Vacuum workholding is a highly effective technique for holding thin or irregular shaped or non-magnetic parts.

Although parts with large surface area are ideal, as the holding force is also large, there are techniques for holding small parts as well.

Various types of fixture can be supplied.

VACMAT SYSTEM

VacMat fixtures transfer the vacuum to many suckers on a replacable rubber mat. Each sucker helps to hold the part. Not all of the mat needs to be covered so it is quick to move from holding one component to another of a different shape.

It is also possible to machine through the part into the mat and still maintain the holding power.

Grid systems use neoprene cord in the grid grooves, to provide an airtight seal under the part.

GRID PLATE

They are suitable for batches of rectangular or square part which have no through holes, especially where a high degree of parallelism is required.

Sintered fixtures are porous so a controlled amount of air is drawn through the fixture. A vacuum is created under the part where it touches the fixture.

SINTERED PLATE

This type of fixture is suitable for very thin parts which must be fully supported, or very irregular components.

Ice chucks can also be considered for those components which are too porous or small or iregularly shaped to be suitable for vacuum.

ICE CHUCK

Thame also supply vacuum pumps in sizes from 10 cubic metres per hour up to 100 cubic metres per hour.

In addition accessories like safety interlocks, distribution manifolds, liquid separators, filters, vacuum hose and vacuum oil are also supplied.

Technical considerations when using vacuum are also explained.