Vacuum Former
Formech 450DT
The Formech 450DT is a thermoforming machine that makes light weight hollow copies of existing objects by pressing the object into a heated plastic sheet. The resultant product has a variety of uses including molds, packaging, prototyping, and even chocolatier work!
If you have an object you want to vacuum form, it must be designed with no undercuts and a minimum draft angle of 3 degrees for optimal removal. Our machine has an area limitation of 11x17 inches and a depth limitation of 6.3 inches, so please make sure that any object you bring is below this threshold. We have two reducing plates available for smaller objects.
Rates:
| Material | Color | Thickness | 11x17 | 11x11 | 5x5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PETG | Clear | 0.02" | $3.30 | $2.50 | $1.80 |
| PETG | Clear | 0.03" | $4.20 | $3.10 | $2.10 |
| PETG | Clear | 0.04" | $5.20 | $3.80 | $2.40 |
| Polystyrene | White | 1/32" | $4.00 | $2.50 | $1.80 |
| Polystyrene | White | 1/16" | $6.60 | $3.80 | $2.40 |
| ASA | Beige | 1/16" | $10.60 | $3.80 | $2.20 |
Specifications:
- Maximum Forming Area: 11x17 inches
- Maximum Sheet Size: 11x17 inches (12x18 sheet)
- Reducing plates available: 11x11 inches (12x12 sheet) and 5x5 (6x6 sheet)
- Maximum depth: 6.3 inches
- Maximum material thickness: 0.25 inches
- Completed during weekday business hours
- You must make an appointment to use the vacuum former
Original Object Materials:
When you arrive to vacuum form, please have your object ready for forming! Your object must be able to withstand immense pressure and heat and must not produce any debris, dust, or break apart. Due to the nature of vacuum forming, items placed in the vacuum former may be damaged. Wondering if your object can be vacuum formed? Send us an email or drop by. Examples of suitable materials may include:
- 3D printed objects with a minimum of 25% infill
- Wood objects that are sealed
- Completely dry clay or plaster that is sealed
- Aluminum
Forming Materials:
Currently, you can purchase PETG or polystyrene from the Makerspace.
If you need a different material, you must provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and schedule a consultation with a Makerspace Staff Member. Please keep in mind that vacuum forming can be a trial and error process and we cannot guarantee successful vacuum forms so plan to provide extra material for testing.
Using the Vacuum Former:
All vacuum forming must be done through an appointment. Makerspace Staff will vacuum form up to 5 sheets of plastic for you. For any jobs that exceed 5 sheets of plastic, we will train you so that you can use the vacuum former yourself. If you need accommodations to use this equipment please contact us directly so we can assist you further.