Equipment Orientation: Vacuum forming machine

The Vaquform is a desktop vacuum forming machine designed to make the process of creating molds, packaging, and custom parts fast and accessible. Vacuum forming works by heating a sheet of thermoplastic until it becomes pliable, then using a vacuum to pull the softened sheet tightly over a mold, capturing its shape and details. The Vaquform automates much of this process with built-in heaters and a compact design that makes it easier to use than traditional industrial vacuum formers.

This free orientation is a requirement prior to using the vacuum former.

To use the Vaquform, make717 has thermoplastic sheets for purchase (or you may use your own sheets of approved material). Material is limited to 0.2 to 3mm thickness. In addition, any molds must be able to withstand the heat and pressure of the forming process, meaning that materials like wood, plaster, resin, or 3D-printed parts are typically used.