We make a large table for vacuum forming. Vacuum workpiece clamping technology Vacuum table for machine tool

Using the power of a vacuum pump.

The desktop of the milling machine itself is a horizontal surface that is designed to work with the part (it is fixed and securely based on it). This part of the milling machine is considered one of the most important - if the workpiece is not securely and evenly fixed relative to the movement of the cutter, then accurate and efficient processing will become unrealistic. Both the table and the cutting tool can move.

Work table of a milling machine with a numerical software it is supplied with grooves of the longitudinal type, where a number of clamps are placed to secure the workpiece for processing or other necessary devices. But fastening with clamps has several disadvantages:

There must be a mechanical clamping of the workpiece, while the tightening force is set to the maximum.

Deformation and mechanical damage face of the part to be made. Such consequences are absolutely undesirable for working with glass boxes equipped with lighting - even the smallest scratches and cracks in them can completely spoil the appearance.

If the workpiece differs in some non-standard dimensions and shapes, then it is not always possible to find the required location due to the lack of symmetrical holes.

Difficulty with placement soft materials, which can bend when the cutter touches them (these are composite models with rather large dimensions). A large number of clamps cannot be installed on the table, so working with these types of workpieces is very complicated.

All the inconveniences listed above are solved quite simply - it is worth installing a vacuum table. It helps to securely fix the workpiece in the right place for precise milling, while mechanical clamps are not used. The very essence of the work is that air is pumped out, and thereby the pressure between the work table and the surface of the workpiece decreases. Thus, a kind of “suction cup” is obtained, firmly pressing the part by means of atmospheric pressure. This helps to firmly and securely fix the workpiece in the desired position.

However, the vacuum table also has disadvantages:

- the inability to fix it very small parts or parts that are not sheet materials.

Usually, all manufacturers, when equipping the machine with a vacuum table, also leave the possibility of fastening with clamps, however, they are much smaller and they are no longer located as often as in a conventional table.

- The compressor that maintains the vacuum is required to be quite powerful from 5kW, which usually leads to an increase in energy consumption by a milling machine almost twice.

Therefore, each manufacturer must carefully consider the pros and cons of vacuum fastening and make a choice for himself.

Varieties vacuum tables

Vacuum tables are divided into several varieties depending on the type of fastening of workpieces:

Trellised. This type is most common, since it is easier to install, and the cost is democratic. Thanks to the unique lattice design, it allows you to place required amount insulating material to enclose the workpiece around its perimeter. From the resulting circuit, the pump pumps out air, thereby reliably pressing the part to the surface of the desktop.

Vacuum tables VAC-MAT type. Represent the rigid strong framework made of polymer. It divides the space between the workpiece and the compactor into a number of sectors isolated from each other, from which air is then simultaneously pumped out. Thus, the vacuum is maintained even with a through type of milling, the compartments are not amenable to depressurization.

Slotted variety. They are indispensable when working with small workpieces, or with those parts on the surface of which there are many holes. Such a table is equipped with a number of grooves and compartments, some of which can be combined (if the holes match those on the workpiece).

Porous boards. They are recommended for working with very thin material (like foil sheets, for example). It can accurately reproduce the shape of the workpiece, the degree of impact depends on what area the "substrate" occupies. This vacuum material allows you to achieve high precision in processing, avoid errors. Joint work with the coolant system is not allowed.

board type FLIP POD. This a large number of separate suction cups-valves, which are designed for reliable fastening of even fairly massive workpieces. Such a system of vacuum tables does not involve covering the perimeter of the workpiece with a compactor, which makes it possible to process cutting tool edge of the part.

Almost all manufacturers of CNC milling machines offer optionally complete their products with a special vacuum table. It is installed quite simply, no special operations are needed to carry out and reconfigure the equipment - you only need to connect a compressor or a vacuum pump.

Systematic Automation has been manufacturing vacuum tables for over 30 years.

Practically perfect surface(tolerance no worse than ± 25µm / sq.ft) - the result of a unique manufacturing technology and the use of high quality equipment. Annually

Systematic Automation manufactures thousands of vacuum tables every year for a variety of unique applications: assembly, CNC, moulding, cutting, digital printers, photography, engraving, textile, inkjet, research equipment, laboratory equipment, laminating, laser engraving and cutting, plotters, sail making, screen printing, ultrasonic cutting machines, presses, carpet cleaning.

