Vacuum Former

The Formech 508DT Vacuum Former is a plastic molding machine that utilizes a vacuum to stretch a thin piece of plastic over a mold. The vacuum former is great for thin plastic molds, although there are some limitations on the shape and size.

The current Ace of the Vacuum Former is Needed (Makerhub@georgefox.edu).

Operation

• Place a mold into the tray and lower it
  • Mold cannot be concave and must slant outwards slightly or it will not be removable from the plastic.
• Place plastic into the clamps ensuring it completely covers the white seals
• Turn on the heaters. They should take about 15 minutes to warm up.
• Lift the table
• Turn on the vacuum
• Let the plastic cool, then hit the release button
• Lower the table to remove the plastic
• Reset the table

Specifications for Molds

The vacuum former can mold up to a 19"x17" square and to a depth of 7.3".

Molds cannot be concave in any way.

Molds must slant outwardly slightly to ensure that they can be popped out of the plastic after molding is finished.

Documentation

• Formech Vacuum Former Manual