Small Vacuum Former

Quick start video found here

  1. Turn on the machine by turning the right hand knob to the desired temperature and wait for the flashing yellow light to turn green
  2. Sandwich your material in between the trays and clip together using the handles
  3. Press the frames into upper position
  4. Place mold on the vacuum bed
  5. Check the plasticity of the material by eye
  6. Press the frames into the lower position to trigger the vacuum
  7. Unclip the traps and remove you part 
  8. Turn off the machine
  • Cost: free
  • Size 200mmx200mm
  • No undercut on the mold
  • PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol)
  • PS (Polystyren / Polystyrol)
  • PVC (Polyvinylchlorid)
  • PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylat (Plexiglas, Acrylglas))
  • PE (Polyethylen)
  • 0.3mm to 8mm thick

Material for the mold:

  • heat resistant material
  • metal
  • wood
  • foam (thermoset)
  • Plaster

Tutorial

  1.  
Helpful quick start video found here
 
    1. Turn on the machine by turning the temperature knob (1) to your desired setting. We would suggest using the setting “5” to begin with.
    2. Wait for the heater (2) to reach temperature. The flashing yellow light will turn green once this has happened.
    3. Unclip the top tray (4) from the bottom tray (3) by lifting the outer part of the yellow handles (5).
    4. Lift the upper tray (4) and place your material underneath on top of the lower tray (3). 
    5. Clip the trays together with material in between. This can be done by applying downwards pressure on the trays followed by clipping the outer yellow handles downwards.
    6. Use the inner part of the yellow handles to press both trays and material into the upper position. It should lock in place about 5cm away from the heater.
    7. Place your mold on the vacuum bed (6)
    8. Wait for the material to heat up. Keep an eye on it to check on the plasticity. Once the material droops downwards by about 5cm it is ready.
    9. If you have to produce many of the same pieces, it may be a good idea to use your phone timer check long your material takes to reach the optimal plasticity. 
    10. Use the yellow handle to press the both trays downwards which will trigger the vacuum bed.
    11. Wait 10 seconds and then remove your material and mold.
    12. Turn off the machine