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areas:vacuumformer [2017/08/18 20:58]
wildapricot-campbell_timothy [Vacuum Former]
areas:vacuumformer [2023/08/24 21:53] (current)
wildapricot-jessen_andrew
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-====== Vacuum Former ======+====== Vacuum Forming Area ======
 ~~NOTOC~~ ~~NOTOC~~
  
-{{:equipment:vac2former.jpg?500|}} +{{:areas:img_20230708_161819333.jpg?1000|}} 
-===== Trainers ===== +===== Area Champion ===== 
-[[members:TimothyCampbell|Tim Campbell]]+[[members:andrewjessen|Andrew Jessen]]
  
-===== Rules and Etiquette ===== +Sara Cellucci 
-Plastic, like metalcan get searing hotbut still look like it's room tempIf your plastic is sagging under the heat elementdon'touch it.+ 
 +===== Training, Rulesand Etiquette ===== 
 + 
 +In order to use the vacuum formermembers must be signed off by an area champion after completing training. If you would like to schedule a training sessionplease check the [[:trainingclasses|Training Classes]] page for up-to-date info. We have new equipmentso if you were trained on the old unit please reach out for a brief conversation outlining the changes or schedule a training before using them. 
 + 
 + 
 +Training Classes: 
 +  * Occasional open trainings which add a 2'x4' demo 
 +  * Trainings by request with hands-on 5" demo 
 +  * Typically take <30 minutes 
 +  * No longer any cost associated with the training 
 + 
 +Safety Guidelines: 
 +  * Do not leave either unit unattended while heater is on… EVER 
 +  * Smoke indicates overheating, reduce heat or lower plastic if encountered 
 +  * Plastic is hot when heateddo not touch without protection and due care 
 +  * Do not allow dust or debris which could contaminate the tanks onto the large bed 
 +  * Consult an area champion before using materials not on official list 
 +  * Turn off both the “Master heat” and “Side Outlet” switches when done  
 +  * Do not use buck materials which may suffer under heat or cause debris ingestion
  
-Don't break anything, please. 
  
 ===== Authorized / Signed Off Users ===== ===== Authorized / Signed Off Users =====
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 ===== Machines ===== ===== Machines =====
-  * {{:equipment:vac2former.jpg?100|}}[[Equipment/VacuumFormer2|LargeGreen Vacuum Former]] +  * Jinguang 5"x5" dental vacuum former 
-===== FAQs Howtos Materials settings =====+  * Proto-Form 2'x4' vacuum former 
 +===== Buck Guidelines ===== 
 + 
 +  * A “Buck” is the term for the item you mold off ofbut mold is fine 
 +  * A 5 degree “draft” to avoid verticals helps keep corners clean 
 +  * Extreme height difference between points of the buck could cause tearing 
 +  * Sharp corners are typically fine, but actual edges are likely to pierce the plastic 
 +  * “Undercuts” will usually form ok, but as a natural consequence prevent normal removal 
 +  * A generally convex shape for the entire buck is a good standard 
 +  * Shallow areas which do not access outside edge should have holes drilled to funnel air 
 + 
 +===== APPROVED BUCK MATERIALS ===== 
 + 
 +  * Wood of all forms, with MDF being a preferred material 
 +  * Hard plaster or ceramics are common for making molds 
 +  * Existing products and hard plastic models can be great for bucks 
 +  * Metals work great if you have something the right shape 
 +  * Renshape, urethane modeling blocks, and molded epoxy are designed for buck use 
 +  * 3D printed ABS is preferred for 3D printed bucks 
 +  * 3D printed PETG for most commonly formed plastics (check glass transition temp!).   
 +  * PLA can work but may deform.  Use extra vertical & horizontal shells to sink more heat. 
 +  * NOT soft plastics or Sculpy (they melt) 
 +  * NOT wet clay/putty/etc (it squishes and drips) 
 +  * NOT soft foam (they squish) 
 +  * NOT hard styrofoam (turns out it melts into the plastic) 
 +  * NOT anything crumbly or dusty (they make a mess inside the machine) 
 +  * NOT wet clay (both squishes and makes a mess) 
 +  * NOT potatoes (mostly just a waste of food, otherwise it is pretty viable) 
 +  * If you want to use other materials or non-approved materials which do not endanger the equipment, send the area champions a quick email or message in the Discord for approval before trying. 
 + 
 + 
 +===== APPROVED VACUUM FORMING PLASTICS ===== 
 +  * .030” thickness is minimum recommended merely due to difficulty of use 
 +  * .040” or 1mm is preferred thickness for most projects 
 +  * .080” or 3mm is the maximum we expect these machines to mold 
 +  * High Impact Polystyrene (preferred) 
 +  * Abs 
 +  * Pvc 
 +  * Acrylic 
 +  * Polyethylene 
 +  * Polypropylene 
 +  * Pet-g 
 +  * Butyrate 
 +  * Polycarbonate is NOT permitted until we have better ventilation
  
areas/vacuumformer.1503089927.txt.gz · Last modified: 2017/08/18 20:58 by wildapricot-campbell_timothy