Vaccumm Clamp

[shane.vella]

Just starting to investigate a vacuum hold down system for my cnc.....does anyone know if I have a cut off valve to the plate will the piece hold down while the vacuum is off...will the pressure hold in the area prior to the cutoff valve.... I don't want to keep the pump running...I would like it to hold say overnight and continue on another day...when done I then can open the valve relase..pressure would drop...and the piece would be free...obviously this would be on non-porous materials..

any input or direction would be great.

thanks

shane

[Geof]

If you can build a vacuum hold down system that is so leak free you can close an isolating valve and turn the pump off you are probably better than anyone else in the world.

I think what you are proposing is impossible.

[parkson]

nothing is impossible

lets take a look at a very simple version of what you are asking.

A vacuum packed jar of food.

If the table was built from one solid piece of material. and the gasket was solid (welded together at the ends)
and if the vacuum port threads were sealed with silicone or sometype of sealant and the cut off gate would also have to be leak free.

Than I don't see why this wouldn't work.
Sure it will take some time getting it right.

If you dont want to leave the pump on then fixture up a clamp device that presses down, when your done for the day and want to shut the vac pump off. engage the hold down clamp on the plate, than shut the vacuum off.

Next day turn vac on and disengage the clamp.

This seems way more achievable IMO.

-Park