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Cutting through workpieces with vacuum clamping
Workpieces cannot be fully cut through using traditional vacuum chucks. A common solution is that slots are not completely milled through and holes are not fully drilled through, but a thin surface (film) remains so that no vacuum leakage occurs. The main drawback is that workpieces then have to be finished manually. Anything that has to be done manually (as opposed to by machine) increases the cost price. Also, manual operations are less accurate and more erratic. Tepas offers solutions for fully cutting through workpieces, enabling these to be produced completely by machine.
Used products:
PerfoPlate for small series or single pieces.
With Tepas PerfoPlate vacuum chucks, workpieces can be fully milled through. Particularly for small series and single pieces, this is the perfect solution. Workpieces can easily be positioned on the PerfoPlate without vacuum sealed zones having to be created or separated with a sealing cord. These vacuum chucks can only be used with the Tepas VacuMat or PerfoMat mats. Micro holes have been made in the clamping surface of these vacuum chucks. The very small micro holes limit the leakage of the vacuum with smaller workpieces or when workpieces are cut through. The Tepas PerfoMat mats have larger holes that enlarge the vacuum sealed zone. 
Workpiece-specific clamping, small and large series
From small series upwards, it is worthwhile producing your own workpiece-specific adapter plate. This is relatively simple and brings a high return. As well as the option of producing the adapter plate in such a way that the workpieces can be machined with drilling and tapping, even more workpiece-specific items can be adapted to vacuum clamping. For example, height differences, the options of fully milling through products, multi-clamping, etc. The Tepas BaseChuck modular base plates are fully equipped for this. You can, for example, carry out the initial machining on a GridPlate for the highest clamping force and the second machining on the workpiece-specific adapter plate. To this end, standard CustomPlate adapter plates, that can easily be adapted, can be supplied from stock. In addition, specific vacuum mats can be used.
Would you like to learn more?
If you would like to receive advice on the best way of machining a workpiece, send your workpiece drawing, preferably a 3D model to engineering@tepasclamping.com.
Vacuum pods for large(r) workpieces
For workpieces that require a lot of cutting through operations, such as frames, panels for engineering, doors, etc. Vacuum pods can be placed on a flat surface, precisely where support of the workpiece is required. The underside of the pods are attached by vacuum to the surface. The workpiece is clamped by vacuum activated at the top of the pods. Workpieces clamped with Tepas vacuum pods can be fully cut through, even through drilling, tapping and thread milling. GridPods offer the highest clamping force with a sealing cord. PerfoPods allow cut through operations of the workpiece to also be performed above the pod.
How it works:
Vacuum pods are placed on a flat surface. The vacuum sealed zones at the bottom of the pods keep the pods clamped in position. The position of the pods is at the user's discretion. 
Afterwards, the workpiece is placed on the pods, after which the vacuum is activated at the top of the pods. The workpiece has then been clamped and is ready for machining. For machining on the surface, machining on the outside, but also for machining through the workpiece. One major advantage is the space beneath the workpieces, allowing drilling and tapping to also be carried out.
Clamping and positioning:
The vacuum pods are positioned and clamped on a flat surface. One option is to position a dowel pin in the flat surface, enabling the exact position of the pods to be determined repeatedly. This enables repetitive workpiece-specific clamping to be carried out.
