Optics Handling


  • Stainless Steel or Nylon Tweezers
  • Vacuum Pick-Up Tool and Interchangeable Tip Kits
  • Nitrile, Cotton, or Latex Gloves

TZ1

TZ3

Tweezers

VP10C

Vacuum Pick-Up Tool, Set of 10 Tips

Teal Nitrile Gloves

Cotton Gloves

Latex Gloves

VP10CTC

Set of 9 Pureaclean Tips

Related Items


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Optic Cleaning Tutorial

Thorlabs offers a line of optics tools designed to prevent the contamination of optical elements being handled. Items on this page include:

  • Stainless Steel or Nylon Tweezers
  • Manual Vacuum Pick-Up Tool Kit
  • Vacuum Tip Replacement Kits
  • Nitrile, Cotton, or Latex Gloves

Thorlabs also offers Optics Cleaning Supplies, Inspection Tools, Storage Boxes, and other General Laboratory Tools.


Posted Comments:
Maggie Wang  (posted 2022-07-19 12:23:31.9)
I would appreciate it if you could XS nitrile gloves to your catalogue. The average hand circumference is around 8.6" for men, and 7" for women. Currently, Thorlabs only carries nitrile gloves in sizes S to XL. These sizes cover a circumference range of +- 2" from the average male hand, but only 0.5" below the average female hand. I'm aware your supplier does not make XS gloves, but any type of XS nitrile glove would be appreciated.
jdelia  (posted 2022-07-20 01:55:01.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs and for providing this feedback. We apologize for the inconvenience of not having any XS gloves. I can certainly pass along your request to our team of engineers through our internal suggestion forum.
Elias King  (posted 2022-02-04 12:57:06.9)
Any idea when the cotton gloves will be back in stock?
jdelia  (posted 2022-02-11 03:13:44.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Unfortunately, we do not currently have any plans on bringing our cotton gloves back in the future. However, I can certainly make note of your interest to see them return in our internal feedback forum.
Martin Millischer  (posted 2020-12-21 16:20:03.087)
I would like to get a cad file of the vacuum tips. Also is it possible to buy them separately from the pick up tool?
YLohia  (posted 2020-12-29 11:23:29.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We will reach out to you directly to discuss this further.
Won Tae Lim  (posted 2020-08-04 22:12:29.07)
Hi, this is Won-Tae Lim. I wanna ask one thing about model 'VP10C' Is there any specification about this model? I want to know max holding weight capability. I'm about to use this model for picking thin glass, and these glass's weight is 100g each. If this model(VP10C) can't hold 100g weight, can u recommend another model. Best regards, Lim wtlim@selcos.co.kr seoul, south Korea
llamb  (posted 2020-08-13 03:19:57.0)
Hello Won-Tae, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The load limit would depend on the size of vacuum cup you are using and the surface of the part you are picking up. Generally, we would not recommend picking up more than 20 g with the VP10C, to avoid risks of damaging the optic. While we do not currently have an alternative vacuum pick up tool, you can consider using soft-tip tweezers or lens handling gloves/tissues.
Philip Young  (posted 2020-07-09 01:07:33.643)
My cleanroom has run out of these type of tweezers. The larger VC10 tweezers are too large. Can you find these ESD21 vacuum pickups for me? I need to order 5-10 of these. Regards, Phil Young, DPA Components.
asundararaj  (posted 2020-07-13 03:07:16.0)
Thank you for your feedback. Unfortunately, the ESD21 was superseded 6 years ago and has been replaced by the VP10C. We have noted your interest in this product and will consider offering this in the future.
christian.b.schmidt  (posted 2015-02-06 11:25:52.047)
Is TZ1 to resistent to usual lab solvents like acetone, methanol and isopropanol?
jlow  (posted 2015-02-10 01:23:17.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: The TZ1 is resistance to common solvents like acetone, isopropanol, methanol.
jens  (posted 2009-06-22 20:52:40.0)
A reply from Jens at Thorlabs: yes, the scratch-dig paddle is available. We currently have 19pcs on stock and can ship anytime.
revans  (posted 2009-06-22 17:39:46.0)
Are the scratch and dig paddles still readily avaialble or are they no longer being made?? I purchased some before from you asnd may need some more soon. Thank you Russell Evans Younger Optics
Tyler  (posted 2009-02-12 10:09:32.0)
A response from Tyler at Thorlabs to melsscal: The MC8-M is a box of gloves. I fixed the part number typo in the subgroup that may have caused your confusion. We really appreciate that you took the time to send us this issue as this type of error is difficult to find without valuable feedback from customers like you. Thank you.
melsscal  (posted 2009-02-12 09:13:02.0)
MC8-M is pack of 100 cots or Gloves ?
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Tweezers

