Andrew Jessen

Sara Cellucci

In order to use the vacuum former, members must be signed off by an area champion after completing training. If you would like to schedule a training session, please check the Training Classes page for up-to-date info. Please note that the area is currently undergoing renovations; this section will be updated when these are complete.

Training Classes:

• Costs $5.00 (pending new machine with cheaper material cost)
• Typically take <30 minutes

Don't break anything, please.

Approved Users List

• Large, Green Vacuum Former currently slated for removal.
• Proto-Form 2'x4' vacuum former

The heating elements on the vacuum former reach >150° Centigrade (about 300° Fahrenheit). Although it is safe to briefly touch the plastic while it is at temperature, I do not recommend that you touch it for more than a second at a time.

“What kind of materials can you use?”

Good materials for “bucks” (molds) include:

• 3d prints - PLA might deform, especially with thin walls, so PETG or ABS are preferable
• wood
• dry plaster-like materials

Please ask before using anything else as dust, moisture, or overheated bucks can damage the machine.

suitable plastics for forming include:

• High Impact Polystyrene (preferred)
• Abs
• Pvc
• Acrylic
• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene
• Pet-g
• Butyrate
• Polycarbonate (ask for approval due to potential off-gassing)

Plastic sheet thickness is typically around 1mm, or between .03“ and .08” but theoretically can go up to 1/8“ on some materials. The main bed uses 2' x 4' sheets, but may in the future support smaller sheets pending construction of adapters.