Design of vacuum tables

The top of the table is made from durable aluminum alloy 3mm thick. Usage epoxy resin in design, provides good protection from dents and bends.

The basis of the vacuum table has a "honeycomb" structure and is made of a material that reduces the effect of temperature differences on the uneven surface of the table. The honeycomb design ensures uniform airflow across the entire surface of the table.

The 25x25mm "collector" is located around the honeycomb base, due to which the best possible distribution of vacuum between all the holes in the table is achieved.

Hole size

In the standard version, the holes in the table have a diameter of 1.6mm, and are located in 12.5mm increments, which is optimal for most jobs.

Materials such as polycarbonate or 127µm thick vinyl will not deform against 1.58mm holes with the full force of a standard vacuum pump (see specification).

Optionally, holes can be custom-sized (min. 0.79mm). 0.79 mm holes are countersunk on the underside for minimum losses air streams.

Fastening

All tables have a 9.5mm flange around the perimeter for fastening. If the fitting for connecting the vacuum pump is not located below, but on the side, then the flange on this side will be absent. If necessary, holes for fastening will be drilled in the flange, in accordance with the customer's drawing.

Standard parameters Options FAQ Video

External dimensions of standard vacuum tables. Vacuum holes are located 25mm from the edge.

• 127x152x30mm. (5″ x 6″ x 1 3/16″)
• 203x203x30mm. (8″ x 8″ x 1 3/16″)
• 304x203x30mm. (12″ x 8″ x 1 3/16″)
• 304x304x30mm. (12″ x 12″ x 1 3/16″)
• 304x406x30mm. (12″ x 16″ x 1 3/16″)
• 304x609x30mm. (12″ x 24″ x 1 3/16″)
• 304x762x30mm. (12″ x 30″ x 1 3/16″)
• 355x355x30mm. (14″ x 14″ x 1 3/16″)
• 406x279x30mm. (16″ x 11″ x 1 3/16″)
• 457x279x30mm. (18″ x 11″ x 1 3/16″)
• 508x406x30mm. (20″ x 16″ x 1 3/16″)
• 508x431x30mm. (20″ x 17″ x 1 3/16″)
• 508x457x30mm. (20″ x 18″ x 1 3/16″)
• 508x508x30mm. (20″ x 20″ x 1 3/16″)
• 558x558x30mm. (22″ x 22″ x 1 3/16″)
• 609x457x30mm. (24″ x 18″ x 1 3/16″)
• 609x558x30mm. (24″ x 22″ x 1 3/16″)
• 609x711x30mm. (24″ x 28″ x 1 3/16″)
• 660x355x30mm. (26″ x 14″ x 1 3/16″)
• 660x482x30mm. (26″ x 19″ x 1 3/16″)
• 660x508x30mm. (26″ x 20″ x 1 3/16″)
• 660x762x30mm. (26″ x 30″ x 1 3/16″)
• 660x863x30mm. (26″ x 34″ x 1 3/16″)
• 685x1016x30mm. (27″ x 40″ x 1 3/16″)
• 711x812x30mm. (28″ x 32″ x 1 3/16″)
• 762x508x30mm. (30″ x 20″ x 1 3/16″)
• 762x863x30mm. (30″ x 34″ x 1 3/16″)
• 762x1016x30mm. (30″ x 40″ x 1 3/16″)
• 914x914x30mm. (36″ x 36″ x 1 3/16″)
• 1219x1219x30mm. (48″ x 48″ x 1 3/16″)
• 1219x2438x38mm. (48″ x 96″ x 1.50″)
• 1828x3657x38mm. (72″ x 144″ x 1.50″)
• Custom size tables available. Specify.

• vacuum pump
• vacuum valve
• Vacuum table air supply valve
• Pressure regulator.
• Pedal
• Stops for positioning products on a vacuum table.
• Retractable vacuum tables
• Plastic (Formica) tabletop
• Independent vacuum zones controlled by valves.
• Anodized table surface
• Location of vacuum holes according to customer's drawing
• Table shape and size according to customer requirements

Q: How can I fix the vacuum table?
A: The table has a 9.5mm bottom and top flange around the perimeter. You can use them for clips or drill holes for mounting.

Q: Is it possible to use threaded connection for a vacuum line?
Oh yeah. Specify the required size.

