About this 3D model

This device is designed to assist a repetitive pick-and-place operation in a confined space. It is worn on the right index finger, with a vacuum line attached to the fitting at the back (see detail image below). Normally air can enter both through the pickup end and through the side port. The side port is located adjacent to the right thumb's normal rest position so that the thumb can easily cover the hole. If a flat object is placed in contact with the pickup end and the side port is covered, the interior is at reduced air pressure and the object is picked up (if not too heavy). When the thumb is removed from the port, air can enter and the object is released. In order to improve conformal contact at the pickup end, I designed it such that a skeletal framework only is printed, into which I cured some silicone rubber to form a gasket (see close-up image). The casting stand is designed to hold the device in the correct position while the rubber cures in a small annular well. This version is a bit too big to fit my hand directly, it was designed to fit over gloves and would be more comfortable if scaled down slightly. Also as printed, the material is not air-tight - it works reasonably well with a good vac pump but I think I will paint it with something (maybe more silicone rubber) to seal it better. UPDATE (2010.10.07): I wiped it down with methylene chloride (aka dichloromethane) which fused the ABS and gave a nice glossy finish and seems to have sealed all the holes. NB this was done with gloves on, using a piece of tissue paper held in metal tweezers, in a chemical fume hood.