The whys and hows of using vacuum pumps for woodworking

Vacuum technology is versatile and has many interesting applications. The woodworking industry is a space where the use of vacuum pumps ensures efficiency and accuracy for different activities. The benefits of a well applied vacuum system are undeniable - effectively allowing manufacturers to not only boost their productivity but also lower costs, especially when you compare it to other conventional methods.

Vacuum pumps continually prove to be a safe and efficient tool for wood carving, holding the workpiece or even used for lifting etc. There are several uses for Atlas Copco vacuum pumps in woodworking. 

A CNC router is a type of computer-controlled machine that is used to drill, cut or carve into materials like metal or wood. Many of our everyday items like cabinets, furniture items, doors and other wooden items are frequently made by CNC routing.

But to carve into a workpiece properly, it needs to be held down securely, with no chance of movement or accidental shifting. For that, vacuum pumps come to the rescue. They are ideal for keeping soft materials like wood in place. Stable and consistent vacuum levels are necessary to ensure a strong clamping of wood. Physical clamps and grips would damage the workpiece and leave pressure marks. The result would be more defective products and waste.

The holding force of vacuum pumps are not just useful during the carving and cutting stage. It is also a good choice for securely holding, handling, shifting and transporting the wooden items around. 

We’ve talked about vacuum pumps being useful for CNC routing and other woodworking applications but utility is just the tip of the iceberg. Our Atlas Copco pumps are designed to ensure energy-efficiency and lower costs of ownership for manufacturers.

• More control: Stable and consistent vacuum levels are necessary to ensure a secure clamping of wood and Atlas Copco vacuum pumps deliver more control for intricate CNC routing needs. 

• High-volume production: More control also means faster machining and higher productivity allowing you to increase your output.

• Energy-efficiency: Our pumps also come with Variable Speed Drive technology (VSD) that adjusts vacuum pump operating speed according to demand. Regulating and reducing power consumption, helping you save on electricity costs.

• Fewer defects: The enhanced precision that you can achieve while using vacuum technology delivering stable performance reduces the risk of defects in the final product, leading to better quality final products. 

• Reduced labor costs: Automating your processes with vacuum pumps allows you reduce your labor costs and increase efficiency. 

• Ease of use: When using the Atlas Copco vacuum range, you also have the added benefit of being able control your pump better with the HEX@™ controller and manage it remotely with the Atlas Copco VSD⁺ app. 

There are different factors to consider when choosing a pump for your woodworking needs, workplace environment and number of CNC tables can determine which type of system you choose. Generally speaking, our DZS VSD+ A series dry claw vacuum pumps and  GHS VSD+ rotary screw vacuum pumps are excellent choices for woodworking applications.

But no matter which model or technology you choose, there’s no denying value of vacuum in woodworking.

Explore all other different industries our pumps are supporting.