Q: I already have a vacuum pump. Will it work with your vacuum table?
A: Most likely it will work. In any case, you can order the pump later. If you decide to use your pump, you can immediately order an adapter / adapter. Please specify dimensions when ordering.

Q: I work with materials that can get scratched. Can they be avoided when working on a vacuum table?
A: Yes, you can use the switch valve to blow air out of the table. This will result in an effect air cushion. Optionally, you can adjust the amount of air supplied. The valve requires compressed air at a pressure of min. 4.2 bar.

Q: How flat is the surface of the vacuum table?
A: The tolerance is no worse than ±25µm/sqft

Q: How should I secure the table to prevent it from bending?
A: As a rule, the bottom (surface) of the table is flat and parallel to the top, so it is possible to mount the table on the machine base.
When setting the table on a surface, pay attention to the absence of gaps, which indicate an uneven surface. Use shims to eliminate table "wobble" due to gaps. Check parallelism. If necessary, use additional spacers to eliminate the possibility of table deflection under pressure and violation of the plane of the working surface of the vacuum table.

Q: Is there a way to place items on the table in exactly the same place?
A: Yes, it is possible. Optionally, you can order a system of stops for positioning products. As a rule, these are three steel pins that are “pulled out” from the table during the laying of the product and “recessed” into the table as soon as the vacuum is turned on. It is possible to accommodate more than three pins.

Find out the price!

The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the design and specifications of the stencil equipment without notice.

Large parts require a large vacuum table. Such equipment is very expensive due to the complexity of transportation and is not always suitable for certain tasks, but you can design a table yourself, under custom size and needs.

Vacuum tables for CNC are designed for milling machines with large sheets of wood or metal. Most CNC machines use curved machining. To work on milling machines, you need a surface that securely fixes the workpieces. The vacuum table presses the products to the surface, preventing them from moving, making the work on the milling machine more accurate and comfortable. In addition, high-grade equipment provides heating to the desired temperature. It is more versatile than a magnetic table, which is only suitable for processing metal products.

Quite often, CNC milling machines come with a vacuum table, but if it is not available or is not large enough, another device is required. In this case, you can buy a used device of dubious quality or make it yourself.

Necessary materials and tools

To make a vacuum table for a milling machine, you need to find all the components. To create functional equipment you will need:

• wooden or metal sheet of the appropriate size;
• metal profile;
• Vacuum pump;
• a heating element;
• Control block.

From the tool you will need: drill, screwdriver, spanners, soldering iron. Other tools are optional, subject to availability.

Manufacturing steps

After purchasing all necessary materials and tools, you can go to self assembly table.

Production of a working surface and a box

At the beginning of the manufacture of a vacuum table for CNC with your own hands, you need to create work surface. For this, a pre-prepared sheet of material is taken. Holes are drilled in it neatly, in a checkerboard pattern with a drill or screwdriver. Later, from the back, the surface will adjoin the vacuum pump, which serves to securely fasten the products. To increase the reliability of the structure, partitions are installed. They do not allow the table to deform during operation.

Box

The most significant here is the height, since the table is designed for a CNC machine. A stable structure is assembled from metal and wooden parts to secure the work surface. The surface above the work area will act as a holder for the heating element. It is desirable that the box be collapsible: this will facilitate further work, setting up equipment or transporting the table in the future.

The desktop should be as stable and reliable as possible. Therefore, in the design it is desirable to avoid short-lived or moving joints. Adjustable height feet can be used to facilitate instrument repositioning. This will allow you to work on flat surface providing stability.

A heating element

Vacuum forming plastic also requires a special table. During operation, the product is affected by a vacuum field and a heating element that heats the plastic to the required temperature. To do this, a heating panel is installed above the table. As a heating element, nichrome filament has proven itself best. However, due to the high cost of the material, as well as the difficulty in finding it on free sale with self-manufacturing usually halogen lamps are used.

Among the advantages of using it should be noted uniform heating, as well as quality lighting working area.

A sheet of metal is taken as a blank. Holes for lamps are also drilled in it, after which the heating elements are fixed and the electrical part is installed. All lamps must be connected in parallel. With more complex design the electrical part is output to the controller or separate switches for heating certain parts working area. The connection is made by soldering and copper wires. It is recommended to use a printed circuit board or several smaller boards to reduce the wiring, look nicer, work more conveniently, and make the wiring more reliable. The design of the light panel must also be dismantled for maintenance.

