Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => FAQs => Topic started by: omarace on October 21, 2012, 12:29:01 AM

Title: Vacuum table
Post by: omarace on October 21, 2012, 12:29:01 AM

Hello everybody...

I would like to build my own cnc machine... I have all the electronics and mechanical components... I have some problems with the clamping mechanism. I would like to use a vacuum table but I don't know how I can calculate the holding force.     

???     
Somebody help me...
Greetings and God Bless You...
Title: Re: Vacuum table
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on October 21, 2012, 05:24:50 AM
How large is the vacuum table are you considering ??

Tweakie.

Title: Re: Vacuum table
Post by: ger21 on October 21, 2012, 07:34:04 AM
That depends on how large the machine is, how much HP it has, what you're cutting, what tooling your using, and what type of vacuum system you plan on using.

At work, we have a 5x12 router that pulls vacuum through an MDF spoilboard. It uses two 25HP vacuum pumps. At home, I'm building a machine with vacuum fixtures that will use a single 1/4HP pump.
You should be somewhere in that area. :)
Title: Re: Vacuum table
Post by: RICH on October 21, 2012, 10:01:11 AM
You have two different cases.
ie; You have a pump or you are going to size a pump system for the system.

If you have a pump then you will reduce the available negative pressure to address the variables associated with the system.
If you are sizing a system then you are using the same calculated system requirements, will be conservative, and optimise the system.

The available hold down force is simply the negatve pressure available times the applied area. In the end, the available hold down force required must consider pump efficiency, line loss, and leakage, etc.

Additionaly the hold down force required must address the machining forces. The machining force can be approximately calculated, but since the calculated value is very subjective, practical experience with a particular machining circumstance is
very valuable and would override calculated. Thus judgement comes into play and is very difficult to address different or numerous senerios.

Now note that i say "SYSTEM". The porting of the table is different for a small piece as compared to a large piece  or maybe you have a table desgned for both small and large pieces. The leakage rate varies and again subjectively one must
provide appropriate values in the calculations, and size other parts  accordingly.

I would strongly suggest that you have a hard look at vacuum systems which can be purchased ( be attentive to what they are used for ) to get a feel of commercialy available designed systems, use any practical experience from folks that are actualy using one, do some calcualtions within your capabilities to see what you want to do.

There is more to calculating than one would think....... ;)
RICH
Title: Re: Vacuum table
Post by: omarace on October 21, 2012, 03:57:49 PM

Well, I  would like to machined some wood BOARDS .

The dimensions of the desk are of 1,90 x 2, 50 meters.
That will use an chuck pneumatic. Power: 2.2 kW, Speed max 30.000 rpm. Voltage: 220VAC
I'm considering using a vacuum pump but I don't know which one the flow should be.
Also I have a question. If I vacuum table holds the machined MDF no risk that the drill hits that table in the machining? Or is separated with something?

Thanks...