Introduction to Vacuum Holdown
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Vacuum Hold-Down
The most common question asked when it comes to vacuum hold-down is how
much vacuum does my application require? Vacuum systems should be
evaluated based on the specific applications. The smaller the part or thinner the
material to be held, the greater the volume of air flow required, thus increasing
the size of the vacuum pump. Many people state that you can’t have enough
vacuum. This is somewhat a true statement. However, it can be a very costly
fact. It is always easy to overbuy. Purchasing a single 40HP or 50HP pump can
cost in excess of $25,000, and the purchase is only the initial cost. Depending
on where your shop is located, the utility rates can vary considerably. Keep in
mind that operating costs (utility) rarely go down, so these costs will increase year
to year.
Purchasing a number of smaller pumps can help reduce the price of the pump
as well as reduce the overhead to run these pumps. If you are processing sheets
of materials that have large parts, then a single pump can be utilized. If the nest
has numerous smaller parts, then it is best to run all the pumps for maximum air
flow. There are other devices which can be purchased to aid the vacuum hold-
down system such as a spindle pressure foot, or roller hold-down. These devices
push down on the material while being routed thus aiding the vacuum system.
Vacuum Table Basics
When selecting a vacuum table, the most important thing to remember is how a
vacuum table works. The following six criteria should be carefully considered
when determining whether your CNC application could benefit from using
vacuum hold-down.
1.) Atmospheric pressure is approximately 15 psi pounds/sq.in.). Each square
inch of surface area has a load of approximately 15 pounds on it. (This pressure
is more below sea level and less at the tops of mountains).
2.) When we have a box that has no air in it; i.e., almost complete vacuum, the
top and all other sides of the box are being loaded with 15 pounds of pressure on
each square inch of surface. If the top of the box is 6”x6” then there is
6x6x15=540 pounds of load evenly distributed on the surface. The box will
collapse or bend in if it is not strong enough.
3.) A vacuum table; i.e., a box with holes in it, has the “holes” pulling down on
the object above it with a pressure of 15 psi (assuming there is a complete
vacuum). Note that the pressure on the object is based on the surface area of the
hole in contact with the object being held, not the total surface of the object
being held.
4.) It is critical to realize that if the object is being machined; i.e., undergoing a
side load, the actual force holding the object in place against the cutting force
is now the friction between the object and the vacuum table. The magnitude of
this relative friction force depends on the coefficient of friction between the
object and the table, in addition to the actual vertical force on the object.
Therefore, if the surface of the vacuum table is very slippery; e.g., Teflon
coated, the object will tend to slip no matter how much downward force is being
applied. If the surface of the table is non-slippery; e.g., it is rubber coated, then
the object will tend to stay in place assuming there is enough downward force
being applied. Note that for small pieces; e.g., small brass letters that have a
surface area of less than .5 square in., it is unlikely that they can be held reliably
with a vacuum table because the downward pressure on this object would only
be about 7.5 pounds. It is important to remember both factors with respect to
securing hold-down:
a.) contact surface area between the actual vacuum holes and the object.
b.) relative coefficient of friction between the object and the vacuum table
surface
5.) Always consider the air permeability of the object being held down. The
permeability is the amount of air that the object allows to pass through it. For
example, a sponge is very permeable while a piece of aluminum is usually not.
The permeability of the object determines whether a vacuum blower or a
vacuum pump should be selected. A vacuum pump usually generates a very
high vacuum; i.e., there is virtually no air in the vacuum chamber, but vacuum
pumps tend not to draw or pull a great volume of air quickly. A vacuum blower
tends to pull a great volume of air very quickly, but it does not necessarily create
a very “complete” vacuum.
How big a vacuum pump or blower should I select? Consider the following
questions when deciding:
a.) How large a part is being held down?
b.) How large is the vacuum table and its chambers?
c.) How much leakage will there be in the system?
d.) How permeable is the material?
e.) How quickly will the material be needed to clamp and unclamp?
Vacuum Pumps
Vacuum hold-down and which pump to choose can be very complex subjects.
There are several different pumps available for use with a CNC machine and all
have varying specifications and price ranges. The proper selection of a vacuum
pump is imperative for optimal machine performance. To avoid paying too
much or not enough, vacuum systems need to be evaluated based on the
customer’s specific applications rather than cost alone.
There are two main items of concern when looking at the specifications of a
pump: vacuum level and flow. Vacuum level is typically measured in terms of
inches of mercury (i.e. “Hg). This is the same term used when reading a
barometer. So, it’s no surprise that the vacuum utilized in CNC vacuum hold-
down works by atmospheric pressure applying 15 lbs/ sq.in. (psi at sea level) in all
directions. During a CNC routing operation, when you use vacuum to remove air
from one side of the material being cut (the underside), then the atmospheric
pressure on the other side (topside) increases, in effect, pushing on the material.
