Vacuum Gasket
- 1/8" diameter closed-cell foam
- Chemical and coolant resistant
- 50-ft rolls
The SmartVac 3 Vacuum System
A simple and streamlined solution for vacuum chuck workholding. The SmartVac 3 provides serious holding power without requiring an expensive and cumbersome electric vacuum pump. Just connect to your shop air and start holding.
SmartVac 3 Vacuum Power Unit (SV3-VPU)
The SV3-VPU generates 28 inches of Hg (14 PSI) using only 0.8 CFM of compressed air — no electric pump needed.
- Anodized and laser-engraved
- 1/8"-27 NPT inlets
- Built-in vacuum indicator button
- Filter-free exhaust port
- Low maintenance design
SmartVac Top Plates
Ground flat within 0.002", with 18 RMS surface finish and 0.001" positioning repeatability.
Accessories
Slotting Endmill (SV3-Endmill)
- 3-flute solid carbide
- 0.118" cutting diameter, 0.1875" shank
- Speeds: 250 SFM, 0.001 IPT (8100 RPM, 24 IPM)
- 0.100" max DOC
Twin Base Kit
Bolt two bases together for wider coverage.
Buy Twin Base KitConnection Kit (SV3-Connection)
- All necessary fittings and air lines
SmartVac Videos
Overview: SmartVac Vacuum System
Overview: Top Plates
Overview: Vacuum Gasket
Must Watch: Top 10 Vacuum Workholding Tips
Must Watch: Fine tune your gasket DIAMETER
Making a 1 off part with the Vacuum Pallet
How to quadruple your feed rate
Designing a custom Top Plate
Machining Multiple Parts Per Cycle
Vacuum Workholding for Small Parts
Vacuum Workholding: The Breakout Method
Top Plate Layout for Complicated Geometries
Troubleshooting a Customer's Top Plate
VacWatch Zero Setup (Current Model)
Setup and Operation for the Original VacWatch
Installing the Original VacWatch on a Haas Mill
Easily Clean the Vacuum Power Unit
Frequently Asked Questions
How powerful is the holding force?
The holding force is determined by the area of the vacuum seal and the vacuum level. A 9.5×14 chuck at 28" Hg pulls approximately 1,800 lbs of downward force. Actual force depends on part geometry and gasket groove layout.
What types of parts can the SmartVac hold?
The system works best with flat-bottomed parts with a smooth surface finish. It can hold aluminum, steel, plastic, wood, and composites. Parts with holes or complex geometry can still be held using the breakout method or custom top plates.
How does it compare to other vacuum chuck systems?
The SmartVac 3 uses compressed shop air instead of an electric vacuum pump. This makes it significantly less expensive, quieter, and easier to install. The VPU generates 28" Hg — comparable to most electric pumps.
How do I hold odd-shaped parts with holes?
Use the breakout method — route your gasket groove around the features you want to avoid, isolating them from the vacuum zone. You can also use custom top plates with your specific part profile milled in.
What are the gasket groove dimensions?
The recommended gasket groove is 0.125" wide × 0.090" deep (1/8" wide, about 3/32" deep). The SV3-Endmill is designed specifically for cutting this groove.
Can I use it with larger parts than the chuck?
Yes — use multiple chucks run from a single VPU, or use the Twin Base Kit to bolt two bases together for wider coverage.
Can I run multiple chucks from one VPU?
Yes. One VPU can run multiple chucks simultaneously as long as total air consumption stays within the VPU's 0.8 CFM output. For high-demand setups, add a second VPU.
Where can I purchase the SmartVac system?
Order online at store.piersonworkholding.com or call us at (800) 352-2894 Monday–Friday 6:30am–3:30pm PST.