Chapter 1-Vacuum Forming Flashcards
What is the first stage of vacuum forming?
Firstly a wooden mould made. This is made into the shape to which the plastic will form. Ideally, the form should have angled edges to allow the tooling to pop out of the plastic.
What is the second stage?
The mould is then placed into the vacuum former oven. A plastic sheet is then clamped above it but not on the mould.
What is the heating process?
Once placed in the oven, the heater is positioned above the plastic. This will then heat up and allow the plastic to become warm and mouldable. After a few minutes the plastic should be warm enough to mould.
What is the next stage after heating?
The shelf on which the wooden mould is sat on is moved upwards and into the flexible plastic using a handle. The vacuum is then switched on removing all air from the oven. This allows the plastic to form to the shape of the mould.
What is the final stage?
Once it has cooled the sheet is removed from the oven and the mould is removed and any excess is trimmed away for a perfect finish.
What is the mould made from?
The mould is made from MDF or Expanded Polystyrene.
What type of plastic is used for vacuum forming?
High Impact Polystyrene Sheets and PETG sheets and ABS sheets.