How much hold-down force is applied to the material can be calculated by
reading the vacuum level gauge, multiplying that numeral by surface area of the
material (sq.in.) and multiplying that by 0.5. For example, let’s look at a gauge
that reads 22"Hg for a material workpiece that is 24" square (576 sq.in.).
Clamping Force = Gauge Reading ("Hg) x Material Surface Size (sq.
in.) x .5 (22 x 576 x .5 = 6336 lbs)
Vacuum flow is the other important specification to consider when opting for
CNC vacuum hold-down. Flow measures the volume of air pulled in by the
pump. Measured in cubic feet per minute, vacuum flow is referred to as either
open flow (CFM) or specific flow (SCFM). Open flow is the maximum flow without
any restriction on the air being drawn by the pump. Whereas, specific flow refers
to the level of air being drawn by the pump at a specific level of vacuum,
usually the optimum level in relation to "Hg. Since SCFM is directly related to
the vacuum’s level of maximum clamping force (via the "Hg gauge reading),
SCFM or specific flow is the more relevant measure of vacuum flow.
All pump manufacturers have performance curves that show the specific vacuum
level vs. flow rate. Take for example, a 10HP pump that is rated for 11"Hg @ 105
CFM and has an open flow rating of 280 CFM. When the open flow reaches 280
CFM, the vacuum level is at 0"Hg, which using the clamping force equation
above translates into zero hold-down. But, at 105 CFM the pump will not drop
below 11"Hg until it exceeds that flow rate. At 106 CFM and above, the vacuum
level will drop, effectively decreasing your vacuum hold-down. Diagram 1 shows
the loss of vacuum as the flow increases.
Once the vacuum begins to decrease, the part or parts you are machining can
shift and move due to the loss of clamping force. This is primarily a concern in
nested-based manufacturing where flow-through methods are used. Flow-
through is the method of using an mdf scavenger board or sacrificial board to
protect the CNC machine’s surface. A sacrificial board is made out of porous
material so that air can be vacuumed through the board, helping secure the
workpiece to the table. A sacrificial board (i.e. a sheet of MDF) is put between
the CNC machine’s table surface and underneath the material being routed. The
scavenger board allows the CNC Router tool bit to penetrate the workpiece while
the board protects the surface and the vacuum table’s grid structure.
The pump previously mentioned was used to illustrate the value of specific flow
rate based on the usage of a 10HP regenerative vacuum blower. This example
was the easiest method in which to illustrate how vacuum pumps and specific
flow rates operate in the real world. There are many other pumps to choose from
such as rotary vanes, positive displacement blowers, and rotary screw pumps.
Prices from one system to another can fluctuate a great deal, but these few are
the most commonly used units in the CNC Router industry. The differences in a
cost-to-performance ratio from one system to another are best described by
comparing the pros and cons of each system. For each system, a 10HP example
will be used in relation to "Hg at SCFM, decibel levels, approximate cost, typical
applications and maintenance requirements.
In comparison to the other vacuum systems, a 10HP regenerative blower is the
lowest in cost, generally retailing for around $5,000. Regenerative vacuum
blowers, consist of an electric motor coupled via belt or direct drive to the
vacuum pump impeller. The motor rotates the impeller, drawing air in the inlet
and discharging the air through the exhaust, creating vacuum. Because the
inexact dimensional tolerances from the impeller to the housing, air is allowed
to escape, resulting in lower vacuum pressure. This is known as slippage.
Regenerative vacuum blowers typically generate low vacuum pressure, but
generate greater volume of air as described in the earlier example of 11"Hg at
105 SCFM. The noise consideration is a very real concern for these products. A
regenerative vacuum blower runs in a decibel range of 85 to 95. This type of
vacuum is ideal for holding less dense materials such as foam and other porous
materials. The required maintenance is minimal with regenerative blowers,
usually limited to replacing air filters.
Rotary vane vacuum pumps also consist of an electric motor coupled via belt or
direct drive to the vacuum pump impeller made up of self-lubricating carbon
vanes. The vanes rotate in the pump housing drawing air in the inlet and
discharging the air through the exhaust, creating vacuum.
