• IBAG North America, Div of Burmco Inc

Vacuum Operated Workholding System

The key to the Vac-Mat, vacuum-operated work-holding system is a plastic mat 12" x 8" x 0.06" thick, with an array of lipped-edge workpiece holding "suckers" on the top side, each with a small hole through the centre. Underneath are six lugs to position the VacMat on the vacuum table top. A grid of grooves distributes the vacuum to each of the small holes and to a holding lip edge around the circumference. The Vac-Mat is said to be ideal for machining parts from flat metal plate stock, as well as plastics, composites and other material. Aircraft automotive and electronics are some of the primary industry users. The cutting tool can machine right into and through the inexpensive, disposable Vac-Mat, eliminating break-out deburring and other secondary operations. The Vac-Mat material is a recyclable plastic and is not affected by coolant. Several VacMats may be fitted together to accommodate larger workpieces and multiple-part production operations. The use of Vac-Mats is simplified by configuring available 8" x 12" x 1.25" modular aluminium adapter plates.