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Vacuum in CNC Processes

Consistent and reliable vacuum technology for clamping, handling and lifting, and dust cleaning.

sawdust_removal

What is the role of vacuum in CNC processes?

Vacuum plays an essential role in the advanced manufacturing of wooden products using CNC (computer numerical control) routers.
Vacuum enhances precision, ensures repeatable results, and streamlines manufacturing workflows, all while reducing maintenance needs.
It enhances precision, ensures repeatable results, and streamlines manufacturing workflows, all while reducing maintenance needs.

Our solutions provide a flexible approach to clamping, handling and lifting, and sawdust removal.

Explore our range of vacuum pumps and vacuum systems designed to excel in the demanding environments of CNC applications: From the start of the wood cutting process to the continuous removal of sawdust.
The central vacuum supply with claw vacuum pumps from Busch is the most cost-efficient vacuum supply solution for our CNC machines.
Herbert Frieß Group Engineering, ADA Möbelfabrik GmbH

Need vacuum for your process?

We will design your tailor-made vacuum solution.

Vacuum applications in woodworking

Several woodworking applications use vacuum. The journey of a workpiece starts by being fastened with vacuum and cut into the desired pieces. The freshly cut wooden pieces are transported to the next production step with handling and lifting equipment. And throughout the entire manufacturing process, dust is constantly being removed with the help of vacuum.
vacuum_handling_wood_industry

Clamping on CNC routers

Vacuum clamps securely fasten the workpiece, preventing any movement that can ruin the product. They are designed to hold wooden parts that are straight, curved, or have other complex shapes. A vacuum clamping system consists of multiple clamping elements, also known as suction pods. These are strategically placed to match the shape and size of the workpiece and do not leave any pressure marks or other damage to the wood.

Vacuum range
Clamping uses between 150 and 500 hPa (mbar) abs.

Matching products
vacuum_handling_suction_cups

Handling and lifting

Vacuum technology provides a reliable method for moving wooden parts through the entire production line. Vacuum suction cups, or grippers, create a strong and secure hold that adheres to the surface of the wooden panel. This enables effortless loading and unloading of wooden panels onto CNC routers, as well as the lifting and transportation to any desired location within the production process. As a result, efficiency and safety are increased, and manual labor is reduced.

Venturi ejectors, also known as vacuum ejectors, are often used for handling and lifting. However, they require high volumes of compressed air, which makes them inefficient. Vacuum pumps are far more effective as they consume significantly less energy and achieve much higher vacuum levels, resulting in increased holding power.

Vacuum range
Handling and lifting requires between 300 and 900 hPa (mbar) abs.

Matching products
sawdust_removal

Sawdust removal

Large amounts of sawdust are produced during various steps of CNC processes. A vacuum-based collection system effectively prevents accumulation over time by consistently removing dust and debris. This helps maintain a clean and safe working environment while prolonging the service life and performance of a CNC router.

Vacuum range
Dust cleaning uses between 800 and 900 hPa (mbar) abs.

Busch vacuum technology for CNC

Designing a solution with the right vacuum level and pump size is key to ensuring smooth and reliable operation, with the lowest energy consumption and maintenance costs. Our extensive product portfolio offers the ideal solution for any CNC process.

Vacuum pumps
For example, our MINK dry claw vacuum pumps as well as R5 and SECO rotary vane vacuum pumps are the perfect choice for clamping. For handling and lifting, our SAMOS side channel blowers, as well as MINK and SECO provide an optimal hold. MINK and SAMOS are also ideal for the removal of sawdust.

Vacuum systems
Besides individual vacuum pumps, Busch also offers customized vacuum systems tailored to your CNC process. Increase your energy savings and benefit from higher uptime and reliability. Installed in a special equipment room, separate from production areas, profit from reduced noise levels and heat emissions. With more than 60 years of experience, we are the leading provider of tailor-made vacuum systems.

Contact us to find out which pump fits your needs best.

