Year 09 Vacuum Forming

What is Vacuum Forming ?

• Where molten plastic is pushed along a screw into a mould
• Where heat, a mould and air is used to manipulate flexible plastic
• Where pressure is put on top of the plastic to force it into a die

Organize these products to indicate which can be created using vacuum forming and which products require a different manufacturing process

Groups:

(a) Vacuum Formed

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(b) Other Process

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What material is used in Vacuum forming ?

• Polypropylene
• H.I.P.S
• Thermoplastic
• All of the above

What objects can be made from thermoplastics? Choose two

• yogurt pots
• disposable cups
• a water bottle
• plug sockets

When do you know the plastic is ready to be formed

• After 3 minutes
• After 7 minutes
• When it starts to sag
• When the plastic is bouncy and loose

A successful vacuum former should have;

• Gently sloping sides

• Vent holes in indented areas

• Slightly rounded top corners

• Slightly rounded bottom corners

What are the limitations of vacuum forming?

• Wide range of material options

• Unlimited detail and complexity

• Easy to form sharp corners

• Some limitations of vacuum forming include limited detail and complexity, difficulty in forming sharp corners, and limited material options.

How is the excess material trimmed in vacuum forming?

• Using a sharp cutting tool or a machine

• Using a blowtorch to melt it off

• Using a pair of scissors

• Using a hammer to break it off

What are the key factors to consider for successful vacuum forming?

• Color of the material

• Size of the mold

• Type of cooling fan used

• Material, mold design, heating, and cooling process

What safety considerations must be taken when using a vacuum former?

• High pressure from vacuum

• Hot element and plastic

• The mold melting

• The noise from the pump