Vacuum Forming Definition And Steps

Question 1

Vacuum Forming Definition

Answer 1

A process of moulding by the heating of thermoplastic sheets and placing them over the mould and then extracting the air from inside so that the plastic forms the shape of the mould.

Question 2

Step 1

Answer 2

A mould is made from a material such as wood and is Ahmed at an angle to allow the removal of the plastic later to be easier and less time consuming

Question 3

Step 2

Answer 3

The mould is placed in a vacuum former and the plastic sheet is clamped in a frame over the vacuum chamber

Question 4

Step 3

Answer 4

A heater is pulled along a track from the rear to cover the sheet. As it warms up, the sheet buckles due to expansion. It then goes flat again

Question 5

Step 4

Answer 5

When the plastic sheet is hot enough and at the right temperature, the mould is raised so that it is pushed into the hot sheet

Question 6

Step 5

Answer 6

A pump is turned on which quickly extracts the chamber causing the sheet to form tightly around the mould

Question 7

Step 6

Answer 7

The sheet is unclaimed from the frame and the mould tapped out leaving the newly formed plastic and excess material is trimmed off