 
Clamping on CNC routers
Handling and lifting
Sawdust removal
 
 
Vacuum pumps
 
 
 
MINK
R5
 
 
SECO
 
Blowers
 
 
 
SAMOS
 

Success stories

  • Energy Savings Thanks to the Right Choice of Vacuum Supply

    Energy Savings Thanks to the Right Choice of Vacuum Supply

    Holzbearbeitung Kraus GmbH

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  • Vacuum in Woodworking – Part 4

    Vacuum in Woodworking – Part 4

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  • Vacuum in Woodworking – Part 3

    Vacuum in Woodworking – Part 3

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  • Vacuum in Woodworking – Part 2

    Vacuum in Woodworking – Part 2

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  • Vacuum in Woodworking – Part 1

    Vacuum in Woodworking – Part 1

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  • Secure Clamping of Small Panels with Vacuum

    Secure Clamping of Small Panels with Vacuum

    ASSTEC

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  • Enormous Energy Savings Thanks to the Right Choice of Vacuum Generation

    Enormous Energy Savings Thanks to the Right Choice of Vacuum Generation

    Tvilum

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  • Efficient Vacuum Supply for Motor Home Production

    Efficient Vacuum Supply for Motor Home Production

    Dethleffs GmbH & Co. KG

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  • Saving Energy when Generating Vacuum for Clamping Aluminum Sheets

    Saving Energy when Generating Vacuum for Clamping Aluminum Sheets

    A&T Group

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  • Huge Energy Savings with Centralized Vacuum Concept

    Huge Energy Savings with Centralized Vacuum Concept

    Capron GmbH

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  • Economical and Reliable Vacuum Clamping for the Production of Seating Furniture

    Economical and Reliable Vacuum Clamping for the Production of Seating Furniture

    Kvist Industries

    Learn more

FAQ

What is a CNC router?

A CNC router is used to cut wood panels into specific shapes and sizes, depending on the end product. It is a process that requires a constant and powerful vacuum supply to hold the workpiece during cutting, as well as precise programming and cutting tools.

Why does my CNC router need vacuum?

A CNC router can also be operated manually. However, it is more efficient with vacuum. Vacuum securely fastens wooden panels during the CNC process and ensures consistent product quality. It increases stability and eliminates any potential movement, shifts or vibrations that may otherwise compromise the precision of the cutting process.

Thanks to vacuum technology, CNC routers can quickly and efficiently handle a wide range of materials. For example, walnut wood weighs more than bamboo. Based on the specific requirements of each material, the vacuum level can easily be adjusted for clamping, as well as handling and lifting.

What are the benefits of vacuum in CNC proccess?

A CNC router that uses vacuum is more accurate than a manual machine and ensures consistent product quality.

Vacuum clamps are strategically placed to match the shape and size of the workpiece and do not leave any pressure marks or other damage to the wood. The cutting process is repeatable and precise. CNC routers also increase production speed and efficiency.

Vacuum plays an essential role in CNC processes, as it securely fastens wooden panels during cutting processes and ensures accuracy and consistency.

Benefits of Busch vacuum technology in CNC processes

Cost Reduction
Reduce your energy costs with our vacuum generators. MINK dry claw vacuum pumps, for example, are the ideal choice for clamping, handling and lifting, and the removal of sawdust.

Thanks to their sophisticated design, they achieve exceptionally high energy efficiency levels. In comparison to conventional vacuum generators of the same output, our MINK MV series can reduce overall operating costs by up to 50%.

Comfortable working environment
Transform your CNC workspace with the optimized sound insulation of our MINK dry claw vacuum pumps, manufactured according to the latest developments in acoustic design.

Thanks to internal silencers and a dynamically balanced impeller of aluminum alloy, our SAMOS side channel blowers are characterized by very low vibration and noise levels.

This makes MINK and SAMOS the optimal choice for handling and lifting applications in the immediate vicinity of CNC workstations.

Increased productivity
Maximize your output with vacuum solutions from Busch that are specially designed for dependable industrial vacuum generation.

Our MINK dry claw vacuum pumps, SAMOS side channel blowers and SECO dry-running rotary vane vacuum pumps are characterized by operational reliability and minimal maintenance thanks to their dry operating principle.

Less maintenance
Focus on your CNC process without worrying about frequent servicing tasks.

The contact-free operating principle of our MINK dry claw vacuum pumps and SAMOS side channel blowers provides the benefit of nearly maintenance-free operation. None of the internal moving parts come in contact with each other. Components are not subject to wear, and servicing tasks are reduced to a minimum.

The all-in-one solution
Optimize your CNC process by maximizing benefits with a vacuum system.

Usually, each CNC router is connected to one vacuum pump. A centralized vacuum system efficiently delivers vacuum to various points of use. This eliminates the need for multiple vacuum pumps to maintain the desired vacuum level. By installing fewer vacuum pumps, energy costs can be decreased by up to 70%. In addition, you can benefit from further noise reduction by installing the system in a separate room.

