Micro Vacuum Pump Air Pump Motor - 3.7V

Specifications

• Motor Type: Brushed DC 370

• Operating Voltage: 3.7V DC

• Nominal Voltage: 3.7V (Li-Ion Compatible)

• Current Draw (No Load): ~300mA @ 3.7V

• Current Draw (Load): ~450mA - 600mA

• Air Flow: 2.0 - 3.0 Liters/Min

• Max Vacuum (Suction): > -50kPa (-375mmHg)

• Max Pressure (Outlet): > 80kPa

• Nozzle Diameter: 4.2mm OD (Fits 3mm/4mm ID Tubing)

• Noise Level: < 60dB

Key Applications & Projects

• Soft Robotics: Inflating/deflating silicone actuators.

• Robotic Grippers: Pick-and-place mechanisms using suction cups.

• Health Tech: Replacement pump for Blood Pressure Monitors or DIY Breast Pumps.

• Aeration: Battery-powered fish tank bubbler for transport.

Virtual Technician & Wiring

• ⚠️ Duty Cycle Warning: Diaphragm pumps generate heat. Do not run continuously for more than 10-15 minutes. Allow cooling time or use a lower voltage (3V) for longer runs.

• Connection:

  • Red Dot / (+) Terminal: Positive

  • Plain / (-) Terminal: Negative

• Tubing: Use 3mm ID / 5mm OD Silicone Tubing for a tight, leak-proof seal.

Accessories & Parts

What's Included:

• 1 x Micro Vacuum Pump Motor (3.7V - 370 Type)

Required Alternatives:

• Tubing: 3mm ID Silicone Hose.

• Power: 3.7V 18650 Battery or 5V USB Power Supply.a

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the operating voltage range for this pump? The pump operates between 3.0V and 6.0V DC. The nominal voltage is 3.7V (perfect for Li-Ion batteries) or 5V (USB power).

2. Can I use a 9V or 12V power supply? No. Using 9V or 12V will spin the motor too fast, causing rapid overheating and permanently damaging the diaphragm or burning out the motor brushes within minutes.

3. Does this pump push air or pull vacuum? It does both. It has two nozzles: one Inlet (Suction/Vacuum) and one Outlet (Pressure/Blowing). You can use it to suck air out of a bag or pump air into a balloon.

4. What size tubing fits the nozzles? The nozzle outer diameter (OD) is approximately 4.2mm. We recommend using 3mm Inner Diameter (ID) silicone tubing for a tight, leak-proof seal. 4mm ID tubing might be too loose and require clamps.

5. Is this pump submersible (waterproof)? No. This pump is NOT waterproof. Do not submerge it in water. If you need to pump water, use it as a self-priming pump keeping the motor outside the water, but it is primarily designed for air/gas.

6. Can I use it to pump water? While it can move water physically, we do not recommend it. The internal diaphragm and valves are optimized for air. Pumping water may rust the internal motor components or degrade the rubber diaphragm over time. Use our R385 pump for water applications.

7. What is the maximum flow rate? The airflow is approximately 2.0 to 3.0 Liters per Minute (LPM) depending on the voltage applied (higher voltage = higher flow).

8. How much vacuum pressure can it generate? It can generate a negative pressure (vacuum) of approximately -50kPa to -60kPa (-375 mmHg to -450 mmHg).

9. Can I control the speed of the pump? Yes. Since it uses a brushed DC motor, you can control the speed (and thus the flow rate/suction power) using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) with a motor driver like an L298N or a MOSFET.

10. Is this pump food safe? No. This is a standard industrial/hobby-grade pump. The materials are not certified food-grade. Do not use it for pumping beverages or food products directly.

11. How loud is the pump during operation? It produces a buzzing/vibrating sound, approximately 60dB. To reduce noise, wrap the motor body in foam or mount it on rubber vibration dampers.

12. Can it run continuously 24/7? No. This is a diaphragm pump designed for intermittent duty. Running it continuously for long periods (>15-20 minutes) can cause the motor to overheat. If you need long runtimes, lower the voltage to 3V to reduce heat.

13. Which nozzle is the inlet and which is the outlet? Typically, the nozzle sticking out from the center of the circular head is the Outlet (Blowing), and the nozzle on the side is the Inlet (Suction). However, always test by placing your finger over the hole while running.

14. Will it hold the vacuum when I turn the power off? The internal diaphragm valves provide some resistance to backflow, but it is not a perfect seal. For holding a vacuum over a long time (e.g., holding an object with a gripper), you must add an external Check Valve (One-Way Valve) or a Solenoid Valve.

15. Can I reverse the airflow by reversing the battery polarity? No. Reversing the polarity will spin the motor backward, but the diaphragm mechanism only pumps in one direction due to internal check valves. Inlet is always Inlet.

16. How much current does it draw? At 3.7V no-load, it draws about 300mA. Under load (blocking the nozzle), current can rise to 500mA - 600mA. Ensure your battery or power supply can handle at least 1A surge current.

17. Can I use this for a DIY blood pressure monitor? Yes, these 370 pumps are the exact type used in many commercial digital blood pressure cuffs.

18. Can I use this for a vacuum gripper on a robot arm? Yes, it generates enough suction to lift small to medium objects (up to approx. 100g-300g depending on cup size) using a suction cup.

19. What is the lifespan of this pump? For typical hobby use, expect 300 to 500 hours of operational life. The brushes inside the DC motor are usually the first thing to wear out.

20. Does it need priming? For air: No. For water (if you try it): It is self-priming up to a small height, but again, water use is not recommended.