Vacuum Forming-Machine

Kai · Post by **Kai** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 6:41 am

Hi
I'd like to start forming my own cases but there are so much different machines on the net which is the best?
and how do you make the negatives.
Thx Kai

atkafighter · Post by **atkafighter** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 7:56 am

I think you mean how to make positives. To do that you want to use an oil based clay, and mold it to the shape you want. Although I have not built a vacummform machine I would think that the one with cookie sheets for the base would work well enough. Just make sure you have a good even heating source. One website (I can't remember where it was) suggests sticking the plastic in the oven.

Post by **Sparkfist** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 8:53 am

I've seen a machine that has the plastice in a frame attached with a hing that you move over from the heating element to the vacuum former. But I'd say talk to Trition, Gamelver and Gannon about it in more detail. They've had first hand experiance.

As for making the Positive/Negitive (whatever) most people use clay.

G-force · Post by **G-force** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 8:56 am

This is random, but my dad said when he was a kid they sold small vaccum forming machines in stores as a toy! How great wold that be if they still sold things like that...

Kai · Post by **Kai** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 9:56 am

small vacuum forming machines that would be great.
but what did they sell them for? were everybody building portables?
and this clay how do i get a nice smoth surface how do you lot do your vacuum forming?
and do you know this fiber glas stuff like paper wich is used with epoxi would that be a cheap alternative or is it even expensiver?

Xorealix · Post by **Xorealix** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 12:05 pm

I believe the small vac machines were used to make custom bodies for toy cars. Not sure where I heard that, but I think it was on this forum.

Post by **bicostp** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 1:34 pm

Yeah I used to have one of those things, it took forever to make them with a 100w lightbulb and a hand pump.

Kai · Post by **Kai** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 1:00 am

I've got another question would plexiglass work with vacuum forming?

Turbo Tax 1.0 · Post by **Turbo Tax 1.0** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 5:14 am

go with that link for styrene i put in the sticky

try the .080 thickness

Kai · Post by **Kai** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 11:31 am

how do i fix the styren to the frame so it don't slide away when its melting?

Weebl · Post by **Weebl** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 3:13 pm

I've never done it, but from what I've read, you have two frames that clamp the plastic between them so it doesn't fall out. I found this vacuum forming at home guide if you want to use it...Click here

Turbo Tax 1.0 · Post by **Turbo Tax 1.0** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 4:02 pm

thats the guide i used its pretty simple

Kai · Post by **Kai** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 4:35 pm

thanks that will help

Kiddcade · Post by **Kiddcade** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 9:29 pm

G-force wrote:This is random, but my dad said when he was a kid they sold small vaccum forming machines in stores as a toy! How great wold that be if they still sold things like that...

there's one at this place i work at (Flea market booth, buy/sell/trade movies/games/toys)

It's too small to use for portables. only any good for making those little plastic cars or (If you want) vacuum-metallizing parts. SMALL parts...

G-force · Post by **G-force** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 10:39 pm

Ah well, it was just an idea...