More productivity with the innovative vacuum clamping system for all CNC woodworking machines.
With the patented vacuum clamping system VacuClamp-T, the vacuum specialist J. Schmalz GmbH, 72293 Glatten, offers the woodworking industry an extremely reliable, effective, cheap clamping system which pays for itself very quickly.

It consists of a flat aluminium clamping table and various basic suction blocks and permits users to quickly assemble special clamping systems to match their workpieces. The clamping table has a large number of suction openings arranged so that a suction block is always on top of at least one suction opening, regardless of where it is positioned. The various suction blocks can thus be positioned individually to suit the workpiece and do not have to be laced in pre-defined positions. All of the suction openings are supplied with vacuum via a single hose connected to the table, and each opening has a special check valve which closes it when there is no suction block above it. Even workpieces with complex shapes can be clamped easily and securely in this manner without the need for costly clamping elements. The clamping force is large to permit machining with high cutting forces.

Since the suction blocks have no hose connections, there are no hoses to get in the way when setting up the machine or handling and machining the workpieces. Failure of the clamping system due to damaged hoses is also impossible. Furthermore, the blocks have no edges which get in the way and they are easily cleaned.

The working procedure is as follows: first, the table is mounted on the machine table and the vacuum supply is connected. This needs to be done only once. After this, the suction blocks are positioned as desired to match the shape and size of the workpiece and held in these positions by a slight vacuum which is applied at the touch of a button. The workpiece is then laid on the blocks and pushed against the stops. If necessary, its position can be corrected. A second button is now pressed to apply the full vacuum and to clamp both the suction blocks and the workpiece in position with the maximum clamping force. After the workpiece has been machined, the vacuum is released and the workpiece can be removed. The suction blocks remain in position, ready for the next workpiece. They need to be moved only if a different workpiece is to be machined. The handling of the workpiece is very easy and safe. The non-productive times are reduced to a minimum, and the operating hours per shift or day can be utilised more effectively for the actual production work.

The modular clamping system also permits several clamping tables to be combined to a form a larger table. After installation, the clamping table is milled down slightly to ensure that its surface is exactly parallel to the axis of the machine-tool spindle.

As already mentioned, the suction blocks are available in various sizes, namely with the dimensions 120 x 120 mm, 120 x 50 mm 125 x 75 mm and 150 x 30 mm. All suction blocks are 100 mm high, with a tolerance of +/- 0.06 mm. There is also a version with an integrated lifting system and template clamps designed specially for the machining of large, flat parts. Accessories such as clamping levers, stops, suction blocks with additional clamps and a practical storage trolley for the various suction blocks are also available.

Schmalz also offers special software for positioning of the suction blocks. With this programme, clear positioning diagrams can be produced for any workpiece and can, for example, be projected directly onto the machine table with a laser. Depending on the situation, this system can reduce the setting-up times by as much as 90%.