It is a fact of life that even the best devices, or parts thereof, break down after they have been used for some time. The main reasons for this are natural wear and tear or the lack of care when using the device. Whatever the reason is, the defective parts must be replaced as quickly as possible in order to ensure that the expensive machines can continue running with the shortest possible down times. In order to ensure that repairs can be made quickly and without problems, the user must keep a certain number of spare parts in stock and it must be possible to install the new parts quickly and easily. Even better, it should be possible to replace parts without the need for tolls. On the basis of these considerations, the vacuum specialist J. Schmalz GmbH in D-72293 Glatten offers a wide range of replacement suction pads for all five "vacuum clamping systems for woodworking machines" in the Schmalz product range, namely:

• Innospann = the system for simple retrofitting on all CNC machining centres with tables of all types,

• VC-G = the universal clamping system with hose connections for use on smooth tables,

• VC-T = the hose-free clamping system for maximum flexibility in use,

• VC-K1 and -K2 = the clamping system for CNC machines with console tables,

• VC-S and VC-B = clamping technology and suction blocks for use in clamping systems made by Italian machine manufacturers.

These suction pads, whose compatibility is guaranteed, replace worn or damaged suction pads and can be fitted in seconds, without the need for tools. As original spare parts from the manufacturer Schmalz, they have the same dimensional accuracy as the original pads and the materials from which they are made are just as resistant to shocks and wear as the original parts. They thus have the same properties as the original parts and their good dealing ability ensures fast establishment of the necessary vacuum and correspondingly high holding forces. The replacement pads can thus withstand high transverse forces, permitting high machining speeds. All replacement suction pads from Schmalz are available ex stock and can, if desired, be delivered within 24 hours. They can also be ordered from the Schmalz online shop at www.schmalz.com at attractive prices.