![\"\"](\"\/epic\/files\/2023\/11\/formech.jpg\")
<\/p>\nVacuum Thermoforming<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Vacuum forming is used for molding thin sheets of thermoplastic material, typically seen most often in packaging applications.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sheets of thermoplastic are heated and pulled over a pattern using a vacuum.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Sheets should be cut to 21×21″ for full size, 14×14″ for 11″ window or 8×8″ for 5″ window. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Patterns can be made from a variety of materials. Commonly used materials for patterns include 3D printed parts, machined HDPE or Aluminum, and wood. Note, we do not work with wood in EPIC. PETG is a good option for a 3D printable material as PLA will soften and deform as it is used. Patterns must have a draft angle appropriate for the depth of the part and no undercuts. Air holes designed into the pattern can aid the vacuum to pull down around features. Patterns attached to a backing plate large enough to be held down by the forming window will ease in release of thermoformed part from the pattern while the plastic is still hot (with the vacuum up button).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n No overhangs<\/p>\n Max depth of draw ~11.4″<\/p>\n No sharp corners<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n N\/A.\u00a0 Not very accurate<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Download the manufacturers operation manual here Manual-508DT\/FS<\/a><\/p>\n Attend one of our thermoforming chocolate mold workshops<\/a> or book a meeting<\/a> with Kara or Ryan.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n Video filmed in 2020, we have since upgraded our thermoforming equipment<\/i>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h4>\n
What is a thermoformer?<\/h5>
\n
\nWhat materials can I thermoform?<\/h5>
<\/p>\n\n
\n
\nLook for “Easy-to-Form” sheets on McMaster All “Easy To Form”<\/a>, ABS<\/a>, PETG<\/a>, HIPS<\/a>
\n
*GTT stands for Glass transition temperature, use an IR thermometer to measure the temperature before forming\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nHow do I make a pattern?<\/h5>
<\/p>\n
\nWhat is the maximum build volume?<\/h5>
<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\nWhat are the limitations of Thermoforming?<\/h5>
<\/p>\n
\nWhat tolerance should I use?<\/h5>
<\/p>\n
\nHow can I learn more?<\/h5>
<\/p>\nThermoformer Demo Video<\/h4>\n
\n