Because of the close tolerances generated by the carbon vanes, greater vacuum
pressure results. Up to 25"Hg at 173 SCFM can be achieved for an $8,300 10HP
unit. The increased vacuum results in superior hold- down capability, and is
ideal for wood, plastic, and other nonporous sheet-like materials. In addition,
these shop friendly pumps run quieter with a decibel range of 80 to 85. The
downside to using these pumps is that the carbon vanes need to be replaced
after 6000 to 8000 hours depending on conditions. Increased heat in the pump
reduces vane life; dirty and/or blocked air filters and relief valves will cause the
vacuum pump to heat and decrease vane life.
The electric motor for a positive displacement rotary blower is also coupled via
belt or direct drive, but instead of carbon vanes it connects to two rotors that
rotate in the opposite direction.
When the rotors pass the blower inlet, it traps a quantity of air through the blower
housing and discharges this compressed air out the exhaust. Because the pump
compresses the air, when it is exhausted it is very loud due to the release of this
pressure. Typical decibel ranges for a $8,500 10 HP unit run from 95 to 100.
Positive displacement rotary blowers should be enclosed providing some sound
protection. A max vacuum of 15"Hg @ 250 SCFM makes these units ideal for
wood, plastic, and other nonporous sheet-like materials. Regular maintenance
such as oil changes are required between 5000-6000 hours of operation. Proper
disposal of these oils are required.
Lastly, rotary screw vacuum pumps, which are the most costly pump at about
$15,000 for a 10 HP unit, are ideal for wood, plastic, and other nonporous sheet-
like materials.
They have their electric motor coupled via belt or direct drive to counter-rotating
twin screws. These pumps are the most complex of all, but also yield the greatest
vacuum at 29"Hg at 150 SCFM. They require cooling systems with complex
electrical system controls to operate the unit.
The twin screws are machined to precision clearances in relation to the
compression housing. The counter rotating screws cause a low pressure area in
the suction port. Air is drawn in and trapped by the rotating screws and
transported to the discharge end. This does result in a high decibel range of 95
to 100, and maintenance of these units includes regular oil changes (for oil
pumps) and expensive repairs on switches and shut down devices.
All the pumps mentioned have their place in the CNC market. The level of
performance varies from one model to another and also from manufacturer to
manufacturer. Regardless, maximum vacuum and efficiency is the goal. There
are simple ways to increase efficient vacuum such as routing gasket around the
perimeter of the vacuum table (if applicable), or seal the edges of the scavenger
board. The yardstick for proper vacuum table hold-down is a system that performs
at 11"Hg or higher (a specific SCFM).
The most common question asked when it comes to vacuum hold-down is how
much vacuum does my application require? Vacuum systems should be
evaluated based on the specific applications. The smaller the part or thinner the
material to be held, the greater the volume of air flow required, thus increasing
the size of the vacuum pump. Many people state that you can’t have enough
vacuum. This is somewhat a true statement. However, it can be a very costly
fact. It is always easy to overbuy. Purchasing a single 40HP or 50HP pump can
cost in excess of $25,000, and the purchase is only the initial cost. Depending
on where your shop is located, the utility rates can vary considerably. Keep in
mind that operating costs (utility) rarely go down, so these costs will increase year
to year.
Purchasing a number of smaller pumps can help reduce the price of the pump
as well as reduce the overhead to run these pumps. If you are processing sheets
of materials that have large parts, then a single pump can be utilized. If the nest
has numerous smaller parts, then it is best to run all the pumps for maximum air
flow. There are other devices which can be purchased to aid the vacuum hold-
down system such as a spindle pressure foot, or roller hold-down. These devices
push down on the material while being routed thus aiding the vacuum system.
Vacuum Table Basics
When selecting a vacuum table, the most important thing to remember is how a
vacuum table works. The following six criteria should be carefully considered
when determining whether your CNC application could benefit from using
vacuum hold-down.
1.) Atmospheric pressure is approximately 15 psi pounds/sq.in.). Each square
inch of surface area has a load of approximately 15 pounds on it. (This pressure
is more below sea level and less at the tops of mountains).
2.) When we have a box that has no air in it; i.e., almost complete vacuum, the
top and all other sides of the box are being loaded with 15 pounds of pressure on
each square inch of surface. If the top of the box is 6”x6” then there is
6x6x15=540 pounds of load evenly distributed on the surface. The box will
collapse or bend in if it is not strong enough.
3.) A vacuum table; i.e., a box with holes in it, has the “holes” pulling down on
the object above it with a pressure of 15 psi (assuming there is a complete
vacuum). Note that the pressure on the object is based on the surface area of the
hole in contact with the object being held, not the total surface of the object
being held.
4.) It is critical to realize that if the object is being machined; i.e., undergoing a
side load, the actual force holding the object in place against the cutting force
is now the friction between the object and the vacuum table. The magnitude of
this relative friction force depends on the coefficient of friction between the
object and the table, in addition to the actual vertical force on the object.
