SYS-GRP Frequently Asked Questions

What type of vacuum pump can I use with SYS-GRP Vacuum Pods?

Our SYS-GRP Bench Grip Vacuum Pods can be used with any commercially available vacuum pump typically found in a shop setting. We have tested this with various budget pumps, VacuPress Compact 150 and higher and the Grabo Pro-Lifter. When paired with our Grabo Pro Adapter Kit and Grabo Pro-Lifter, you have a mobile solution suitable for job sites or when you need to bring the tool to the workpiece instead of the workpiece to the tool.

What size tubing fits the SYS-GRP vacuum pods?

All of our pods come with a 1/4" push to connecting fitting threaded into a #10-32 heat press insert to allow for a secure and reliable connection into the vacuum pod. These are a common and reliable available connection. Please check our store for different connection options we offer, but you can source them from other places as well.

We recommend the PU tubing to minimize kinks and maximize flexibility. Here is the tube we would recommend to build out your perfect system. Link to tubing

What is the difference between the different SYS-GRP Bench Grip Minimus variants?

The holding forces is the same for all three variants of pods, so the two main differences between the three options is..

Single Port vs Dual Port - The single port version requires a splitter / manifold for more than one pod to be used with your vacuum pump, whereas the dual port version allows you to string multiple units together as the vacuum is created between each chained pod.
Center Aligned Mounting Hole vs Offset Mounting Hole - Certain extrusions and work bench builds may require the SYS-GRP Bench Grip Minimus Offset to keep the top of the pod below the surface of the work area. For example using the top channel in the Dashboard PWS or 15 series extrusion with a 19mm (3/4in) work surface will have the standard pod sit proud, whereas the Offset pod will not.

What are the small black washers / gaskets that I received with my order?

The black gaskets that you received with your order are for use with our Bench Grip Minimus and Maximus series pods to complete the seal needed for optimal performance. With the fastener being inside of the vacuum area, to assure a seal, please place the washer behind the supplied flanged M6 bolt before inserting the fastener thru the pod and into your attachment point. If you need a different length fastener to anchor your pod to your required substrate, please make sure that you source a flange style M6 or 1/4" fastener to complete the seal.

How do I use the SYS-GRP Anchor Dog?

Please see this knowledge base article.

What are the differences between the two Shaper Plate variant offered? Do I need both the Maximus and the Corus?

Well if you are using the Shaper upside down on a roller coaster then order both…. But if you are not working in that highly dynamic environment pick the setup that works best for your application.

Seriously… the Corus version (aka ear muffs credit Eric Curtis for that description) were the original version and were going to be the only one. But when we received our 2 larger printers it opened up the door to the top mount and we pivoted to only releasing the Maximus version based on feedback from beta users. But when we sent the photo of the top mount Maximus to a different beta users he said he likes the earmuffs better, so we decided to offer both.

Holding force is appreciable the same on both, but the Corus may be slightly more rigid depending on where you mount them along the fixture rail. Mounted more towards the middle means there is less moment arm to cause rotation, but can interfere with operations if you get too far down and you need to cut to the extremes of the reticle.

Mostly this is a moot point as you have to TRY and move the plate rather aggressively. Normal operations it doesn’t move with either solution, so pick what best fits your workflows.

What if I want to use an elbow or some other push to connect fitting with my SYS-GRP pods?

All of our pods come with an installed #10-32 heat press insert to allow for a secure and reliable connection from the 1/4" push to connect fitting into the vacuum pod. Original designs attempted to use thread directly internal to the pods, but we found this to be leak and damage prone so utilizing a heat press insert fixed this issue AND opened up the possibilities to change fittings based on need.

Need an elbow to keep the 1/4" PU tubing out of the way, simple unscrew the original straight connector and thread on the new elbow. Please be aware there is no need to apply a great deal of torque on this connection, most quality push to connect fittings in with #10-32 threads come with a o-ring pre-installed. Simply snug the fitting up to prevent damage or leaking.

If you'd like a bit more piece of mind you can apply pipe thread sealant to the connection.

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SYS-GRP Frequently Asked Questions

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