Re: Vacuum forming machine
I've seen several vids where they put the heater below and have reflective walls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kW6ZP6zqY8
Re: Vacuum forming machine
I considered doing that but then decided it makes more sense to make it needlessly complicated.
2 Attachment(s)
Re: Vacuum forming machine
Here are my my first attempts. It's going so well I may quit my job and go into the vacuum forming business.
This was just a few sockets since I couldn't think of anything else
Attachment 7257
I don't have much to say about this
Attachment 7258
Re: Vacuum forming machine
Not bad! I researched Kydex forming when considering dash pods, and it was interesting the methods they used for a uniform heating. I do believe as you stated, most built a tray to hold the sheets all along the edges, and slid that into the oven, then would have a vacuum table using peg board that the mold set on top of.
Re: Vacuum forming machine
I used the abs and acrylic to figure out what mistakes I would make. I have some Kydex waiting for actually trying to mold something useful.
With the time going into this it would have been much easier to use fiberglass and Bondo to modify the panel I have in mind, but I've always been curious about giving this a shot. Now that I've posted about it I'll feel more obligated to follow through with finishing the contraption as well.
Re: Vacuum forming machine
No doubt! I really think this method would make for much better looking and easier A-pillar or dash pod installations.
That's not an insult to anyone who has built up their own A-pillars - but being able to vacuum form a pod in minutes that easily molds to a pillar or dash compared to the hours or days of doing a quality fiberglass job... it's a win win for everyone.