Therefore, if the surface of the vacuum table is very slippery; e.g., Teflon
coated, the object will tend to slip no matter how much downward force is being
applied. If the surface of the table is non-slippery; e.g., it is rubber coated, then
the object will tend to stay in place assuming there is enough downward force
being applied. Note that for small pieces; e.g., small brass letters that have a
surface area of less than .5 square in., it is unlikely that they can be held reliably
with a vacuum table because the downward pressure on this object would only
be about 7.5 pounds. It is important to remember both factors with respect to
securing hold-down:
a.) contact surface area between the actual vacuum holes and the object.
b.) relative coefficient of friction between the object and the vacuum table
surface
5.) Always consider the air permeability of the object being held down. The
permeability is the amount of air that the object allows to pass through it. For
example, a sponge is very permeable while a piece of aluminum is usually not.
The permeability of the object determines whether a vacuum blower or a
vacuum pump should be selected. A vacuum pump usually generates a very
high vacuum; i.e., there is virtually no air in the vacuum chamber, but vacuum
pumps tend not to draw or pull a great volume of air quickly. A vacuum blower
tends to pull a great volume of air very quickly, but it does not necessarily create
a very “complete” vacuum.
How big a vacuum pump or blower should I select? Consider the following
questions when deciding:
a.) How large a part is being held down?
b.) How large is the vacuum table and its chambers?
c.) How much leakage will there be in the system?
d.) How permeable is the material?
e.) How quickly will the material be needed to clamp and unclamp?
Vacuum Pumps
Vacuum hold-down and which pump to choose can be very complex subjects.
There are several different pumps available for use with a CNC machine and all
have varying specifications and price ranges. The proper selection of a vacuum
pump is imperative for optimal machine performance. To avoid paying too
much or not enough, vacuum systems need to be evaluated based on the
customer’s specific applications rather than cost alone.
There are two main items of concern when looking at the specifications of a
pump: vacuum level and flow. Vacuum level is typically measured in terms of
inches of mercury (i.e. “Hg). This is the same term used when reading a
barometer. So, it’s no surprise that the vacuum utilized in CNC vacuum hold-
down works by atmospheric pressure applying 15 lbs/ sq.in. (psi at sea level) in all
directions. During a CNC routing operation, when you use vacuum to remove air
from one side of the material being cut (the underside), then the atmospheric
pressure on the other side (topside) increases, in effect, pushing on the material.
How much hold-down force is applied to the material can be calculated by
reading the vacuum level gauge, multiplying that numeral by surface area of the
material (sq.in.) and multiplying that by 0.5. For example, let’s look at a gauge
that reads 22"Hg for a material workpiece that is 24" square (576 sq.in.).
Clamping Force = Gauge Reading ("Hg) x Material Surface Size (sq.
in.) x .5 (22 x 576 x .5 = 6336 lbs)
Vacuum flow is the other important specification to consider when opting for
CNC vacuum hold-down. Flow measures the volume of air pulled in by the
pump. Measured in cubic feet per minute, vacuum flow is referred to as either
open flow (CFM) or specific flow (SCFM). Open flow is the maximum flow without
any restriction on the air being drawn by the pump. Whereas, specific flow refers
to the level of air being drawn by the pump at a specific level of vacuum,
usually the optimum level in relation to "Hg. Since SCFM is directly related to
the vacuum’s level of maximum clamping force (via the "Hg gauge reading),
SCFM or specific flow is the more relevant measure of vacuum flow.
All pump manufacturers have performance curves that show the specific vacuum
level vs. flow rate. Take for example, a 10HP pump that is rated for 11"Hg @ 105
CFM and has an open flow rating of 280 CFM. When the open flow reaches 280
CFM, the vacuum level is at 0"Hg, which using the clamping force equation
above translates into zero hold-down. But, at 105 CFM the pump will not drop
below 11"Hg until it exceeds that flow rate. At 106 CFM and above, the vacuum
level will drop, effectively decreasing your vacuum hold-down. Diagram 1 shows
the loss of vacuum as the flow increases.
Once the vacuum begins to decrease, the part or parts you are machining can
shift and move due to the loss of clamping force. This is primarily a concern in
nested-based manufacturing where flow-through methods are used. Flow-
through is the method of using an mdf scavenger board or sacrificial board to
protect the CNC machine’s surface. A sacrificial board is made out of porous
material so that air can be vacuumed through the board, helping secure the
workpiece to the table. A sacrificial board (i.e. a sheet of MDF) is put between
the CNC machine’s table surface and underneath the material being routed. The
scavenger board allows the CNC Router tool bit to penetrate the workpiece while
the board protects the surface and the vacuum table’s grid structure.
