FOR VACUUM TABLE INFORMATION & SALES
CONTACT FACTORY DIRECTLY AT 860.677.6400
Super precision, flatness, stability and durability.
Guaranteed lowest price.
Nobody knows vacuum tables like Systematic Automation. Our low cost is the result of our high volume and
efficient manufacturing processes. We manufacture hundreds of vacuum tables every year for dozens of different unique applications.
We are the world's largest OEM supplier of precision vacuum tables for:
- assembly / alignment tools
- composite taping machines
- CNC machining
- die cut sheet weeding stations
- easels for photography and fine art
- inkjet machines
- inspection equipment
- laser drilling
- routers
- screen printing machines
- special application machines
- staging table
- ultrasonic cutting machines
- vision inspection
The near perfect flatness (not more than +/- .001" per square foot) is the result of our proprietary
manufacturing methods and highly specialized equipment.
Construction
The standard 1/8" thick vacuum table top skin is a tough aluminum alloy backed up by a layer of epoxy resin. This
combination provides excellent resistance to dents and dings. You literally have to hit these tables with a hammer to dent them.
The entire vacuum table is constructed of aluminum with an aluminum honeycomb core. Commonalty of materials reduces the
affect of temperature differences affecting the table flatness. The honeycomb core is slotted top and bottom to provide
vacuum flow evenly across the table.
A 1" x 1" manifold surrounds the slotted honeycomb core all around the core internally. This provides the best
possible distribution of vacuum at all of the vacuum holes across the vacuum table top.
Vacuum Hole Size / Holding Power
1/16" diameter holes 1/2" apart are standard and work well with most applications. Materials as thin as .005" thick
Polycarbonate or Vinyl sheets do not dimple perceptibly when being drawn against the 1/16" hole under the full vacuum force provided
from our standard vacuum pump (see specifications and formulas on this page).
If you require a hole size under 1/16" (1/32" is minimum) there is a 20% increase in cost from our standard pricing.
Our 1/32" size holes are "counterbored" from behind so vacuum flow loss is minimized.
When a part is placed over the table it is not correct to think that it is being held only by the 1/16" vacuum hole size. This is because
air is removed all around the holes as well. This effectively makes the holding power much greater. If the material is flexible and can be peeled away
from the holes (like peeling a banana) then this is less true, but the initial resistance of the material to shifting
sideways or lifting vertically is always greater than the force calculated by adding the total area of vacuum holes beneath the material
being held against the vacuum tabletop.
As a reference; each square foot of 1/16" vacuum holes on 1/2" centers would total 1 3/4 square inch of direct vacuum area.
Our standard high flow vacuum pump draws 45" of water or 1 psig for a total direct hold of 1 3/4 lbs. The actual
holding effect of these 1/16" holes is much greater as explained in the above paragraph.
Vacuum Table Weight Calculation
Standard Table
1/8 inch thick skin on top and 1/16" thick skin on bottom.
3.6lbs(58oz) per square foot
Optional Skins
1/8" thick skin on top and bottom
4.5lbs. (72oz) per square foot
Subtract 28oz per square foot if 1/16" skin is used on top and bottom of table.
4 1/2 lbs - 28oz = 44oz per square foot.
Naturally, the thinner the top skin, the more vulnerable the vacuum table top is to dents. The aluminum honeycomb core and epoxy coating behind
the top skin adds some additional resistance to dents, but we advise using 1/8" top skin with 1/16" bottom skin if possible.
Mounting
All 1 3/16" tables have a 3/8" flange all around for clamping on or drilling thru. If you choose a vacuum source from one of the sides
of the table instead of from the bottom, there will not be a flange on the side of the table that has the manifold. We will drill
and tap any holes or add any additional flanges to suit your application. Just send a sketch.
Technical Support
Just give us a call or drop us an email. Ask for the
Vacuum Table Engineering Department and we will help you develop a table
for your particular application or help you select the correct standard
"off-the-shelf" vacuum table. It just can't get any simpler! Email
us now with your application and you will get an answer right away. Also
see our Vacuum Table FAQs.
International Customers
Systematic Automation vacuum tables are the number
one choice for machine builders around the world. Our vacuum tables are
carefully packed to avoid any damage in shipment. Click here
for estimated shipping weights.
Wood Crating
Most tables can be shipped by UPS in wood crates. Crating / packing charge is 6% of the vacuum table price for sizes over
20"x20". No special wood crating is required for tables under 20"x20".
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