Vacuum Hold-Down for Thin Formed Plastic

Here's how to make a rigid mold for holding thin profiled plastic sheets in place on a CNC router table. June 26, 2006

Question
I need to come up with a vac hold down for some formed plastic sheets to cut out parts from. The plastic is about .040 thick with an embossed pattern of about 3/8 inch depth.

Forum Responses
(CNC Forum)
From contributor G:
That part should be die cut. However, if you need to CNC rout it, then take the part and pour a mould or fixture. Bondo is usually the cheapest way to go. Put some Vaseline inside one of the plastic parts, pour in the bondo while maintaining integrity (true shape) of the part. A few drywall screws will hold your fixture in place. Drill some vac holes and you'll be cutting in no time.