Vacuum forming is a manufacturing process by which a sheet of plastic is heated and pressed over a form to create a part. This process is used to create many of the products in your home such as plastic containers, tubs, sink units, and electrical enclosures.
While we used an industrial vacuum forming machine to achieve our application, you can also build one at home to achieve the same effect.
This process took us about 1.30 hour from start to finish.
SUPPLIES
Heat resistant gloves
Eye protection
Cutting tool
Sheets of vacuum forming plastic
3d printed mold
Mold mounting fixture
STEP 1. ATTAIN YOUR MOLD
In order to vacuum form you will need a mold to vacuum form around. Your final parts will be nearly exact replicas of your mold. When designing a mold for vacuum forming consider drafting angles. Drafting angles allow your molded part to be removed from the mold. They should typically be anywhere from 3-5 degrees from 90 on any vertical surface.
STEP 2. GET READY YOUR MODEL
Print your model with 4 shells at 25% infill. Increase shells and infill settings to create a strong mold that will withstand the pressures of vacuum forming.
STEP 3. GET READY MOUNTING FIXTURE
An industrial vacuum forming machine we needed to secure the mold to an additional fixture. This holds the mold in place against the various forces that occur when operating the machine.
STEP 4. FILL UP AND HEAT PLASTIC
( i ) Load your plastic.
When choosing plastic sheets for vacuum forming, consider the thickness of the plastic and the size of the sheet as well. Thicker sheets will need to be heated to higher temperatures and will require a higher power vacuum.
( ii ) Heat plastic to desired temperature.
An industrial vacuum forming machine, heated the plastic automatically to temperature based on the type of plastic, thickness, and density.
Choose thinner sheets of plastic if your vacuum forming machine does not create large amounts of consistent heat or suction. Typically plastics will be heated somewhere around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
STEP 5. PUSH DOWN PLASTIC OVER FORM
Once plastic is heated, it is pushed over the form.
At this point you will notice that the vacuum suction will pull all of the air out from under the heated plastic sheet and it will be forced down over your mold.
The plastic will begin to cool instantly.
STEP 6. LET PLASTIC COOL
Once all of the air has been removed from under the plastic and it has been formed over your mold, remove the formed part and set it aside to cool.
The mold is not removed from the machine between shots
STEP 7. DO IT AGAIN
This process can be repeated to produce as many as you desired
If you notice that over time your 3D printed mold becomes deformed due to heat or pressure, it might be time to print another.
Because printing is such an inexpensive option for mold production, producing 2-3 spares up front is not cost or time prohibitive.
STEP 8. AFTER PROCESS
After you have produced the desired number of parts, cut away any spare plastic.
You can cut away spare plastic using a manual cutting tool, or with a CNC. If you’re using a CNC, 3D printing is a good solution for creating custom fixtures.
STEP 9. FINISHING
Here, you can see what successfully vacuum formed plastic sheets look like.
