Vacuum Table Question

[zandeauto]

So I know there is a lot of info on here about vacuum tables and motors since I have been reading here for about an hour. I would like to ask a quick question about my specific application and what I could get away with on a low budget.

I mostly only cut 4' x 5' sheets of .045 aluminum and am tired of screwing it to the table.

I have a 48x96 prt alpha and would like to set up a vacuum table and I don't want to run any more 220v power. As I read some people are running the lighthouse LH6765-13 120 volt motors which appeals to me very much. I was wondering if I could get away with running 2 of these motors on my table for my application?

[dana_swift]

Steve, the best answer to your question is try it!

However what two motors gets you is half the flow of four motors. If its solid aluminum, conceptually there is no flow at all and you will get excellent hold-down. Then cut one hole through the aluminum and the airflow through that little hole drops the pressure more than you would expect.

Cut lots of holes, or cut-out toolpaths and the vacuum pressure drops rapidly.

I find myself going behind my cuts with masking tape sealing the leaks to keep the vacuum pressure up. Then I work with smaller parts than you do and I cannot afford to have much pressure loss.

Your situation is unique. My suggestion is try it. You can still use screws if you need to. Use a design that lets you add more motors if you need extra air.

Good luck!

D

[curtiss]

Sealing up openings as you cut does help, I usually just toss on some plastic as I go.

You would want to tap in a vac guage somewhere in your system so you can know what is happening.

[zandeauto]

Your situation is unique. My suggestion is try it. You can still use screws if you need to. Use a design that lets you add more motors if you need extra air.

Good luck!

D

Thanks, I think that is what I will do. I can always add the other two motors at any point. Even if I still use screws on the four corners, the vacuum will help keep things held down better as they are cut.