Vacuum pump

The most important piece of equipment. Serves to create a vacuum and securely fix the part. It is best to use a specialized vacuum generator with a pressure gauge. In the absence of a specialized vacuum pump, several vacuum fans will do. It is possible to replace industrial vacuum cleaners, but in practice their efficiency is lower.

When connecting, it is important to minimize the air flow, that is, to insulate from the inlet to the work surface. A pressure gauge is needed to measure results: too much vacuum can damage the part, work surface or equipment. With a more complex design of the tables, the heating part regulators and the pressure gauge are installed in the control unit.

Control block

The electronic part of the vacuum table is needed to effectively regulate the heating of the working area and create a more stable fixation of parts. There are many options for implementing the control unit, the biggest role here is played by milling machine and numerical control installed in the working equipment. The most optimal is selected based on the tasks, budget, availability of specific elements. For optimal performance requires a microcontroller with a display and one relay per control unit.

For comfortable work temperature and pressure sensors are used. With a minimum configuration, one sensor and 2 relays are required: one for turning the pump on / off, the other for control heating panel. To delimit the working area, use the clamp and heat only for part of the table, it is necessary to use a larger number of relays and, accordingly, a more efficient controller. Installing a reliable control unit will make work more comfortable, and will allow you not to be distracted by the pressure gauge.

Good day brain artisans! Somehow our team needed a table vacuum forming to create diverse homemade, but there was no large-sized table for sale. Without thinking twice, we made it with your own hands!

Step 1: Table box

A vacuum table is essentially a hollow box with many small holes through which air is pumped out of the workspace. We chose MDF to create this box, but any solid one will do. sheet material. So, we create a table box from MDF and drill small holes in the front panel, it is possible on the machine, or we can do it as usual brain drill.

We attach the legs to the box, and install partitions with large holes, about 7.5 cm. These partitions will keep the table flat and will not allow it to sag.

Step 2: Heat Source

We originally planned to use nichrome wire as a heater, but it is quite expensive, and difficult to obtain. Therefore, we settled on GU10 halogen lamps, which give little light, but give enough heat.

IN metal sheet we drill holes for ceramic lamp holders and install these lamp holders. Further, for ease of installation of the circuit, in order to reduce the amount of soldering, we create from printed circuit boards conductive tracks, we mount them, and already the tracks are soldered into a circuit. For this panel with MDF lamps we make a box with a removable braincap for maintenance, and place the light panel in this box accordingly.

Step 3: Management

The option of the heat source we have chosen allows us to heat not only the entire table, but also, if necessary, only some of its sections when forming small crafts. Of course, connecting the lamps becomes more complicated.

The table control unit consists of several elements:

• The front panel on which an alphanumeric LCD display, LED indication of each heating row, a key for turning on the table, an emergency stop button for the table, and switches for the table operation modes are installed.
• An ATmega644 microcontroller board that works with firmware written in C. A table temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an LCD display, front panel mode switches, and a heater power control relay (light bulb lines) are connected to this board.
• controller board alternating current, which synchronizes the signal from the microcontroller, the triac and the AC line.
• Relay board, which consists of 6 electromechanical relays controlled by a microcontroller. One of the relays turns on the fan, and the rest of the heater lines.
• Neutral relay board, which consists of 7 relays controlled by a microcontroller and connecting the heater lines to the neutral wire, as well as a temperature sensor in the table space.
• Triac, consisting of two opto-isolated thyristor solid state relays, rated at 20A, 240V, which regulates the fan and the heating of the table space.

Step 4: Installing the supports

On our table box crafts, and by the way, it is 600x900mm in size, we mount supports for the heater panel and install the panel itself with lamps. We also make a frame for plastic and insert it into the bearing supports, seal the junctions of the table box and the frame with insulating porous tape.

Step 5: Vacuum Fan

To the bottom of the box braintable we fix the vacuum source, just a fan. For our vacuum fan, we made an additional plate of MDF and with its help, as well as with the help of neoprene gaskets, we installed it.

Step 6: Final assembly and testing

On final stage we connect all the elements, check whether everything is installed correctly and proceed to testing. We insert a sheet of plastic for molding into the frame, turn on the table and mold!

And here is how our table works:

good luck homemade and I hope our guide will help you with this!