TZ3, Optic Tweezers
Click to Enlarge

TZ3 Self-Closing Tweezers Holding a Ø1" Lens
    • TZ1: Tweezers with Stainless Steel Body and Carbon-Fiber Tips for ≤Ø12 mm Optics
    • TZ2: Tweezers with Nylon Body and Tips for ≤Ø25.4 mm Optics
    • TZ3: Tweezers with Stainless Steel Body and Polyolefin Tips for Ø19 mm to Ø25.4 mm Optics
    • Chemically Resistant to Common Solvents

    Thorlabs offers three types of tweezers for the handling of delicate optics. Our TZ1 tweezers work well for holding the edges of Ø12 mm or smaller optics. These tweezers are made from stainless steel and have molded-carbon-fiber tips that are chemically resistant to common solvents to protect the object being handled. Alternatively, our TZ2 tweezers can accommodate Ø25.4 mm or smaller optics and are made from nylon that is chemically resistant to common lab solvents. Finally, our TZ3 self-closing tweezers are able to comfortably hold the edges of Ø19 mm to Ø25.4 mm optics, as shown in the photo to the right. The TZ3 tweezers have a polyolefin cover over each tip that is unaffected by common lab solvents and helps to grip and protect optics.

    Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
    +1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
    TZ1 Support Documentation
    TZ1Optic Tweezers with Stainless Steel Body and Carbon-Fiber Tips
    $55.53
    Today
    TZ2 Support Documentation
    TZ2Optic Tweezers with Nylon Body and Tips
    $6.06
    Today
    TZ3 Support Documentation
    TZ3Optic Tweezers with Stainless Steel Body and Polyolefin Tips
    $87.32
    Today
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    Manual Vacuum Pick-Up Tool Kit, 10 Interchangeable Tips

    VP10C Pen-Vac Handling Optics
    Click to Enlarge

    VP10C Vacuum Pick-Up Tool Holding a Ø1" Lens
    • Self-Contained Vacuum Tweezer Ideal for Gently Lifting and Handling Optics
    • Includes Five 45°-Angled and Five Straight Interchangeable Tips with Ø1/8", Ø1/4", Ø3/16", Ø3/8", or Ø1/2" Suction Cups
    • Electrostatic-Discharge-Safe

    The VP10C Vacuum Pick-Up Tool Kit is ideal for lifting and handling small optics, such as lenses and mirrors, without damaging the optic. This pick-up tool is shaped like a pen for ease of use and also includes a pen clip for carrying. Each kit comes with a set of five angled and five straight interchangeable tips with Ø1/8", Ø1/4", Ø3/16", Ø3/8" or Ø1/2" Buna-N (nitrile) suction cups. Hold and then let go of the black button while contacting an optic with a suction cup to apply the vacuum force; press the black button to release the optic. In the event that any of the tips are lost or damaged, Thorlabs' VP10CTB kit offered below can be purchased for replacements. 

    Please use caution when handling an optic as improper use may cause damage to the optic surface. We recommend that this tool be used with optics that have a plano surface. The VP10C should not be used with gratings, pellicle beamsplitters, or any optic that has an unprotected coating.

    Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
    +1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
    VP10C Support Documentation
    VP10CVacuum Pick-Up Tool (Vacuum Tweezers), Set of 10 Interchangeable Tips
    $80.19
    Today
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    Interchangeable Tips for Vacuum Pick-Up Tool

    Item # VP10CTB VP10CTC
    Tip Type Straight 45° Angled Straight 45° Angled
    Quantity 5 5 4 5
    Sizes
    Included
    Ø1/8",
    Ø1/4",
    Ø3/16",
    Ø3/8",
    Ø1/2"
    Ø1/8",
    Ø1/4",
    Ø3/16",
    Ø3/8",
    Ø1/2"
    Ø1/8",
    Ø1/4",
    Ø3/8",
    Ø1/2"
    Ø3/32",
    Ø1/8",
    Ø3/16",
    Ø1/4",
    Ø3/8"
    Material Buna-N
    (Nitrile)
    Pureaclean
    (Silicone Rubber)
    Temperature
    Rangea
    -20 to 120 °C -55 to 230 °C
    • Temperature is a Material Property
    • Kits Compatible with the Vacuum Pick-Up Tool Included in the VP10C Kit
    • 10 Black Buna-N (Nitrile) Electrostatic-Discharge-Safe Tips
      • VP10CTB Tips are Identical to Those Included in the VP10C Kit
    • 9 Pureaclean (Silicone Rubber) Non-Electrostatic-Discharge-Safe Vacuum Cups
      • Pureaclean can be Used in Temperatures Ranging from -55 to 230 °C
    • Both Kits Include 45°-Angled and Straight Interchangeable Tips

