Vacuum Workholding for CNC Machining – Videos, Applications & Solutions

Vacuum workholding is one of the most efficient ways to hold flat, thin, and sensitive materials during CNC machining. It helps reduce setup time, improves access to the workpiece surface, and supports precise, repeatable results across a wide range of applications.

On this page, you can explore real-world vacuum workholding videos, learn how different systems are used, and discover solutions for CNC machining with vacuum tables, pumps, and related clamping technology.
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What Is Vacuum Workholding?

Vacuum workholding uses negative pressure to securely hold a workpiece in place during machining. Instead of relying only on mechanical clamps, the system creates holding force across the part surface, which can improve accessibility and reduce setup complexity.

This makes vacuum workholding especially useful for materials that are thin, large-format, delicate, or difficult to clamp with traditional methods.
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Common Applications for Vacuum Workholding

Vacuum workholding is used in many CNC machining environments where precision, speed, and accessibility matter. Typical applications include:

Machining aluminum plates and non-ferrous metals
Holding plastics, composites, and technical materials
Processing wood, MDF, and nested parts
Securing thin or delicate workpieces
Improving access for surface machining and through-cutting processes

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Vacuum Workholding in Action

The videos below show real vacuum workholding solutions in use, including grid vacuum tables, vacuum pumps, magnetic chucks, and practical CNC setups. These examples help illustrate how different systems perform in real machining environments.

We show our RAL-Pro grid vacuum table and what you can do with it.

We show our R series grid vacuum table and what you can do with it.

A universally usable multifunctional vacuum table equipped with threaded bushings grid type all over the surface.

See what you can do with our fantastic Clamping-Force-Booster.

A pneumatic clamp from our team. We show you how to work with this very nice tool.

We show how to work with a Quad Extra magnetic milling chuck.

See how strong vacuum clamping can be. Don't do that at home, please.

We show how to set up and work with our vacuum pump L.S.V.U. - ST Series.

We show how to work with a MillTec magnetic milling chuck.

We show you how to work with our VacEasy vacuum pads. For example, we tool a massive beech wood plate.

We show a new way to clamp workpieces. Very strong clamping force by combining vacuum pads and sticky foil.

We tested the clamping force of some of our products. See the results.

Vacuum pump vs. industrial vacuum cleaner. Who can do what and who can do better?

This tutorial shows how to set up our RAL vacuum tables, from attaching to working on a CNC milling machine.

This tutorial shows how to set up our SEAL vacuum tables, from attaching to working on a CNC milling machine.

This tutorial shows what is possible with a T-slot plate and how to work with it.

Look how to work with our pad grid plate.

Benefits of Vacuum Workholding

Reduced setup time
Improved access to the workpiece surface
Reliable holding for flat and thin materials
Cleaner setups with fewer mechanical obstructions
Efficient support for repetitive machining processes

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Explore Our Vacuum Workholding Solutions

Looking for the right solution for your application? Explore our range of vacuum workholding systems and accessories:

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Need Help Choosing the Right Vacuum Workholding Setup?

Every machining application is different. If you are working with specific materials, dimensions, or process requirements, we are happy to help you find the right vacuum workholding solution.