Formech 450DT Vacuum Former

About: Heats a sheet of plastic to a malleable temperature and stretches it to the shape of the given mold using a vacuum.

Location: Machine Shop

Access: Vacuum Former training required. Visit the Machine Shop to request training. 

Mold Material: plastic (such as 3D printed), foam, wood, or metal. Mold must have draft angles. 

Forming Area: 430 x 280mm / 17 x 11″

Sheet Size: 450 x 300mm / 18 x 12″

Max Material Thickness: 6mm / 0.25″

Material Type: HIPS, ABS, PETG, Styrene, Polyethylene (foam)

 

Setup

Do not place anything on the top of the heater and/or its housing.

  • Turn on machine with switch on lower left side.
  • Use large level to raise stage.
  • Place mold on stage.

  • Lower stage.
  • Preheat by pressing the wave icon followed by the play icon.

  • Wait until warm. Heater should feel warm when place hand nearby. DO NOT TOUCH THE HEATER.
  • Place plastic sheet on gasket frame and clamp.

Safe Operation

  • Pull head forward.

  • Clock will begin. Wait until the plastic is evenly droopy (about 2 minutes).
  • Push head back. Move stage up.

  • Select the middle option to apply a vacuum downward.

  • Select the rightmost option to push air upward into the mold.

  • Wait for both the finished part and the mold to cool before handling.

Cleanup

  • Turn off the heater.
  • Turn machine off with switch.
  • Remove part and mold from the bed.
  • Separate plastic part and mold.