    These kits contain interchangeable, non-marking vacuum-tweezer tips that are compatible with the Vacuum Pick-Up Tool included in the VP10C Kit. The 10 tips in the VP10CTB Kit have Buna-N (static-dissipative nitrile) suction cups that are electrostatic-discharge safe: the five 45°-angled tips and the five straight tips range in size from Ø1/8" to Ø1/2". They are the same as those included with the VP10C kit above, and so can be used as drop-in replacements if the VP10C kit's tips are damaged or misplaced. The VP10CTC kit comes with 9 tips that have Pureaclean (silicone rubber) suction cups: the four 45°-angled tips range in size from Ø3/32" to Ø3/8" and the four straight tips range in size Ø1/8" to Ø1/2". Pureaclean is useable in temperatures ranging from -55 to 230 °C. For more information on the sizes of the tips included in each kit, please see the table to the right.

    Please use caution when handling an optic as improper use may cause damage to the optic surface. We recommend that these tips be used with optics that have a plano surface; they should not be used with gratings, pellicle beamsplitters, or any optic that has an unprotected coating.

    Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
    +1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
    VP10CTB Support Documentation
    VP10CTBBuna-N Vacuum Tweezer Tips, Set of 10 Interchangeable Tips, ESD Safe
    $58.96
    Today
    VP10CTC Support Documentation
    VP10CTCPureaclean Vacuum Tweezer Tips, Set of 9 Interchangeable Tips, Non-ESD Safe
    $79.56
    Today
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    Nitrile Gloves

    Nitrile Glove Boxes
    Click to Enlarge

    Boxes Contain 100 Gloves Each
    • Available in Five Sizes
      • Extra Small (Blue)
      • Small (Black or Teal)
      • Medium (Black or Teal)
      • Large (Black or Teal)
      • Extra Large (Black or Teal)
    • Provides Protection for the Entire Hand While Handling Optics
    • Packs of 100 Gloves

    These disposable, powder-free nitrile gloves provide protection for the user's hands, while preventing contamination and damage to optical elements being handled. Nitrile gloves are durable and chemically resistant, and they offer a latex-free alternative for those with latex allergies. They are available in five sizes (extra small, small, medium, large, or extra large), and come in packages of 100 gloves. The table below provides hand measurement guidelines for determining which glove size would fit best.

    Glove Fitting Guidelines
    Item # Glove Size Glove Color Palm Widtha Palm Circumferenceb Maximum Middle Finger Length
    MC10-XS Extra Small Blue 3.125" (7.94 cm) - 2.75" (6.99 cm) 
    MC10B-S Small Black 3.25" (8.26 cm) - 2.875" (7.30 cm)
    MC10B-M Medium Black 3.375" (8.57 cm) - 3" (7.62 cm)
    MC10B-L Large Black 3.5" (8.89 cm) - 3.25" (8.26 cm)
    MC10B-XL Extra Large Black 3.625" (9.21 cm) - 3.5" (8.89 cm)
    MC10-S Small Teal - 6.5" - 7.5" (16.51 cm - 19.05 cm) 2.75" (6.99 cm)
    MC10-M Medium Teal - 7.5" - 8.5" (19.05 cm - 21.59 cm 3.25" (8.26 cm)
    MC10-L Large Teal - 8.5" - 9.5" (21.59 cm - 24.13 cm) 3.6" (9.14 cm)
    MC10-XL Extra Large Teal - 9.5" - 10.5" (24.13 cm - 26.67 cm) 3.75" (9.53 cm)
    • Measurement Across the Palm Not Including the Thumb
    • Circumference Around the Palm Not Including the Thumb
    Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
    +1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
    MC10-XS Support Documentation
    MC10-XSCustomer Inspired! Extra-Small Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves, Qty. 100 Gloves, Blue
    $26.52
    Today
    MC10B-S Support Documentation
    MC10B-SSmall Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves, Qty. 100 Gloves, Black
    $32.64
    Today
    MC10B-M Support Documentation
    MC10B-MMedium Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves, Qty. 100 Gloves, Black
    $32.64
    Today
    MC10B-L Support Documentation
    MC10B-LLarge Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves, Qty. 100 Gloves, Black
    $32.64
    Today
    MC10B-XL Support Documentation
    MC10B-XLExtra-Large Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves, Qty. 100 Gloves, Black
    $32.64
    Today
    MC10-S Support Documentation
    MC10-SSmall Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves, Qty. 100 Gloves, Teal
    $26.50
    Today
    MC10-M Support Documentation
    MC10-MMedium Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves, Qty. 100 Gloves, Teal
    $26.50
    Today
    MC10-L Support Documentation
    MC10-LLarge Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves, Qty. 100 Gloves, Teal
    $26.50
    Today
    MC10-XL Support Documentation
    MC10-XLExtra-Large Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves, Qty. 100 Gloves, Teal
    $26.50
    Today
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    Cotton Gloves

