Using The T-Slot Table - Vision VR48 4 Series User Manual

Operation 99
5.6

Using the T-Slot Table

There are many ways to hold material down to the T-Slot Table. You can use double-sided tape, Multi
Mat hold down material, or clamps and fixtures. Double-sided tape or Multi Mat material are available
from your Vision Distributor or directly from Vision.
Hold Down Techniques
Holding material in place is critical for engraving and cutting applications. The Multi Mat material is
useful for both applications, but using double-sided tape or a spray adhesive can be a better choice for
some applications. For most materials and engraving applications, the Multi Mat material is the easiest
to use. Simply place it on the table and place the material to be engraved on top of it. When cutting
completely through, or kiss-cutting materials, care must be taken to not cut too far through the material,
or the Multi Mat will be slightly cut in the process. The most common approach to cutting when using
the Multi Mat is to set the cut depth using the machines micrometer or the "stacked material method" as
described below and in the section on Profile Cutting. When using the micrometer, the material
thickness should be measured with calipers. Keep in mind that some materials can vary in thickness
and there may be areas that remain uncut. For a detailed explanation on the use of the micrometer for
setting cutting depth, see Level 1 Example Job 4 in the Profile Cutting section.
Stacked Material Method
Many times, double sided tape can be a quick and very secure way to hold material down to the table.
The downside to using tape is that it will remain on the table and can be a problem to remove. A better
solution is to place Multi Mat material on the table, then place a piece of sacrificial material (of the
same type as being cut) on top of the Multi Mat. Then apply double-sided tape to the top of the
sacrificial material and place the material to be cut on top of the sacrificial material. In this manner,
while the machine is engraving or cutting other jobs, the sacrificial material/cut material can be
removed and separated by the user, making better use of machine time and allowing for easier clean
up. Note - if double-sided tape is used, be careful to cover a sufficient area to keep the material in
place and also to hold smaller pieces in place so they to not move when the last section of the small
piece is cut.
Spray Adhesives
Using a spray adhesive, in conjunction with "transfer tape" or "application tape" is yet another method
often used. The table is covered with a piece of sacrificial material, which is clamped in place. The
sacrificial material is then covered with transfer tape on its top surface and a spray adhesive is applied
on top of the tape. Then, the material to be cut should have transfer tape applied to its back side and
adhesive sprayed on to the transfer tape. Place the material to be cut, tape/adhesive side down, on to
the sacrificial material. This is a very secure way to cut through materials and once cutting is finished,
the tape/adhesive can be easily removed from the back sides of cut pieces. This is best used for
cutting out small parts.
Clamps and Fixtures
Many clamps and fixtures are available to assist in holding materials in place. For an overview of the
standard items available, please refer to the Optional Accessories section of this manual.
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