Vacuum device for holding workpieces

摘要

A vacuum pump operated vacuum pad (35) is utilized as a vacuum base (22) for a workpiece clamping mechanism (11). In one embodiment, the clamping mechanism (11) is solidly connected to a rigid base plate (36) which is solidly affixed to the vacuum pad (35). In use, the vacuum pad (35) is vacuum bonded to a mounting surface (23), thereby rigidly but temporarily anchoring the clamping mechanism (11) in place so that objects may be secured therein and operated on.