    Glove Fitting Guidelines
    Item # Glove Size Palm Sizea Maximum Middle Finger Length
    MC6-S Small 6.5" - 8.0" (16.51 cm - 20.32 cm) 3.25" (8.26 cm)
    MC6-M Medium 8.0" - 8.75" (20.32 cm - 22.23 cm) 3.5" (8.89 cm)
    MC6-L Large 8.75" - 9.5" (22.23 cm - 24.13 cm) 3.75" (9.53 cm)
    • Circumference Around the Palm Not Including the Thumb
    • Available in 3 Sizes (Small, Medium, or Large)
    • Designed for Handling Optical Components
    • Can Be Worn as a Glove Liner
    • 12 Pairs per Package

    Thorlabs offers disposable cotton gloves that are designed for handling optics and can be worn underneath latex gloves as a glove liner. They are packaged in bags containing 12 pairs of cotton gloves and are available in three sizes (small, medium, or large). The table to the right provides hand measurement guidelines for determining which glove size would fit best.

    Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
    +1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
    MC6-S Support Documentation
    MC6-SSmall Cotton Optic Gloves, 12 Pairs Per Package
    $37.14
    Today
    MC6-M Support Documentation
    MC6-MMedium Cotton Optic Gloves, 12 Pairs Per Package
    $37.14
    Today
    MC6-L Support Documentation
    MC6-LLarge Cotton Optic Gloves, 12 Pairs Per Package
    $37.14
    Today
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    Latex Gloves

    Glove Fitting Guidelines
    Item # Glove Size Palm Sizea
    MC12-XS Extra Small 5.5" - 6" (13.97 cm - 15.24 cm)
    MC12-S Small 6.5" - 7" (16.51 cm - 17.78 cm)
    MC12-M Medium 7.5" - 8" (19.05 cm - 20.32 cm)
    MC12-L Large 8.5" - 9" (21.59 cm - 22.86 cm)
    MC12-XL Extra Large 9.5" - 10" (24.13 cm - 25.4 cm)
    • Circumference Around the Palm Not Including the Thumb
    • Available in 5 Sizes (Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, or Extra Large)
    • Provides Protection for the Entire Hand While Handling Optics
    • Packs of 100 Gloves

    These disposable, powder-free latex gloves prevent the transfer of oils and debris from hands to optics. Available in five sizes (extra small, small, medium, large, or extra large), these gloves come in boxes of 100. The gloves have textured fingertips that aid with picking up optics. The table to the right provides hand measurement guidelines for determining which glove size would fit best. 

    Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
    +1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
    MC12-XS Support Documentation
    MC12-XSCustomer Inspired! Extra-Small Powder-Free Latex Gloves, Qty. 100 Gloves
    $49.02
    Today
    MC12-S Support Documentation
    MC12-SSmall Powder-Free Latex Gloves, Qty. 100 Gloves
    $49.02
    Today
    MC12-M Support Documentation
    MC12-MMedium Powder-Free Latex Gloves, Qty. 100 Gloves
    $49.02
    Today
    MC12-L Support Documentation
    MC12-LLarge Powder-Free Latex Gloves, Qty. 100 Gloves
    $49.02
    Today
    MC12-XL Support Documentation
    MC12-XLExtra-Large Powder-Free Latex Gloves, Qty. 100 Gloves
    $49.02
    Today
    Last Edited: Aug 02, 2013 Author: Lori Stover