Flatness, curvature and steps
Vacuum needs a closed boundary. Geometry decides whether one exists.
Flat is not the same as smooth
A surface can be smooth and still unattachable if it is curved, stepped or interrupted. The seal must close a continuous loop.
A mortar joint, a tile grout line, a panel junction or a chamfer crossing under the pad is an open channel straight to atmosphere.
Curvature
A rubber pad tolerates gentle curvature but not tight radii. Convex curves are usually worse than concave ones because contact concentrates in the middle.
Planning attachment position
Choose a pad footprint clear of joints, edges and changes of plane, even if it means repositioning the hole set-out slightly.
Where geometry is genuinely impossible, this is the wrong tool for that hole. Say so.
Edges
Keep the pad fully on the surface. A pad overhanging an edge cannot seal and concentrates load exactly where material is weakest.
At a glance
| Vacuum sealing | Geometry-dependent — a closed boundary is mandatory |
|---|---|
| Recommended mode & tooling | Per the substrate |
| Limits on this tool | 40 mm max bit diameter, 200 mm max length, 145 mm max depth |
Common mistakes on this material
- Letting the pad overhang an edge.
- Spanning a grout line, joint or change of plane.
- Attaching on a tight convex radius.