I think a fairly easy approach to this would be to build a sealed box having the
dimensions you want. The printing surface could be covered with formica, and a
pattern of small holes drilled in the surface. Basically, make a small version
of an air hockey table. The vacuum could be provided using a standard household
vacuum cleaner. I would suggest using the small holes to minimize both the
volume of air that the vacuum cleaner would need to move, and the amount of
distortion that the holes would cause by sucking the paper/film down at each
point.
Another option if the distortion caused by the holes is a problem, would be to
mill a small groove in the box top, just inside the size of paper you plan to
use. A couple of holes in the bottom of the groove would provide for air flow
into the box, and the suction is then confined to the periphery of the paper.
I haven't actually built one of these yet, but thought I'd share what ideas I
have. If you actually make one, I'd like to know how you did it, and how well
it works.
- Wayde Allen
(74160.3410@compuserve.com)