Resources
How vacuum pressing works.
A vacuum press uses atmospheric pressure to clamp your work evenly over its whole surface, flat or curved. Here is how it works, and how to choose a system.
Resources
A vacuum press uses atmospheric pressure to clamp your work evenly over its whole surface, flat or curved. Here is how it works, and how to choose a system.
The principle
Your work goes inside a heavy-duty vacuum bag. The press draws the air out, and the weight of the atmosphere bears down on everything in the bag.
At 85% vacuum that is around 8.5 tonnes per square metre, spread evenly over the whole surface. No cauls, no clamps, no uneven glue lines.
Because the bag moulds itself to the shape inside it, you only need a one-piece former. The bag pushes your veneers or laminations down onto the former and holds them there while the glue cures.
Step by step
Make or choose your former, cut your veneers or laminations and spread adhesive evenly.
Place the lay-up on a platen or former inside the bag and seal the end.
Start the press. The gauge shows the vacuum rising as the bag pulls down onto the work.
Leave the work under pressure for the adhesive's recommended time.
Release the vacuum, open the bag and remove your finished part.
Choosing a system
Electric presses have their own vane pump. Venturi presses use compressed air, so they suit workshops that already run a suitable compressor.
| Specification | MiniPress MkII | Pro8 | Pro16 | Pro40 | BPPN21 venturi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Compressed air |
| Vacuum flow | 0.4 m³/h | 8 m³/h | 16 m³/h | 40 m³/h | 1.7 m³/h |
| Vacuum level | 85% | 85% | 85% | 85% | 85% |
| Ports | 1 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 1 |
| Standard bag | 800 × 1300mm | 2500 × 1300mm | 1300 × 2500mm | To be confirmed | 1300 × 2500mm |
| Air supply | Not needed | Not needed | Not needed | Not needed | 10 cfm FAD minimum |
| Best for | Schools, small work | Small workshops | Professional workshops | High production | Workshops with compressors |
Best for
Best for
A compact electric press is quiet, self-contained and easy to supervise.
Education systemsBest for
A single-port electric press handles veneering and most curved work.
Electric pressesBest for
Multi-port presses run several bags at once for higher output.
Multi-port pressesBest for
Columbus presses for joinery, fit-out and panel manufacturers.
Columbus pressesBest for
HiPro high-vacuum systems, supplied to special order.
Make an enquiryAt 85% vacuum, around 8.5 tonnes per square metre, spread evenly across the whole surface.
No. The bag provides the pressure from above, so a one-piece former is enough. We can CNC-cut formers to your shape.
Yes, on multi-port presses. The Pro8 runs up to two bags and the Pro16 up to four.
It depends on the job. D3 PVA suits most veneering, while epoxy and resorcinol suit structural or water-resistant work. Ask us if you are unsure.
Technical support from people who use this equipment daily
Tell us what you are pressing, how big it is and how often you press. We will recommend the right system, bag size and materials.