Making a vacuum table is the most important stage in the design of a do-it-yourself thermal vacuum press. At the design stage, it is necessary to determine the dimensions of the table, choose the material for its manufacture, consider methods for fixing and sealing detachable elements to maintain internal negative pressure (vacuum). The vacuum table is made with the same basic set of tools as.

Further in the text, a vacuum bath will be called a part of the vacuum table - a steel container, inside which the lined workpieces are located, and from which air is pumped out. Under the working dimensions (dimensions) of the vacuum bath, we mean its useful volume, measured by internal dimensions. Let's agree to call the vacuum table the entire structure as a whole, consisting of a vacuum bath, an upper (movable) clamping frame, clamps and other, smaller elements.

External and working dimensions of the vacuum bath.

Consider general principles choosing the size of the vacuum bath, let's designate specific numbers for our press.

The longer the vacuum bath, the more workpieces can be placed in it, or the workpiece can be lined bigger size. On the other hand, the longer the bath, the more film has to be consumed in one working cycle, the larger the dimensions of the machine are, which entails a greater consumption of room space. Need to find optimal size. As experience has shown, the optimal working length of the vacuum bath, intended for the manufacture of standard furniture facades and decorative door linings, we can consider the value from 2.4 to 2.6 m. We will make a vacuum bath 2500 mm long, the working length of which will be 2500 - 40 x 2 \u003d 2420 mm (40 mm is the width of the short wall profile pipe).

The width of the tub is directly related to the width of the PVC film used. Depending on the manufacturer of the film, there may be different widths, the most common is 1.4 m, and we will focus on it. We choose the width of the bath equal to 1400 mm, the working width will be 1400 - 40 x 2 = 1320 mm. When facing high blanks, for example, for curved (radius) facades, the width of the bath must be reduced (make it smaller than the width of the film), but to work with such blanks, a press of a different design is needed, so these issues will not be considered.

The working height of the bathtub must be calculated taking into account the fact that there must be a small free space between the upper surface of the facades and the covering film. In other words, the film stretched over the blanks should not touch them before the air is pumped out. The calculation is the following. Firstly, the vacuum (breathable) table top, which will be the first to be placed on the vacuum table, will be made of 10 mm thick MDF board. Secondly, the linings for the facade blanks will be small pieces of MDF board 16 mm thick (this is the simplest, most common and best option linings). Thirdly, the thickness of the coated blanks will be from 8-10 mm (door linings) to 16-32 mm (facades and other furniture elements). Fourthly, the sealing rubber will add about 2 mm to the depth of the bath. As a result, the maximum height of the entire “pie” inside the bath will be: 10 + 16 + 32 = 58 mm. For the manufacture of a vacuum bath, we use a profile pipe with a cross section of 60x40 mm, placing it on the short side. At the same time, the height of the free space will be at least: 60 + 2 - 58 = 4 mm, which is quite enough.

Making a vacuum table.

Vacuum bath.

The bottom of the vacuum bath will be a sheet of steel 2 mm thick. To minimize sheet deflection under negative internal pressure, and to give the table surface an even shape (close to an ideal plane), it is necessary to make a stiffening frame. For the manufacture of the frame, we will use the same profile pipe 60x40x2. The pre-cut pipe, in accordance with the project, is laid on the slipway, rigidly fixed with clamps, and all joints are welded. After making the stiffening frame, a steel sheet is welded on top of it. This is the most important step welding work, it requires a continuous weld to be sealed (double penetration is recommended).

To avoid warping of the sheet under prolonged high temperatures, the following alternative method of welding the sheet to the stiffener can be used. Before laying the steel sheet on the stiffening frame, it is necessary to apply a sealing compound around its perimeter that can withstand high temperatures(for example, high-temperature silicone sealant), and weld not with a continuous seam, but with small regular fixing tacks with a pitch of about 50 mm. This method is designed to ensure that short-term, local impacts of welding cannot damage (burn out) the entire sealant, but only a small part of it in the immediate vicinity of the tacks, while most of the sealant after curing will perform its direct function.

Vacuum table dimensions.

Detailing the stiffening frame and the procedure for assembling the vacuum bath: the stiffening frame is welded, a steel sheet is welded to it, a stationary (lower) frame is hermetically welded along the perimeter of the steel sheet with a part of the swivel joint for attaching the lifting (upper) frame.

Photo of the vacuum table from below.
The stiffening frame is made partly from an angle profile.

