Today, most users are probably aware the CNC woodworking machines can be made more productive by using vacuum clamping systems to hold the workpieces during machining. This increased productivity results from the reduction of the non-productive times and also from the fact that the machines can be used very flexibly for a wide range of machining tasks. In addition, the use of vacuum clamping systems, be it on console or table machines, also permits higher cutting speeds. The reason for this is the higher holding forces which result from the special sealing lips and the higher vacuum and from the increased friction values of the suction blocks, which permit higher horizontal machining forces.

So far so good, but the prerequisites for the use of vacuum clamping systems on modern CNC woodworking centres made by various manufacturers are different for each machine. "So what", say the vacuum specialists J. Schmalz GmbH in D-72293 Glatten, who offer a wide range of suction blocks (standard system) and so-called adapter plates (Innospann system) with which, for example, the CNC woodworking centres produced by the well-known Italian manufacturers Biesse and SCM/Morbidelli can be equipped individually with standardised vacuum clamping systems. Since the suction blocks for this have the same overall height as the original suction blocks, the original blocks can be completely replaced or a mixture of original and Schmalz suction blocks can be used without any adjustments to the machines. The user saves money and can gradually convert to the high-quality standard suction blocks from Schmalz.

Thanks to the wide range of suction-block types, dimensions and versions for various operating conditions (normal, shaped, curved or narrow pieces of wood), the user does not have to accept any compromises when selecting the right suction block for the intended application. This, in turn, provides optimum machining conditions for high accuracy and machining efficiency, even for critical parts. Flexibility results from the fact that the blocks can be moved and positioned freely on the console or the machine table, according to requirements, and can be further improved by the use of adapter plates from the Schmalz Innospann system, on which the suction blocks can be positioned literally anywhere. The use of the universal suction blocks from the Schmalz product range promotes the standardisation of the customer's clamping systems, with positive effects on the set-up times, the number of different types which have to be held in stock, and the replacement of worn or damaged sealing lips, which can be done very quickly.