Method and apparatus for retaining one or more layers of sheet type work material on a support surface

A method for retaining one or more layers of sheet type work material on a support surface comprising the steps of:

• providing an apparatus having a permeable support surface coupled to a frame, a controller in communication with the apparatus for storing data in machine readable format corresponding to a work operation to be performed on said work material, at least two vacuum manifolds coupled to said frame and spaced apart relative to each other, each of said manifolds defining at least one vacuum inlet, and means for drawing vacuum through said inlets and said permeable support surface;
• providing at least one layer of sheet type work material positioned on said support surface;
• drawing vacuum through said inlets and said manifolds in response to commands issued from said controller to retain said sheet type work material on said support surface;
• performing a work operation on said work material in response to commands issued from said controller;
• and
• proportionally adjusting the intensity of the vacuum in response to commands issued from said controller, relative to the inlets, as well as to each manifold, such that during the performance of said work operation the intensity of the vacuum is greatest in the area adjacent to where said work operation is being performed.