Minimalistic Vacuum Clamping Blocks Set

Minimalistic Vacuum Clamping Blocks Set

Over the course of the past months I released several models for vacuum clamping (see my collection here), and I experienced quite some demand and requests for additional types. Especially when building large blocks, the material usage goes up massively and I started to rethink the entire product with the aim to significantly cut cost by design while keeping or even improving the performance of these blocks.

Long story short: I finally ended up with a design reducing material consumption by 30-70% (the larger the block the more), and in combination with also finding cheaper sources for the remaining BoM components (fittings, seal) the overall product cost is now 50%+ lower. I achieved this by hollowing out the entire block as this is not needed for vacuum clamping, improving the outer housing design and just leaving a few ribs to provide structural strength and to support the workpieces better. Overall, I also experienced also a slightly improved clamping performance (not measured, subjectively).

There are 2 variants across 4 different sizes

• Double-sided vacuum clamping (to mount any flat workpiece on any flat surface)
• Single-sided vacuum clamping with screw mounts (e.g., for CNC operations or to screw it onto your workbench)

I generally decided to switch from PLA to PETG for this design. While PLA still works, there are a few benefits of using PETG. Screwing in the fittings is way easier (doesn't need a heat gun any more), and overall the design is slightly more flexible and less brittle. Hence I recommend PETG over PLA for this design.

Variant overview

Instructions

• Print desired variant using the ready-to-use print profile
• Screw in the fitting
  • Be gentle, no need for extra force, not needed to screw in entirely, ideally use an Allen key instead of a wrench to for better alignment
  • Although PETG is a bit more forgiving (compared to PLA), it is still a good idea to soften the material with a heat gun or torch prior to screwing in the fitting to reduce the risk of layer separation
• Mount the seals (cut to length and glue with PA glue; I recommend cutting in 45°)
• Attach a vacuum pump and you are ready to go

Additional hardware required

• 5 mm foam seal, e.g.,
  • https://amzn.eu/d/dGv3wjv as a cost efficient version (works perfectly well but a bit harder to mount)
  • https://amzn.eu/d/6fLlTmm a bit more expensive but easier to mount
• PC6-02 pneumatic fittings (e.g., https://amzn.eu/d/fyI9GFa)
• Useful starter set including pneumatic fittings and tubes (e.g., https://amzn.eu/d/br2hIfl)
• CA glue for closing the foam seal
• Vacuum pump
  • I would recommend a strong version with 500+ Watts if you are planning serious work like clamping for sanding or routing. I am the using this one.
  • If you want to try it out and have a fun project, you can build the smaller Filament Vacuum Pump(this version will not able to drive more than 1-2 blocks but is great to create a filament vacuum for storage)