Lifting (clamping,top)frame.

Frame material - profile pipe 60x40x2 mm. The dimensions of the pressure frame must be exactly the same as those of the vacuum bath. If it was not possible to find a sufficiently even (not bent, not twisted) profile, then it is necessary to select in advance in pairs several of the most even whips, from which parts of the vacuum table that are tightly adjacent to each other will be made.
The pressure frame will rise thanks to the adjustable swivel joints. The hinges are adjusted after gluing the sealant - strips of sheet rubber of medium hardness, about 2 mm thick.

Welded washers are needed to increase the friction area. The swivel pin is a D12 steel bar with threaded ends.

Gas lifts can be used to hold the pressure frame up. For safety reasons, it is recommended to install four gas lifts (two per side) and make sure that any three of them are able to hold the frame. If the opening angle of the frame (45°) turns out to be insufficient, the frame will cause significant inconvenience in work, it can be raised as far as possible up to an angle of slightly more than 90°, using the thermal module parked behind as a support (gas lifts are not used).

Clamps.

To securely and tightly hold the film during vacuum pressing, it is necessary to firmly and evenly press the upper frame to the perimeter of the vacuum bath, achieving a universal fit of the rubber seal. For these purposes, you can use various ready-made clamps, clamps, or you can make them yourself.
For the manufacture of homemade clamps working on the principle of an eccentric, you will need the following rolled steel: half a meter of a DU50 pipe (outer diameter of about 60 mm), two meters of a rod with a diameter of 10 mm, and about the same amount of a profile pipe with a cross section of 20x20x2 mm.

Firstly, the DU50 pipe is cut into 8 equal 60 mm segments. Each section of the pipe is finished with a semicircular central cut having a width of 10-11 mm and an arc length equal to 3/4 of the length of the outer circumference of the pipe. We will get 8 pieces of eccentric rotary cylinders, to which it is necessary to weld a handle 220 mm long from a square profile 20x20 mm.

Secondly, the steel bar is cut into 16 pieces: 8 pieces 190 mm long (for studs) and 8 pieces 55 mm long (for pivots). It is necessary to weld an M12 nut (or M10 with a drilled thread) to one end of the stud so that it can rotate freely on the pivot, and cut the M10x50 thread at the other end.

Thirdly, to complete the manufacture of the clamp, we weld the ends of the kingpin (with a nut with a welded stud previously put on it), to inner surface eccentric swivel cylinders.

To install the clamps on the vacuum table of the press, at eight points of the table, according to the project, they drill through holes 10 mm in diameter. After that, the upper holes are enlarged, giving them an oblong shape. Adjustment of the clamps is carried out by installing the combined nuts in the desired place of the thread of the stud, followed by fixing with locknuts. This operation is performed on last step manufacturing a vacuum table, after sticking a rubber seal.

Elements and dimensions of the swivel clamp.

Hooks for clamps are made of steel angle 50x50x3.

If it was not possible to achieve a flat surface of the table.

If during the welding process the sheet has undergone significant deformations that go beyond the permissible values, then pick up a grinder and cut off the welds, there is no need to redo everything again. It is possible to ensure a perfectly flat plane of the vacuum table additional measures, namely through the use of epoxy leveling compounds, which are used in the manufacture of filler floors. To do this, the vacuum table is set strictly according to the level, the required volume of bulk mass is determined (for example, using a test filling with water), the bottom of the vacuum bath is cleaned of rust, and primed. Fill with the prepared epoxy mixture according to the manufacturer's instructions. For reasons of economy, the mixture can be diluted with some cheap filler, such as quartz sand. To speed up the curing of the mixture after pouring, the table can be heated from above in a controlled manner with the heat from the thermal module. It makes sense to carry out this filling leveling operation after the vacuum press is fully ready, test samples of the product have been made, and a decision has been made on the need to improve the geometry of the working surface.

Estimated material for the vacuum table.

Upon completion of the main scope of work, the vacuum table is installed on the frame (on specially provided supports) and fixed at the corners with four bolts, as shown in the figure, after which they proceed to small jobs: installation and adjustment of clamps, adjustment of the hinge of the lifting frame, gluing the seal.

The metal structure begins to take shape of the future thermal vacuum press, but it still lacks many elements: vacuum system, thermal module, electrical control unit - which will be discussed in the following articles.