AirWeights QCW Vacuum Slats for Onefinity Machines- Installation Instructions

QCW Vacuum Slats - Installation Instructions

This system is designed for Secure-from-Below Onefinity QCW Frames.
Underside access is required to complete the installation as designed.
Before you mount the AirWeights Vacuum Slats, remove any previously installed MDF slats completely. The system is designed to mount from underneath the QCW frame, so you must have clear access below. If your QCW frame is secure-from-above, knock out the threaded inserts using a center punch or screwdriver and hammer before installation.
Mounting to Secure-from-Above QCW Frames is an option with custom modification. If you are interested in this approach, please each out to support@airweights.com for instructions to complete the required modifications and installation.

Locate the four included exhaust mufflers.
Install them on the underside of the pump before operating. PTFE tape is not required for these mufflers, as they do not represent sealing surfaces.

Refer to the appropriate product image on the website for the correct intake setup.
Use the included PTFE tape generously to: - Adjust the gauge to a convenient viewing position. - Clock the intake filter with the canister pointing downward, as shown in the reference image:

Ensure your QCW is fully assembled and the Onefinity CNC is installed. Double check that your CNC is square within your machining tolerance requirements.
Remove the MDF Slats from your QCW (if any are installed).
Identify Slats Orientation
- There are 4 "squares" between the front edge of the slat and the first vacuum port. The bottom of the Slats also have 2 precision alignment holes near the front edge and 2 precision alignment slots near the rear edge.
- Foreman and Journeyman V2 Systems have distinct left and right slats that are wider than the center slats. These slats have more "squares" (5 to be specific) between the outside edges near X0 and X48 and the vacuum ports.
Refer to the diagram below for the appropriate layout when placing on the QCW Frame.

Foreman:
Roughly position the Slats on the QCW frame based on the above diagram, taking into account any accessories that may be mounted to the Front Rail of the QCW.

Choose a convenient location to mount the manifold where you can easily access the valves.
Securely mount the manifold in place, ensuring it is positioned for efficient air line routing.
Important: Do not screw the manifold into the bottom of a slat, or you will breach a necessary seal. The manifold block can be mounted to the bottom of a slat with double sided tape (i.e. 3M VHB) or screwed into the front rail of the QCW.
Confirm that the installation location allows for easy adjustments and operation of the individual slat valves.

Locate the included hardware box, which contains two fitting options:
- (5ea) 5/16” OD x ⅛ NPT 90-degree elbow fitting (recommended for cleaner air line routing)
- (5ea) 5/16” OD x ⅛ NPT straight fitting (nice if slats are shifted aft in Y for QCW mounted accessories)
Choose the fitting that best suits your setup.
Each slat has two edge connection options for connecting air lines - the front edge or the rear edge. Select which edge connection you would prefer to use for your specific use case.
Remove the installed ⅛ NPT plug from the edge connection with a 5mm hex key and install the selected fitting.
Do not overtighten the fitting and take caution to avoid cross-threading. Finger tight plus a 1/2 turn is adequate for vacuum sealing performance.
Shorter air lines yield better vacuum performance due to reduced head loss. Cut air lines to a reduced distance using a sharp razor blade once installation is finalized. Make sure cuts are clean and perpendicular - a roughly cut end will not seal properly in the mating push-to-connect fittings.

Use the included 5/16" OD air line to connect each slat to the provided manifold.
The manifold includes valves that allow you to turn each slat "on" or "off", isolating vacuum to specific slats as needed.
Connect 1/2" OD tubing between the manifold and the pump.
Shorter tubing is optimal for vacuum performance.
Experiment with the full 8-foot length before trimming based on your pump placement and manifold mounting.
Note: Our vacuum pumps should be left on the ground in a convenient location to prevent vibration from affecting your CNC frame.

This step can be completed at any time for precise alignment between the 1/4" holes in the top grid and your CNC X/Y axes.

Determine the exact locations for your slat installation. Refer to the DXF files below for default layouts and adjust as needed for QCW mounted accessory clearance.
Roughly position your slats on your QCW frame. If already mounted, loosen the screws by 1/4 to 1/2 turn.
Install the included 0.25" diameter x 1.5" long dowel pin into your spindle.
Jog the spindle to a suitable X/Y coordinate for one of the front-most dowel pin holes.
Lower the spindle into a dowel hole (do not exceed 1/4" depth).
Tighten the screw directly underneath the dowel hole. Warning: do not overtighten. A hand screw driver or a lightly clutched electric driver are required.
Retract the spindle and jog in the Y-direction to the rear-most dowel pin hole.
Slowly lower the spindle, rotating the slat to align with the dowel pin hole to ensure it's in the hole and squared.
Tighten the screw directly underneath the second dowel pin hole. Warning: do not overtighten. A hand screw driver or a lightly clutched electric driver are required.
Verify alignment and make final adjustments.
Fully tighten all screws (do not overtighten).
Repeat this process for each slat.

DXF Files: For precise X/Y coordinate selection, refer to the DXF file containing your slat system geometry.

Plug all vacuum ports using the provide plugs or cover the all of the slats completely with a smooth, flat, non-porous sheet of material (melamine, pre-finished plywood, plastic, aluminum)
Turn on the pump and allow pressure to stabilize at full vacuum
Turn off the pump with the remote and monitor the vacuum gauge
A successful test drops < ~10 inHg in 10 seconds

If you have any questions, please refer to the support documentation or contact customer service.