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