Download - Vacuum Forming
VACUUM FORMINGUNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS
DRAW DEPTHS UPTO 20”
ZMD – 4’ X 8’SHEET SIZE CAPACITY
MOLD CHOICES WOOD – PROTOTYPING and SMALL RUNS BUTTERBOARD – SMALL
PARTS/PRODUTION RUNS PHENOLIC – SMALL SIMPLE
PARTS/PRODUCTION RUNS FIBERGLASS – LARGE
PARTS/PRODUCTION RUNS ALUMINUM – PARTS WHERE COOLING
BLOCK IS NEEDED FOR HIGH PRODUCTION (Especially Thin Gauge)
MOLD CHOICES
WOOD PNENOLIC BUTTERBOARD
MOLD CHOICES
FIBERGLASS ALUMINUM
POLYCABONATE ABS KYDEX STYRENE ACRYLIC PETG PVC
COMMONLY FORMED MATERIALS
CUT AND LOAD MATERIAL – Material is usually cut 3 to 4 inches larger that the finished part size to facilitate the machine clamps
DRY MATERIAL- Most materials need to be dried prior to forming. Drying times and temperatures vary depending on thickness and type.
HEAT MATERIAL – Heat times are variable with material types and thicknesses.
PRE-STRETCH MATERIAL - Using a box (commonly referred to as a snap-back) usually mounted directly above the sheet. By applying vacuum to the snap-back box, a bubble of the material is pulled into the box and pre-stretched before pulling it over the mold. This keeps the thickness uniform
FORM PART – Once that material is pre-stretched it is pulled over the mold and vacuum is applied
REMOVE PART – After part has cooled sufficiently to hold its shape. Air is applied through the vacuum holes to air eject the part from the mold.
TRIM PART – Parts are trimmed per drawing or specifications including cutouts and holes.
MANUFACTURING STEPS