SYS-GRP Hub Guide & FAQ

What it is (at a glance)

Think of the Hub as the switchboard for vacuum in your shop. Instead of chasing hoses back to a pump or a Nexus every time you change tasks, you make one small move at the bench and the system responds — route a new line, isolate a station, or release safely before you lift.

  • A centralized vacuum control block for SYS-GRP workflows
  • Integrates on bench, cart, or panel with quick connects
  • Provides three core functions: route, isolate, and release

Core components

  • Supply port: main feed from your vacuum source (pump or Nexus+Grabo)
  • Distribution manifold: 2–4 port options for pods/rails
  • Inline valves: per-line isolation to add/remove stations without power-cycling
  • Master release: fast, controlled bleed-down across selected lines
  • Mounting pattern: bench plate / panel mounts compatible with SYS-PLT patterns
  • Quick connects: push-to-connect fittings sized for common SYS-GRP tubing

Where it fits in the system

  • Between your source (pump or Nexus Baseplate) and your workholding endpoints (AnchorPod, BenchGrip, Hydraeus, FS Rail Pods)
  • Lives near the operator so you can route lines cleanly and release without reaching the source

Recommended configurations

Pick the hub size by how many simultaneous jobs you run. A small bench needs a simple split; a station with rails and pods benefits from extra lines and a second release. Here’s a practical way to decide:

2-Line Mini (Bench / Cart)

  • One supply in, two outputs
  • Ideal for small benches and single-operator jobs

4-Line Bench (Station)

  • One supply in, four outputs
  • For multi-pod layouts, FS Rail work plus an extra utility line

Mobile Rig (Van / Site)

  • Panel-mounted hub near door or rack with labeled lines for bench, rails, and spare

Installation and setup

Valve setup (using the recommended valve)

Route and label once, then forget it. For the standard valve, ports behave as follows:

  • Source → R port: connect your vacuum source line to R
  • Out to endpoint → A port: run A to the end target (AnchorPod, BenchGrip, Hydraeus, FS Rail, etc.)
  • Plug P port: cap/plug P to prevent leaks

Notes

  • Confirm thread type (NPT vs BSP) and use appropriate sealant.
  • Verify flow direction on the valve body before tightening.
  • After assembly, leak-test A with the endpoint capped to confirm isolation.

Release setup (using the recommended release)

Place the release upstream (before your zones) if you want a one-motion dump across everything.

  • Plumbing order: Source → R on the release → A out to the manifold/distribution block (or directly to a valve)
  • Leave P port unobstructed: P must be open to atmosphere for vacuum to dump quickly during changeovers

Tips

  • If you only want certain zones to dump, position the release downstream of the manifold and isolate lines with their valves first.
  • Label the release handle/knob clearly and keep the path to P free of debris.
  1. Mount the hub to a plate, panel, or bench rail where lines won’t snag
  2. Connect supply to source with shortest practical run
  3. Route output lines along edges; avoid sharp radii and abrasion points
  4. Label each line by station (Pods A/B, Rail, Utility)
  5. Leak test: cap one output and verify others hold; adjust fittings if you hear hiss

Panel Setup

Before you being mounting the panel(s) to your workbench or desired location, you must first join the panels by using the integrated dovetails and wing assemblies.  You can place the release and switch panel(s) in any order you like.  Once you have them joined, you are going to mount it to your workbench

Festool MFT/3

  • With the Festool MFT/3, you are going to utilize the undermount setup by placing the supplied M5 rail insert into the bottom rail channel

  • Insert the provided M5 fastener into the wing and place the provide o-ring over the fastener to aid in installation

  • Attach the first wing to the rail insert with the panel assembly 'swung out' to allow for easier access and alignment

  • Insert second M5 rail insert and swing panel assembly back into place, align M5 insert with fastener and then tighten M5 fastener using a ball-headed allen key

  • You can now add release and valve assemblies if you have not already done so

Dashboard PWS

  • With the Dashboard PWS MFT/3, you are going to utilize our Dashboard PWS Adapter brackets since there are no bottom rail channels available.  Alternatively you could also drill and tap M5 mounting locations on the underside of your Dashboard if you'd like to keep your rail unencumbered.
  • Attach the Dashboard PWS Adapter brackets to your panel assembly using the M5 fasteners that were provided with your Hub components 
  • Insert the provided M6 rail inert into the lower rail channel of your Dashboard PWS
  • Attach the panel assembly to the lower rail using the provided M6 fasteners into the M6 rail inserts (you may need to utilize the washers to provide adequate clearance for the M6 fastener to completely tighten down)

Extrusion Profiles (Metric 30, 40, 45 series or Imperial 15 series)

  • Utilize the MFT/3 instructions above as a starting point, with custom extrusion or setups you may be able to place the rail inserts on the panel assembly prior to sliding them into the bottom channel simplifying setup

 

Using the Hub

Flexible plumbing options

  • Route your source to the release first to dump all active zones in one motion — fast, safe tear-downs when you’re moving between tasks
  • Or build a multi-zone control layout with per-line isolation and multiple release valves so you can stage, hold, and bleed different areas independently
  • Quick start: open only the lines you need; keep others isolated to maximize hold
  • Changeovers: close the line, place or move pods, reopen — no need to touch the source
  • Safe release: use the master release to bleed pressure before lifting parts

Compatibility and notes

See also: SYS-GRP Manifolds, Valves & Releases — component guidance, sizing, and setup checklists.

  • Works with: AnchorPod, BenchGrip (Minimus/Maximus), Hydraeus, FS Rail Vacuum Pods
  • Sources: Dedicated vacuum pump, or Nexus + Grabo / DeWalt Grabo via baseplate interface
  • Tubing: push-to-connect SYS-GRP sizes; use short runs for best performance
  • Surfaces: standard bench/mount patterns; confirm clearance near dog holes and rails

Safety

  • Always support the work before releasing vacuum
  • Avoid kinks or crush points in tubing
  • Keep valves free of dust and chips to preserve sealing surfaces

Care and maintenance

  • Quarterly: check fittings, replace worn tubing, verify valve action
  • Annually: inspect seals, refresh Teflon tape or sealant on threaded joints

Sourcing

  • Hub body and valve kit: FORG3D (coming soon)
  • Fittings and tubing: standard SYS-GRP spec
  • Accessories: labels, quick-connects

FAQ 

  • How many outputs do I need?
    Two is fine for small benches; four supports multi-pod plus rails with room to grow.
  • Can I mix pods and rails on the same hub?
    Yes — isolate lines so you can stage one while the other is active.
  • Does the Hub increase holding power?
    It doesn’t add power; it helps you keep what you have by reducing leaks, routing cleanly, and isolating unused lines.
  • Can I use this with Nexus + Grabo?
    Yes. Treat Nexus as the source; route through the Hub to your endpoints for faster changeovers.