The pump previously mentioned was used to illustrate the value of specific flow
rate based on the usage of a 10HP regenerative vacuum blower. This example
was the easiest method in which to illustrate how vacuum pumps and specific
flow rates operate in the real world. There are many other pumps to choose from
such as rotary vanes, positive displacement blowers, and rotary screw pumps.
Prices from one system to another can fluctuate a great deal, but these few are
the most commonly used units in the CNC Router industry. The differences in a
cost-to-performance ratio from one system to another are best described by
comparing the pros and cons of each system. For each system, a 10HP example
will be used in relation to "Hg at SCFM, decibel levels, approximate cost, typical
applications and maintenance requirements.
In comparison to the other vacuum systems, a 10HP regenerative blower is the
lowest in cost, generally retailing for around $5,000. Regenerative vacuum
blowers, consist of an electric motor coupled via belt or direct drive to the
vacuum pump impeller. The motor rotates the impeller, drawing air in the inlet
and discharging the air through the exhaust, creating vacuum. Because the
inexact dimensional tolerances from the impeller to the housing, air is allowed
to escape, resulting in lower vacuum pressure. This is known as slippage.
Regenerative vacuum blowers typically generate low vacuum pressure, but
generate greater volume of air as described in the earlier example of 11"Hg at
105 SCFM. The noise consideration is a very real concern for these products. A
regenerative vacuum blower runs in a decibel range of 85 to 95. This type of
vacuum is ideal for holding less dense materials such as foam and other porous
materials. The required maintenance is minimal with regenerative blowers,
usually limited to replacing air filters.
Rotary vane vacuum pumps also consist of an electric motor coupled via belt or
direct drive to the vacuum pump impeller made up of self-lubricating carbon
vanes. The vanes rotate in the pump housing drawing air in the inlet and
discharging the air through the exhaust, creating vacuum.
Because of the close tolerances generated by the carbon vanes, greater vacuum
pressure results. Up to 25"Hg at 173 SCFM can be achieved for an $8,300 10HP
unit. The increased vacuum results in superior hold- down capability, and is
ideal for wood, plastic, and other nonporous sheet-like materials. In addition,
these shop friendly pumps run quieter with a decibel range of 80 to 85. The
downside to using these pumps is that the carbon vanes need to be replaced
after 6000 to 8000 hours depending on conditions. Increased heat in the pump
reduces vane life; dirty and/or blocked air filters and relief valves will cause the
vacuum pump to heat and decrease vane life.
The electric motor for a positive displacement rotary blower is also coupled via
belt or direct drive, but instead of carbon vanes it connects to two rotors that
rotate in the opposite direction.
When the rotors pass the blower inlet, it traps a quantity of air through the blower
housing and discharges this compressed air out the exhaust. Because the pump
compresses the air, when it is exhausted it is very loud due to the release of this
pressure. Typical decibel ranges for a $8,500 10 HP unit run from 95 to 100.
Positive displacement rotary blowers should be enclosed providing some sound
protection. A max vacuum of 15"Hg @ 250 SCFM makes these units ideal for
wood, plastic, and other nonporous sheet-like materials. Regular maintenance
such as oil changes are required between 5000-6000 hours of operation. Proper
disposal of these oils are required.
Lastly, rotary screw vacuum pumps, which are the most costly pump at about
$15,000 for a 10 HP unit, are ideal for wood, plastic, and other nonporous sheet-
like materials.
They have their electric motor coupled via belt or direct drive to counter-rotating
twin screws. These pumps are the most complex of all, but also yield the greatest
vacuum at 29"Hg at 150 SCFM. They require cooling systems with complex
electrical system controls to operate the unit.
The twin screws are machined to precision clearances in relation to the
compression housing. The counter rotating screws cause a low pressure area in
the suction port. Air is drawn in and trapped by the rotating screws and
transported to the discharge end. This does result in a high decibel range of 95
to 100, and maintenance of these units includes regular oil changes (for oil
pumps) and expensive repairs on switches and shut down devices.
All the pumps mentioned have their place in the CNC market. The level of
performance varies from one model to another and also from manufacturer to
manufacturer. Regardless, maximum vacuum and efficiency is the goal. There
are simple ways to increase efficient vacuum such as routing gasket around the
perimeter of the vacuum table (if applicable), or seal the edges of the scavenger
board. The yardstick for proper vacuum table hold-down is a system that performs
at 11"Hg or higher (a specific SCFM).
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