How to Build a Vacuum Former

Thứ sáu - 26/04/2024 23:11
Do you have a need to create molds, masks, or other shapes out of plastic? Make your own 5-inch square vacuum former in just a few hours! The instructions below are based on materials that you might have around the house already or can be...
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Do you have a need to create molds, masks, or other shapes out of plastic? Make your own 5-inch square vacuum former in just a few hours! The instructions below are based on materials that you might have around the house already or can be modified to use what you do have.

Part 1
Part 1 of 5:

Making the Vacuum Former Box

  1. Step 1 Measure and draw your guidelines.
    • On 3/4 inch plywood, draw three squares, 5 inches on a side.
    • Draw another, smaller 4 inch square centered inside each square.
  2. Step 2 Cut along the inner squares on all three frame pieces.
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  3. Step 3 Cut along the outer guidelines to finish each frame piece.
  4. Step 4 Build the main box by stacking and gluing the three frame pieces together.
  5. Step 5 Clamp all four sides of the box and allow the glue to dry.
  6. Step 6 Drill a hole on one side using the hole saw so the vacuum hose (or adapter) will fit snugly.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 5:

Making the Platen

  1. Step 1 Measure and draw outside frame.
    • On the 5mm MDF, draw a 5 inch square.
  2. Step 2 Measure and draw a grid.
    • Start in from a corner at 0.5 inches from each side, draw straight vertical lines every 2/3 inches for a total of 7 lines.
    • Repeat the pattern for horizontal lines creating an intersecting grid pattern.
  3. Step 3 Drill 3/32 inch holes at each intersection.
  4. Step 4 Cut the final platen out of the MDF along the outside frame lines drawn earlier.
  5. Step 5 Glue the platen to the top of the former box created in the previous step, clamping all four sides until the glue dries.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 5:

Making the Bottom / Mount

  1. Step 1 Measure and draw cutting guidelines.
    • On the 5mm MDF, draw a 5 inch by 9 inch rectangle.
  2. Step 2 Cut frame from MDF.
  3. Step 3 Glue this final piece to the bottom of the vacuum former box, clamping the two flush sides until the it is fully dried.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 5:

Making the Sheet Holder Frame

  1. Step 1 Measure and draw guidelines.
    • On the 5mm MDF, draw two 7.5 inch squares
    • Centered inside each square draw another, 5.5 inch square.
  2. Step 2 Cut out the inner square of each frame piece.
  3. Step 3 Cut along the outer guideline to finish the frame pieces.
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Part 5
Part 5 of 5:

Using Your New Vacuum Former

  1. Step 1 Mount the box.
    • Set the box on a sturdy table.
    • Using the clams / quick clamps, firmly clamp the box to the table.
  2. Step 2 Attach the vacuum.
    • Firmly push the vacuum hose or adapter into the hole on the side of the former.
  3. Step 3 Gather your materials.
    • Cut your desired thermoplastic into 6 inch square sheets.
    • Choose or 3d print shapes to be formed.
  4. Step 4 Place the objects to be molded on the platen (top).
    Take care to space the part around the holes to maintain clean edges.
  5. Step 5 Clamp the thermoplastic sheet between the frame pieces with the binder clips.
  6. Step 6 Hold frame with grips to keep heat away from your hands.
  7. Step 7 Heat plastic using slow, even motion with the heat gun.
    Keep going until until the plastic sags about 1.5 to 2 inches
  8. Step 8 Turn on the vacuum.
  9. Step 9 Lower the heated thermoplastic onto former over objects.
  10. Step 10 Continue to heat the thermoplastic around edges and fine details to ensure a clean mold.
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Warnings

  • Always adhere proper safety precautions (masks, safety glasses, etc).
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  • Use former in a well-ventilated area as some thermoplastics emit toxic fumes when heated.
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Things You'll Need

  • 3/4 inch plywood (a little over 75 square inches)
  • 5 mm MDF (a little over 127 square inches)
  • Wood glue
  • Hole saw (sized to fit vacuum hose/adapter) - Typical adapter size is 1-1/2 inch
  • 3/32 inch drill bit
  • Clamps / Quick Clamps
  • Drill
  • Jigsaw / Skill saw / Circular saw (whichever is small enough and easy to use)
  • Pencil (for drawing guidelines)
  • Thermoplastic (Try PETG as it is food safe)
  • Heat gun with enough power for your chosen thermoplastic
  • Binder clips (x4) to hold sheet inside frame
  • Grips to hold frame while heating
  • Vacuum cleaner / Shop vacuum with accessory hose


 Tags: tìm hiểu, băn khoăn, cửa hàng, vĩnh long

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