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--- areas:vacuumformer [2017/10/19 14:35]
wildapricot-campbell_timothy [Rules and Etiquette]
+++ areas:vacuumformer [2023/08/24 21:53] (current)
wildapricot-jessen_andrew
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-====== Vacuum Former ======
+====== Vacuum Forming Area ======
 ~~NOTOC~~
-{{:equipment:vac2former.jpg?1000|}}
+{{:areas:img_20230708_161819333.jpg?1000|}}
-===== Trainers =====
+===== Area Champion =====
-[[members:TimothyCampbell|Tim Campbell]]
+[[members:andrewjessen|Andrew Jessen]]
-===== Rules and Etiquette =====
+Sara Cellucci
-The heating elements on the vacuum former reach >150 Degrees 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.
+===== Training, Rules, and Etiquette =====
+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 [[:trainingclasses|Training Classes]] page for up-to-date info. We have new equipment, so 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 heated, do 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 =====
@@ Line 15: / Line 33: @@
 ===== Machines =====
-  * [[Equipment/VacuumFormer2|Large, Green 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 of, but 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

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