and the mold must be kept hot since it cools on contact. There are other plastics
like Vinyl, PVC, Acrylic, Clear Acetate Butyrate, Kydex, Polyethylene but we
recommend PETG, ABS, and Styrene since most plastic suppliers carry them
and they are fairly inexpensive and easy to form.
Also some plastics can generate some smoke or undesired odors and a
respirator may be required.
Maintenance:
This machine does not require much maintenance due to its simplicity. However
there are couple things you can do to prolong the life of the machine.
1- Always unplug the unit when not in use and for general maintenance.
2- Do not let dirt and particles enter the suction area, you can turn the table
upside down and use a vacuum cleaner to suck any dirt out.
3- Lightly lubricate the round guide rails on both sides of the unit for a smoother
operation ( place some lubricating oil on a cloth and go over the round rail )
please note a very small amount is necessary do not over lubricate
.
4- Keep the forming area clean specially the metal platen where the hot plastic
first makes contact. The platen (forming area ) should not be used for drying or
any other uses
. Do not leave plaster molds on the forming area for long
periods !
Trouble shooting:
Webbing ( plastic folds on itself) :
Possible causes:
1-Plastic is too thin (try thicker plastic)
2- You are trying to form multiple awkward objects at once
3-Plastic has stretched too much
4-Raise the mold by placing a wood cut out ( same shape ) on the bottom
5-Too much vacuum is applied too early try an electric pump instead of a shop
vac or try to regulate the shop vac flow
6-Sharp awkward corners/shapes
The hot plastic is not sucked over the mold:
Possible causes:
1-The mold is too large or tall
2-Try heating the plastic a little longer, or use thinner plastic
3- Make sure there is adequate suction and no leaks
4- Your mold is too tall try making a follower. A follower is a cut out pattern from
wood (same shape as your mold but larger all around, hollow in the center). It is
used to push the hot plastic down when forming
5- If you are using only a vacuum pump try using it with a shop vac
simultaneously
6-If the brass out let is not being used keep cap on so there is no suction loss
