Vacuum Former machine that i use: www.centroform.... Our website for products and custom work: www.beyonddisgu... Leave me video ideas in the comments below.
I am using a similar machine only with taller mold. I find the taller the mold, the more trouble I have with the .04 mm petg clear sheet . I let the thing heat for 10 minutes with no plastic nearby. Then insert the sheet. raise the sheet. Count to 48 sec for .04 mm PETG sheet and it works great for a 3" tall mold. I am now working with a 6 inch tall mold and it's not so good. Think I will order .03 mm petg clear sheet and try it.
Storm Thanks! This was sent to me as is. So I didn’t make this. Just formed it as is for someone. But I do reverse forming on certain pieces that need more detail.
What tank do you use for the vacuum? I'm having a tough time finding tanks that are vacuum rated at all... and nervous about picking the wrong one and getting an implosion :(
Pretty good!!! thanks!! did you tried acrylic like 3mm or more thick plastics? I would like to know how much detail it can form using thicker stuff.... I would like to make a turtle shell... with details in the surface... . not sure if could be possible... thanks!
The thickess plastic iv'e tried on this former was 0.118 PETG. The item i was forming is the same one in this video. And it came out great, also picked up some the details. The key to getting good detail is nice holes on your buck, and a good vacuum set up to pull in that detail.
It would depend on what you are forming. I wouldn't use a vacuum pump straight on bigger pieces. Only because the vacuum pump would take a while for it to suck the plastic down. If you are doing something small. It should be just fine. If you are doing pieces like i do. Then for sure a tank set up is the way to go. Not sure on your follow up question on PSI.
If you are making multiple copy's, how long should you wait before stacking the hot/warm copy's on top of each other? Could a big fan help cool the stack?
Honestly you really have to play it by ear. Depending what the piece is, I usually have a test try. Then the second go around is where i know what to change. In terms of how long to keep the plastic sagging more. You don't really need a fan once the plastic goes down to form your object. Since the plastic cools pretty instantly.
Hi! I need only a few clear visors to be vacuuformed. Do you do any work for hire? I have a 3D printed buck all set for you to use. Hope we can do some business together.
Hey, Crazydog. Ever heard of using one of these machines to do sublimation? Using an ink transfer film instead of a plastic sheet? Think it would be possible or would the film stand no chance against that kind of heat? Thanks!
FPS Fox It's possible. I did something along those lines with a sheet of vinyl like material. You just have to be careful with the heat, and how much air it sucks in. If too hot can be too soft and bubble. If too much pressure sucking into can pop the material/deform it.
You totally can. Just have to leave the plastic under the heat longer. For example lets say a thinner sheet takes 4 mins to heat up. Where a thicker sheet take about 6-7 mins.
It's free of temperature control. I'm sure you can add a heater control, that way it isn't stuck on just one temperature when it's on. If you are pretty handy with wiring and such.
