything about vacuum pickup tools is simple.
You can easily build one using just about any vacuum source and a
length of hose.
ST
On Wed, Mar 10, 2010 at 8:57 PM, John McCormick <mcjonster@...> wrote:
>
> Does anyone have a vacuum pickup tool suggestion?
>
> I really want one with a solenoid that turns the air on/off.
>
> I was thinking I could throw it on my sherline mill and place some objects. I would use the rotary table to spin the pcb and the Z axis to place the part.
>
> This would just be manual and only for fine pitch devices.
>
> I can put down 0603 with tweezers but fine pitch devices < 1mm I have problems getting into place without smearing the solder paste.
>
> My technique usually involves dropping it down then tapping it gently from the side until I get it on.
>
> Again with ICs my problem is that this tends to smear the paste.
>
> Any other suggestions? I want to be able to do <.5mm pitch QFP pieces.
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
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>
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