Technical specifications, holding force, and performance characteristics
Holding Force
Depends on:
- Vacuum level (measured in inches of mercury or kPa)
- Surface quality and porosity
- Gasket contact area
- Workpiece flatness
Suitable applications:
- Staging and layout
- Sanding and finishing
- Routing and light machining
- Edge work and trimming
Performance note: Holding force increases with vacuum level and contact area. Multiple AnchorPods distribute load and resist torque for larger or heavier parts.
Workpiece Size & Weight
Single AnchorPod:
- Small to medium panels (up to ~600 mm × 600 mm / 24" × 24")
- Light finishing and sanding operations
- Avoid aggressive side-loads
Two AnchorPods:
- Medium panels and assemblies
- Two-point support for controlled operations
Three to four AnchorPods:
- Large panels and heavier parts
- Triangulated or rectangular layouts
- Machining operations with proper support
General rule: Use as many AnchorPods as needed to distribute load and resist torque. Add AnchorPods at corners and mid-spans for large workpieces.
Materials & Temperature
Gasket compatibility:
- Common woods (hardwood, plywood, MDF)
- Plastics (acrylic, HDPE, polycarbonate)
- Non-abrasive metals (aluminum, brass)
Not recommended:
- Hot surfaces (allow to cool before clamping)
- Solvents or chemicals that degrade EPDM
- Sharp edges directly contacting the gasket
Temperature limits:
- EPDM gaskets: Ambient workshop temperatures
- Avoid thermal shock or extreme heat
Noise & Airflow
Noise level: Depends on vacuum source. Refer to Vacuum Sources for AnchorPod for typical characteristics of different pumps and units.
Airflow requirements: Vacuum pumps maintain pressure against small leaks. Higher airflow pumps recover faster when the seal is broken and re-established.
Dog Hole Fit
20 mm variant:
- Designed for true 20 mm dog holes
- Tolerances: ±0.1 mm for optimal seal
3/4 in variant:
- Designed for standard 3/4 in dog holes
- Tolerances: ±0.005 in for optimal seal
Important: Worn, oversized, or damaged dog holes reduce sealing effectiveness. Inspect holes before installation.
Maintenance Requirements
Consumables:
- Gaskets (EPDM foam) — replace when worn or damaged
Cleaning:
- Wipe contact surfaces after each use
- Keep gaskets free of debris and dust
- Clean pod face regularly
Storage:
- Store pods flat or in Systainer fitouts
- Avoid creasing or imprinting gaskets on hard edges
For detailed maintenance procedures, see AnchorPod Maintenance Guide.
Warranty
Covered by FORG3D's standard limited warranty. View warranty details.
Next Steps
→ Need vacuum guidance? See Vacuum Sources for AnchorPod
→ Questions about setup? See AnchorPod Setup: Installation Guide
→ Planning multi-pod layouts? See Multi-Pod Layouts: Positioning for Large Parts
Powered by