Side Channel Blowers
Side channel blowers for CNC vacuum tables and dust extraction: 0.2 to 7.5 kW, 50–700 m³/h – oil-free, low-maintenance and designed for continuous operation.
Buy Side Channel Blowers: Vacuum Clamping Technology for CNC Milling Machines
Side channel blowers are the heart of every vacuum clamping system on CNC gantry milling machines. They generate the negative pressure that holds workpieces securely on vacuum tables, without mechanical clamping devices that restrict the working area. They are also used as pressure generators for blown air and extraction.
In the BZT Shop you will find side channel blowers from 0.2 kW to 7.5 kW with flow rates of 50 to 700 m³/h and pressure ranges of up to +570 mbar overpressure and −440 mbar negative pressure. The oil-free, contactless design makes them low-maintenance and suitable for continuous duty, which suits use in CNC production. You will find the electrical data on the respective product page.
Which output for which vacuum table?
As a guide: 0.5–1 kW of blower output per square metre of clamping surface. For small tables up to approx. 0.5 m², models of 0.25–0.7 kW are sufficient; for tables of around 1 m² we recommend 1.1–1.5 kW. With porous materials such as MDF or wood, secondary air flows through the workpiece. Here a higher flow rate is worthwhile, so choose models from 2.2 kW. You will find detailed notes on sizing in the Knowledge Centre: Vacuum table: when is it worth it?
How does a side channel blower work?
An impeller rotates in an annular side channel and accelerates the air in many small compression steps. Because the impeller runs without contact, side channel blowers work oil-free, with little wear and without lubricant in the air stream. This is an advantage over rotary vane pumps when clean exhaust air is required.
For a long service life we recommend combining the blower with a cyclone separator, which separates chips and dust upstream of the blower. You will find suitable filters and silencers in the CNC accessories. Questions about sizing? We are happy to advise you, from a single unit to a complete vacuum solution for your BZT gantry milling machine.
Frequently Asked Questions about Side Channel Blowers
What is a side channel blower and what do I need it for?
A side channel blower generates negative pressure (vacuum) or positive pressure by means of rotating impellers in a side channel. On CNC milling machines, it is primarily used to hold workpieces in place on the milling table using vacuum. Advantages over mechanical clamping: the entire workpiece surface remains freely accessible for machining.
What power does my side channel blower need?
The required power depends on the size of the vacuum table and the workpiece material. As a guideline: 0.5–1 kW per square metre of table surface. For a BZT PF-1000 (1000×600 mm), a 1.1 kW model is sufficient. For porous materials such as wood or MDF, a higher volume flow is required – in this case, we recommend at least 1.5 kW.
How loud is a side channel blower?
Side channel blowers generate 60–75 dB(A) depending on their size. Using a silencer (available in the BZT Shop) can reduce the noise level by 10–15 dB. We recommend placing the blower outside the work area and connecting it to the vacuum table via hoses.
Do I need a cyclone separator before the compressor?
Yes, absolutely. A cyclone separator removes chips and dust from the intake air before they reach the compressor. Without pre-separation, particles can damage the impellers and drastically shorten the service life. Our cyclone separators achieve over 99% separation efficiency.