Vacuum forming

[pmwasson]

I was thinking about playing around with vacuum forming. Anybody have any tips on getting started?

[TheDoLittle]

Make a good, cheap, upgradeable sheet plastic vacuum former

I built a small 6"x6" handheld from plans in a FineScaleModeler years ago, but a friend of mine and I built two of these larger ones a couple of years ago using those plans above. It's very easy to build and has held up really well.

The problem everyone runs into at first is the size and thickness of the plastic. The thinner the stock, the more it will likely tear... and the thicker the stock the longer it takes to warm and increases the chance of a completely melting or at worst, fire. Start out with a 3/8" to 1/4" just to practice with and as you get more adept and comfortable, experiment with what thickness you need for certain projects. I have a local supplier of plastic sheet so I get whatever size of sheet I want, but I have had a lot of luck with off the shelf Plastruc and Evergreen stock.

With patience and a little common sense, vacu-forming isn't difficult and can yield excellent results.

[SUP-Ronin]

The first thing that comes to mind is Mego scale Armor for figures like, Knights, Storm troopers, Samurai, Pirates, Gladiators, Vader, Bounty Hunters, Spartans, Robots, or stuff like Tardis things, Time machines, parts for mad scientists labs, perhaps brick wall or stone wall flat pieces for dioramas, or bases for figures to stand on.

[pmwasson]

Yes, I'm interested in custom vehicles and playsets and vacuum forming seems like an economical way to go.

[johnmiic]

Also ask Chuck/Megocrazy. He used to vacuuform custom r/c car bodies.

[ddgaff1132]

posted back in 2009. deleted the pics ages ago. hopefully info still helpfull


http://megomuseum.com/community/showthread.php?t=27241

[johnmiic]

I bought this book. It is very informative, tho I think the author over-thought the topic.

Do it Yourself Vacuum Forming For the Hobbyist - Book

I have wanted to build one for a long time but I live in an apartment so I can't hand saw wood accurately or use an electric saw at home to make the unit. If anyone could make me one for a low price I would be interested. I'll give you the measurements I need and you give me a price quote. PM me if interested.

[MEGO_SUPERMAN]

I have seen some desktop sets....when I looked at that a few years back. Many possibilities for something like that especially with your skills on the laser stuff.

[pmwasson]

Thanks for the links!

[MEGO_SUPERMAN]

Hey now! I knew it was somewhere I just had to go back and look around for it. Years ago I had looked into doing some of that for parts....and found a place that had some decent affordable set ups and you just supply the vaccum and the plastic. One stop shop place. You should check it out: Vacuum Forming Tables and More -- The Kingston Vacuum Works

[jessica]

Could this shield be vacu-formed? Just wondering because I am thinking a cast would be quite heavy...

[MEGO_SUPERMAN]

That is exactly the stuff that can be vacuum formed.

[jessica]

Who does vacu-forming on the MM? I would like a price quote.

How about this scabbard...can this be vacu-formed?

[MEGO_SUPERMAN]

Jessica I posted a link earlier in the thread and it goes to some pre made "Cost effective" Vacuum form machines. For the work you do...it would be a good investment.

[jessica]

OMG that's so awesome! I didn't know they were that affordable. Hmmm...what can I sell so I can buy this stuff?