Vaccum Forming Flashcards
What is vacuum forming?
Vacuum forming is a plastic forming process that can be found in schools. It is a process of a plastic taking the same shape over its mould.
Why is a mould required in vacuum forming?
This is for the plastic to get its shape over.
What will happen if the mould is too tall or large?
There will be a webbing of the plastic, which could ruin the finish.
Why does the plastic have to be heated?
This is for the plastic to become soft and flexible so that it can be easily moulded.
What happens when the mould is raised onto the plastic?
The vacuum is turned on and all the air is removed underneath the plastic. The plastic is pulled down onto the mould and is held there until the plastic cools.
Why does the side of the mould have to be a slope?
This is so that the plastic can be taken out easily.
What are the moulds commonly made out of?
They are often made out of MDF or wood.
Why do you have to wait until the plastic is cooled before taking it out?
If the plastic is not cooled it will be hot and will still be soft and flexible, which means it won’t have be solid and will fall out of shape.
What are advantages of vacuum forming?
The advantages of vacuum forming are that it is very inexpensive and it is very fast at getting produced.
Name products that are vacuum formed.
Food packages, enclosures for electronic products and plant pots.
