Contents:
Vacuum tables are an important addition to any CNC milling machine, especially when working with sheet materials. Their main function is to securely fix the material during processing without using mechanical clamps or devices. In this article, we will look at how vacuum tables work, their design, the advantages they offer, and how they integrate into Wattsan CNC milling machines.
Why use a vacuum table?
The main advantage of the vacuum table is its speed and convenience. It allows users to quickly and securely attach large flat workpieces such as MDF, plywood, plastics or aluminum sheets to the workrable. The entire process of fixing the material takes only a few seconds, which significantly reduces the setup time and increases production efficiency.
Vacuum tables allow you to process the entire surface. Due to the absence of mechanical clamps blocking the trajectory of the tool, the machine can process the entire surface of the sheet, leaving no room for attachment. This not only saves material as much as possible, but also improves the final quality of the product.
Another important advantage is that the vacuum table aligns the material during suction. This is especially useful when working with slightly uneven sheets. Proper alignment ensures consistent depth when cutting or engraving, which is important to achieve accurate and professional results.
Structural design of the vacuum table
Vacuum tables are usually divided into several zones, each of which can be activated individually using ball valves. This design allows users to control the suction power and limit it to only the required area, especially when working with small workpieces.
The zones are connected to the vacuum pump by reinforced PVC tubes, which maintain pressure and ensure stable operation. The latticed surface of the table allows users to identify the active zone using a rubber sealing cord, which helps create an airtight vacuum chamber under the workpiece.
To protect the vacuum table during through-cuts, a sacrificial board is placed between the table and the material. These cutting boards come in two main types:
- Perforated backing – made of two PVC sheets with pre-drilled holes providing air flow and at the same time supporting the material.
- Durable porous substrate – made of materials such as MDF, which naturally allow air to pass through. They are used in combination with high vacuum pumps that can generate pressures close to 1 atm.
Vacuum systems on Wattsan milling machines
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Wattsan CNC routers can be equipped with vacuum tables adapted to the size of the work area. Depending on the size of the machine, one or more vortex vacuum pumps with a capacity from 5.5 kW to 7.5 kW are used. These pumps provide powerful suction, which allows materials to be securely fixed even during high-speed or deep milling.
For users who do not initially require a vacuum clamp, Wattsan machines are supplied with a T-slot table by default. This allows for mechanical fixation using clamps or self-tapping screws. However, a vacuum table can be added later as an improvement. Wattsan offers retrofitting options for machines with a working area of 600×900 mm or more, which makes it easy to adapt equipment as production needs grow.
Conclusion
Vacuum tables are a highly efficient solution for improving the precision and convenience of CNC milling operations. They simplify the fixation of the material, reduce the adjustment time and ensure higher cutting accuracy by leveling the surface of the workpiece. Whether you’re working with wood, plastic, composite materials, or aluminum sheets, a vacuum table can greatly simplify your workflow.
Wattsan offers reliable and powerful vacuum tables suitable for a wide range of machine sizes and production environments.
