Tools/Vacuum Former
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Vacucu3D A3
- User Manual
- Film size: 297 x 420 mm (A3 paper)
- 16.5 x 11.7 in
- Max film thickness: 2 mm
- Max temperature: 150 °C (300 °F)
- Max model dimensions:
- Convex: 260 x 380 x 100 mm
- Concave: 240 x 360 x 100 mm
Materials
Can use most thermoplastics:
- HIPS: Inexpensive with good material properties
- PETG: Food safe, transparent
- Pre-cut sheets can be purchased from the manufacturer or from online retailers.
- EVA: Flexible
- ABS: Tough, impact-resistant
- Acrylic: Transparent, strong but brittle
Using Coca-Cola Plastic
The remaining Coca-Cola bottle plastic donated to Hacksburg may be used in the vacuum former. The thickness of the material and its composition (APET) can make it slightly more difficult to use than the supplied sheets.
- Cut the plastic to size. Use a supplied sheet to trace the outline and then cut with sharp scisors.
- TODO: Cut a spool of plastic to the correct width for the vacuum former to make cutting new sheets easier.
- Place the plastic in the machine. If the plastic has sat on the spool for a long time you may need to flatten it manually in order to clamp it down.
- Heat the plastic at 230 °F for approximately 80 seconds
- Monitor the plastic closely and vacuum it down as soon as the plastic sags. If overheated, the plastic will crystalize causing it to become hazy and too stiff to form properly.
Safety
- Electrical
- Unplug machine before doing any maintenance
- Heat
- Keep hands out of machine while it is turned on
- Do not touch hot plastic without protective gloves
- Noise
- Vacuum pump is very loud; wear hearing protection
- Food Safety
- Only use food safe plastics if intending to make food molds
- Thoroughly wash parts before use