This guide covers complete Hub installation from valve assembly through panel mounting. Follow these steps to set up centralized vacuum control for your SYS-GRP workholding system.
Phase | Do this | Pass check |
Valve setup | Configure ports (R source, A endpoint, P plugged) + assemble fittings | Leak test passes with A capped |
Release setup | Install release upstream; ensure P is open to atmosphere | Fast bleed-down on release |
Panel assembly | Join panels with dovetails + wings | Panels flush, hardware tight |
Panel mounting | Mount to MFT/3, Dashboard PWS, or extrusion method | Stable mount, clearance OK |
Vacuum routing | Route, secure, and label lines | No snag points, labels make sense |
System leak testing | Test each line + isolation + release | Each zone holds, release dumps cleanly |
Before you begin
Category | Checklist |
What you’ll need | Hub panel components (release and valve panels)
M5 or M6 fasteners (depending on mounting surface)
M5 or M6 rail inserts (depending on mounting surface)
Allen keys (ball-headed recommended for tight spaces)
Thread sealant (Teflon tape or appropriate paste for valve threads) |
Compatibility check | Confirm your bench system: MFT/3, Dashboard PWS, or extrusion profiles
Verify tubing size matches your vacuum source and endpoints
Check clearance near dog holes and rail channels |
Step 1: Valve setup
Route and label once, then forget it. For the standard valve, ports behave as follows:
Port configuration
- Source → R port: Connect your vacuum source line to R
- Out to endpoint → A port: Run A to the end target (AnchorPod, BenchGrip, Hydraeus, FS Rail, etc.)
- Plug P port: Cap or plug P to prevent leaks
Assembly instructions
- Verify thread type: Check if valve uses NPT or BSP threads
- Apply sealant: Use appropriate Teflon tape or paste for thread type
- Confirm flow direction: Check valve body marking before tightening
- Install fittings: Attach push-to-connect fittings to R and A ports
- Plug P port: Install cap or plug on P port
- Hand-tighten first: Snug all connections by hand before using tools
- Final tightening: Use wrench to secure fittings without over-torquing
Leak testing
- Cap the A port (endpoint side)
- Connect vacuum source to R port
- Open valve and listen for air leaks
- Check all threaded connections and fittings
- Adjust sealant or fittings if you hear hissing
Advisory — Valve selection and setup
Our current recommended valves are commonly used in pneumatically actuated systems. For vacuum use, correct fittings, plugs, and orientation are critical.
- Verify thread types (NPT vs BSP), sealant approach, and flow direction before assembly
- Cap any unused ports with appropriate plugs to prevent leaks
- Poorly sealed ports will degrade holding performance across all zones
- After assembly, leak-test each zone and the master release path before production use
Step 2: Release setup
Place the release upstream (before your zones) if you want a one-motion dump across everything.
Plumbing order
Standard configuration:
Source → R on the release → A out to the manifold/distribution block (or directly to a valve)
Important: Leave P port unobstructed. P must be open to atmosphere for vacuum to dump quickly during changeovers.
Alternative configurations
Per-zone release:
If you only want certain zones to dump, position the release downstream of the manifold and isolate lines with their valves first.
Assembly tips
- Label the release handle/knob clearly so operators know which valve dumps vacuum
- Keep the path to P port free of debris to ensure fast bleed-down
- Test release action before connecting endpoints to verify proper operation
- Position for operator access so release is easy to reach during task changes
Step 3: Panel assembly
Before mounting the panel to your workbench or desired location, join the panels using the integrated dovetails and wing assemblies.
Joining panels
- Arrange panels in desired order: Place release and valve panels in sequence
- Align dovetails: Slide panels together using integrated dovetail connections
- Install wing assemblies: Secure panels with provided wing hardware
- Verify alignment: Check that panels are flush and connections are tight
You can place the release and valve panels in any order you like. Once joined, proceed to mounting.
Step 4: Panel mounting
Choose the mounting method that matches your bench system.
Festool MFT/3
Undermount setup using bottom rail channel:
- Insert M5 rail insert into the bottom rail channel
- Prepare M5 fastener with O-ring over the fastener to aid in installation
- Attach first wing to the rail insert with the panel assembly swung out to allow for easier access and alignment
- Insert second M5 rail insert and swing panel assembly back into place
- Align and tighten: Align M5 insert with fastener and tighten M5 fastener using a ball-headed allen key
- Add components: Install release and valve assemblies if not already attached
Dashboard PWS
Using Dashboard PWS Adapter brackets:
The Dashboard PWS does not have bottom rail channels, so you'll use adapter brackets or drill and tap M5 mounting locations on the underside.
- Attach adapter brackets to your panel assembly using the M5 fasteners provided with your Hub components
- Insert M6 rail insert into the lower rail channel of your Dashboard PWS
- Attach panel assembly to the lower rail using the provided M6 fasteners into the M6 rail inserts
- You may need to use washers to provide adequate clearance for the M6 fastener to completely tighten down
Alternative: Direct mounting
Drill and tap M5 mounting locations on the underside of your Dashboard if you'd like to keep your rail unencumbered.
Extrusion Profiles (Metric 30, 40, 45 series or Imperial 15 series)
Simplified setup for custom extrusion:
- Follow MFT/3 instructions as starting point
- Pre-install rail inserts on panel assembly before sliding them into the bottom channel (simplifies setup)
- Slide inserts into extrusion channel and position panel where desired
- Tighten fasteners to secure panel to extrusion
Step 5: Vacuum routing
- Mount the hub to a plate, panel, or bench rail where lines won't snag
- Connect supply to source with shortest practical run
- Route output lines along edges: Avoid sharp radii and abrasion points
- Label each line by station: Use tags for Pods A/B, Rail, Utility, etc.
- Secure tubing: Use cable ties or clips to prevent movement and wear
Step 6: Leak testing
- Cap one output line at the endpoint
- Connect vacuum source and power on
- Open valve for capped line and listen for leaks
- Check all fittings: Inspect valves, release, manifold connections
- Verify isolation: Close valve and confirm vacuum drops on that line only
- Test release: Activate release and verify fast bleed-down
- Repeat for each line to confirm proper operation
- Adjust fittings if you hear hissing: Re-seal or tighten as needed
Troubleshooting installation issues
Vacuum won't hold on any line:
- Check P port on valves — must be plugged
- Verify thread sealant on all connections
- Inspect manifold for cracks or loose fittings
One line won't hold, others work fine:
- Isolate the problem line and leak-test separately
- Check valve orientation (flow direction)
- Verify endpoint connection is secure
Release doesn't dump vacuum quickly:
- Confirm P port on release is open to atmosphere
- Check for obstructions in release path
- Verify release valve is fully opening
Panel mounting feels unstable:
- Check that rail inserts are properly seated
- Verify fastener size matches rail insert size
- Add washers if needed for proper clearance
Next steps
- Daily operation: See SYS-GRP Hub Operation, Maintenance & FAQ for workflow tips and routine care
- System overview: See SYS-GRP Hub Overview & Configuration to understand hub sizing and configurations
- Vacuum sources: See SYS-GRP Vacuum Source Options for pump sizing and compatibility
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