Reliable part hold-down is essential when CNC shops are producing the same components repeatedly. When parts move during machining, operators may be forced to add tabs, leave onion skins, slow feed rates, or perform additional recuts. Inboard Gasketing provides another approach by concentrating vacuum directly where the part is located.
In All Star CNC’s experience, Inboard Gasketing is one of the most effective ways to hold repeat parts using vacuum.
Unlike a traditional CNC router setup that relies on pulling vacuum through a full MDF spoilboard, Inboard Gasketing is generally used with a dedicated fixture. The fixture creates a defined vacuum zone underneath the workpiece, while the gasket seals the perimeter of that zone.
The result is a more controlled vacuum area with less opportunity for unnecessary air leakage.
Concentrate Vacuum Where It Matters
A full spoilboard system can work extremely well for sheet processing, but air leakage across unused areas can reduce available vacuum pressure. Dedicated fixtures allow operators to isolate vacuum underneath individual parts instead.
Inboard Gasketing can help CNC shops:
- Reduce vacuum leakage
- Increase effective clamping force
- Improve repeatability between production runs
- Minimize part movement during machining
- Reduce reliance on tabs and onion skins
- Improve efficiency on repetitive jobs
This approach can be especially beneficial for manufacturers running hundreds or thousands of the same component.
A Smart Solution for Repeat CNC Production
Dedicated vacuum fixtures can also simplify setup once the fixture has been designed for a specific part. Operators can position the workpiece, activate the vacuum system, and begin machining without spending additional time installing mechanical clamps.
For production environments where consistency matters, that repeatability can translate into faster setups and fewer interruptions.
All Star CNC offers Inboard Gasketing and other CNC vacuum hold-down products designed to help manufacturers get more performance from their vacuum systems.
