Abstract: This invention is a modular vacuum clamping and part manipulation system designed to automate the loading, unloading and vacuum clamping (or holding by means of negative vacuum pressure) of a workpiece during the machining process. The system is designed in such a manner as to allow an end user with limited technical experience to assemble it to meet his/her specific manufacturing requirements and to, at a later date, modify or expand it into a system which has fully automated loading and unloading capabilities.