Secrets of Building a
Plastic Vacuum Forming Machine
5 1/2 x 8 1/2 Softcover, 106 Pages.
Price $15.95 Buy Me
Workshop Publishing is your vacuum forming headquarters! I believe we carry every publication on earth that deals with building your own equipment. If you just want to build a proven machine and put it to work, consider our #1001 Hobby-Vac or #1002 Proto-Form construction plans. If you like to invent things and design your own custom equipment, then this book has some great ideas and any one of them is well worth the price of this book. The design shown is larger and more complex, yet uses a smaller plastic sheet than our Hobby-Vac unit. However, it uses some clever ideas like a multi size quick release clamp frame, and a manual trailer jack to raise the platen. It appears to me that you could probably come up with a larger heating element and juggle a few dimensions to increase the sheet size to 24 x 24 inches or larger?
A well written book with plenty of photo's and CAD illustrations. You need to be able to Cut, Weld, Drill and Tap steel, but construction is very straightforward with no machined parts and no critical tolerances. Basic plumbing and wiring skills are also needed. When you're finished, there is some good information on using the machine and a discussion on male vs female molds.
Introduction
The first 15 pages show many photo's of the machine and explains the thought process behind it. This machine is designed around a 120 volt heating element from some kind of appliance and the author gives you sources or you can buy one from him.
Vacuum
You get a clear explanation of the forming process, and how atmospheric pressure really provides the forming power. Read about different types of pumps and how to use storage tanks to provide a quick surge of forming power.