CPC C03B 23/0357 (2013.01) [B25B 11/005 (2013.01)] | 17 Claims |
1. A vacuum chuck, comprising:
a forming surface comprising a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, and a curved region, wherein the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end define a longitudinal axis, and wherein the curved region defines a radius of curvature along the longitudinal axis, wherein the radius of curvature is from 200 mm to 5000 mm;
a plurality of elongate grooves formed into the forming surface in the curved region, each elongate groove of the plurality of elongate grooves having a length, a width, and a depth extending into the forming surface, wherein the length of each elongate groove is greater than the width; and
at least one conduit configured for connection to a vacuum source, the at least one conduit disposed beneath the forming surface and the at least one conduit extending transversely across the plurality of elongate grooves, wherein the at least one conduit is in fluid communication with the plurality of elongate grooves, wherein each elongate groove of the plurality of elongate grooves is spaced apart from an adjacent elongate groove by 4 mm to 10 mm, wherein the plurality of elongate grooves cover from 20% to 40% of the forming surface.
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