Building a system solution is always a joint undertaking. We work together on each step to create a fully operational, sustainable, and custom-fit system. Each solution is reliable, energy-saving, sustainable, and cost-efficient while still complying with location regulations. Contact us to get started!

Which vacuum solution is best for CNC processes?

Busch offers several vacuum solutions for CNC processes. The ideal solution depends on the requirements of your process.

Our MINK dry claw vacuum pumps as well as R5 and SECO rotary vane vacuum pumps are the perfect choice for clamping.

For handling and lifting, our SAMOS side channel blowers, as well as MINK and SECO provide an optimal hold.

MINK and SAMOS are also ideal for the removal of sawdust.

To find out which solution fits your needs best, get in touch with our Busch experts.

What size vacuum pump do I need for my CNC process?

The size of the vacuum pump depends on factors like the size of your CNC router, the type of material you are working with, and the desired holding force.

Contact us to find out which vacuum pump fits your needs best. Our Busch experts are happy to help!

How do I know which vacuum level I need for my CNC router?

It depends on the material and CNC process.

Clamping uses between 150 – 500 hPa (mbar) abs., while 300 – 900 hPa (mbar) abs is used for handling and lifting. And all materials weigh differently. For example, walnut wood is heavier than bamboo. It is essential to select the right vacuum level to ensure that the material you are using is securely fastened during all CNC processes.

Your local Busch expert is happy to help you find the right vacuum solution for your process. Contact us!

What is the difference between a vacuum table and a vacuum clamp?

They differ in their structure and how they hold workpieces.

Vacuum tables have a flat surface area with evenly distributed suction holes, resulting in a large suction area that holds down the entire wooden panel. Unlike clamping systems, they are often used for engraving.

A vacuum clamping system consists of several suction cups or pods. These can be positioned and adjusted to match the shape and size of the wooden panel, providing a high level of adaptability.

What is the difference between a CNC router and a CNC router table?

A CNC router is used to cut wood panels into specific shapes and sizes, depending on the end product. It is an automated machine that uses a constant and powerful vacuum supply, as well as precise programming and cutting tools.

On the other hand, CNC router tables have a handheld router that is fixed beneath a table, allowing the cutter to go through and be positioned vertically above the table’s surface. The material has to be moved manually from right to left, and the cutting possibilities are limited by the cutter’s length and diameter.

Do I need a vacuum table with a CNC router?

It depends on your specific application and the materials you are working with. For example, if you want to work with wooden parts that are curved, or have other complex shapes, then it is ideal to use vacuum clamps instead of a vacuum table.

Contact us to find out which vacuum solution fits your needs best. Our Busch experts are happy to help!

How does a vacuum clamping system work?

A vacuum clamping system consists of clamping elements called suction cups or pods. These use vacuum to clamp the workpiece, creating a secure hold that prevents unwanted movement.

Can you pull vacuum through MDF?

Yes, it is possible to pull vacuum through MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) as it is a very porous material. It should be noted that the density and thickness of the MDF, as well as the vacuum level, can influence the effectiveness of pulling vacuum through MDF.

Contact us to find out which vacuum solution fits your needs best. Our Busch experts are happy to help!

Why are vacuum pumps more effective than venturi ejectors?

Venturi ejectors, also called vacuum ejectors, use compressed air or steam to generate vacuum.

A high-pressure stream, also called motive, is forced through a nozzle and converts pressure into velocity. A low-pressure area is created around the tip of the nozzle, called the suction chamber, which draws in a second gas from a process vessel. The two gases mix, forming a double gas stream. As it travels through the discharge side, the double gas stream slows down and regains pressure before it is discharged through a silencer. This process is known as the Venturi effect, named after the Italian scientist Giovanni Battista Venturi (1746-1822).

Vacuum pumps are more effective than venturi ejectors in every way. They consume significantly less energy, do not use compressed air, and, most importantly, achieve much higher vacuum levels. Venturi ejectors are actually only suitable for processes in which an excess of compressed air is available.

How much energy can I save by using a vacuum pump instead of venturi ejectors?

Energy costs can be reduced by up to 90% with a vacuum pump from Busch.Vacuum pumps also require less maintenance and are quieter during operation.

Our Busch service experts are happy to provide you with an estimate of how much your energy costs can be reduced by replacing venturi ejectors with vacuum pumps. Contact us to find out which pump fits your needs best.