Vacuum Clamping System Multi-Clamp

Description

Vacuum Clamping System Multi-Clamp
If you have an air compressor or vacuum pump in your workshop, then you've got half of what you need for an effective vacuum clamping system. Schmalz, a world leader in vacuum clamping systems for industrial and commercial applications also has a vacuum work holding system that is designed for manual work in a small shop environment. 'Vacuum clamping' in this context refers to a method of holding work firmly in place by means of compressed air, rather than clamping stock together, as is done with vacuum pressing.
Schmalz's
Vacuum Clamping Multi-Clamp
system is available in two versions. The version I tested (VC-M) has an integrated pneumatic ejector, and is used with an air compressor. The second version (VC-MV) is configured to work with a vacuum pump. Both systems use air suction to hold stock firmly in place.
After using the
VC-M Multi-Clamp
in the shop over a six week period, I can identify the following advantages of vacuum clamping over conventional work holding.
Vacuum clamping works exceptionally fast. Discounting the time involved in initial start-up of the air compressor, it takes no more than four or five seconds to secure a work piece onto the Multi-Clamp.
There is absolutely no marring of the work piece. You can clamp painted, varnished or lacquered work without damaging the finish.
You can rotate the work piece a full 360° without having to unclamp and reposition the piece.
You can swivel the work piece 90° forward for unrestricted access to the top of the piece.
It's very portable, and can be easily moved to a job site (or anywhere you have access to an air compressor).
The Multi-Clamp does require that you have an air compressor or vacuum pump. I tested it with a 2-gallon 2.6 SCFM twin-tank compressor, and a 20-gallon 6 SCFM compressor. Either compressor can generate sufficient air pressure for the Multi-Clamp to function properly, but the larger the air tank, the less frequently the compressor motor will recycle.
The VC-M kit that I tested consists of a multi-base, a vacuum plate, shutoff valve with NPT plug, an inlet valve, 39" of flex hose, 24" of spare sealing cord, and an instruction manual.
Suction plate: (A) suction hole; (B) cord grid; (C) friction pads; (D) sealing cord; (E) air hose inlet; (F) mounting holes
The suction plate measures approximately 1-3/8" x6-3/8" x 6-3/8", providing a fairly large suction area. In the middle of the plate, on the top side, is a small hole (A) through which air is extracted. Air enters the plate through an inlet (E) on its side.
A sealing cord (D) runs along the outside of the suction plate - it compensates for irregularities in the work piece surface, and helps attain optimal suction. The cord can be repositioned along any of the grid channels (B) to accommodate smaller stock sizes. On the four corners of the plate are friction pads (C) that help to keep the work piece from shifting about.
The suction plate, which you can purchase separately from Schmalz, can be used as a stand alone clamp. Mounting holes (F) enable you to secure the plate to a work table.
Along with this rectangular plate, there are optional round and oval plates.
Suction plate connector ring
On the bottom of the suction plate is a connector ring that fits onto a connector arm on the multi-base. You'll also notice a sealing cord on the bottom - this compensates for irregularities in the work bench surface when the plate is used as a stand alone clamp.
Multi-base: (A) mounting holes; (B) suction plate connector arm (C) clamp handle; (D) compression fitting; (E) connector to plate inlet; (F) rotating lock arm; (G) swivel lock arm
The multi-base measures 8-1/2" x 6-1/2" x 6-3/4" and weighs almost 9-1/2 pounds. It's made of 1/8" thick sheet metal and cast aluminum. Four mounting holes (A) at the base enable you to secure the multi-base to a work bench, or, as I did, to a piece of plywood, which can then be clamped to any work surface. This makes the unit easier to move around, or store when not in use.
On the top of the multi-base is a connector arm (B) that is inserted into the connector ring on the bottom of the suction plate. Once installed, a locking clamp (C) firmly clamps the two pieces together.
Air from the compressor enters the pneumatic ejector through an inlet just below the suction plate connector arm via a compression fitting (D). Behind the pneumatic ejector is an inlet (E) that is connected to the inlet on the side of the suction plate by means on a short length of plastic tubing.
The multi-base can rotates 360° by releasing the rotating lock arm (F) and it can swivel 90° forward by unlocking the swivel locking arm (G).
Suction plate and multi-base configured for use with air compressor
Once the suction plate is mounted onto the top of the multi-base, you connect a short hose from the multi-base to the plate, and then connect the longer hose from the multi-base to the air compressor hose via the NPT plug. Compression fittings make it easy and quick to attach the hoses.