The Vacuum Forming Process

This is my final blog on these extra topics I am talking about that will help with the overall understanding of our clock making. Definitely in this case I have left the best until last, and will talk about Vacuum Forming - something that everyone in Grade 7 who has made a clock has seen and had the process used on their clock. 

Anyway, on with the description!

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Vacuum forming is a manufacturing technique where thin plastic, and in this case, thermo plastic is shaped by heat and force. 

1. The first stage of vacuum forming is to make an accurate die or mould. This die must be very precise as any flaws will show when shaping the thermo plastic, any sharp edges can pop the plastic or if an edge is hanging over the plastic will wrap around that then underneath it causing the die to become stuck. 

2. The die is placed in the centre of the vacuum former

3. A sheet of thermo plastic is placed above the die and clamped into position.

4. The heater is turned on. When the machine is being used from ‘cold’ it takes about five to ten minutes to warm up to the temperature needed to heat the thermo plastic sufficiently.
Once warm, thermo plastic takes only four to five minutes to heat up before the vacuum forming process can begin.

5. The thermo plastic must become flexible before it can be formed properly.

6. Once the thermo plastic is ready the "Platen" or the base the die is placed on is lifted towards the thermo plastic sheet. The air underneath the thermo plastic and the die is pumped out and the thermo plastic takes the shape of the die.

7. You then pop your die out and cut out the plastic to just around your shape. 

8. The next part is the fun part, you can paint your plastic shape or decorate it in any way you want! TIP: A good tip for painting is to paint from the inside so you can see the coloured plastic still with the shine from the plastic.

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Well, thats all from me on these Extra pieces of information and blogs! My blogs will now go back to my regular lesson reflections, unless there are any other topics to talk about or cover. Once again... Thank you very much!