Vaccum Forming

• What is the first step in vacuum forming?

  A sheet of plastic is clamped and heated
• Why is the plastic sheet heated in vacuum forming?

  To make it soft for molding
• What is placed into the machine after heating the plastic sheet?

  A mold is placed into the machine
• What happens to the material after it is heated?

  It is either pulled over a mold or vacuumed
• What can be used to remove the mold from the plastic sheet?

  A release agent can be used
• What is a common material used as a release agent in vacuum forming?

  Talcum powder is commonly used
• When is a larger blade cutter used in vacuum forming?

  When cutting parts from the cooled plastic sheet
• What types of materials are commonly used in vacuum forming?

  Acrylic, polystyrene, and PVC
• What are the advantages of vacuum forming?

  • Large, irregular shaped molds can be produced
  • Unique products like chocolate boxes and egg trays
  • Cannot be produced by other plastic forming processes
  • Equipment is cheaper than other plastic processing machinery
• What is a disadvantage of vacuum forming?

  It only works with certain plastics and molds
• What is a limitation of vacuum forming molds?

  They must have tapered sides and rounded corners
• What is the result of using molds with tapered sides?

  It allows for easier removal of the finished product
• For what purpose is vacuum forming often used in packaging?

  To produce high visibility packaging products
• How does vacuum forming benefit the food industry?

  It creates containers for food products
• What is the purpose of the heater in vacuum forming?

  To heat the plastic sheet until soft
• What is the significance of the temperature in vacuum forming?

  It determines the softness of the plastic
• How does vacuum forming differ from other plastic forming processes?

  It requires only one mold for forming
• What is the main reason for using vacuum forming in product design?

  To create detailed shapes on the outside
• What are the applications of vacuum forming?

  • Producing packaging with high visibility
  • Creating trays for cosmetics and food
  • Making containers for the food industry
  • Designing unique products like chocolate boxes
• What is the purpose of a mold in the vaccum forming process?

  To give the plastic its final shape
• What is the mould in the vaccum forming process?

  The mould is the shape or form over which a heated plastic sheet is stretched and shaped during vaccum forming.
• What are the steps of Vaccum Forming?


  1. Mould is made from MDF or Expanded polystyrene
  2. Mould placed in bottom of Vaccum former
  3. Sheet of plastic placed above the mould and clamped in place
  4. Electric heater is turned on and begins to warm the plastic sheet
  5. The thermoplastic becomes flexible as it heated. The mould is moved up to plastic using the handle
  6. Pump is turned on and air is removed from under the plastic, sucking plastic over the mould
• Important Features that should be included when making a mould.

  1. TAPERED SIDES- help plastic release easily from mould
  2. SMOOTH SURFACE - A smooth finish on the mould gives a better surface on the final product
  3. ROUNDED CORNERS & EDGES - Sharp corners can tear or thin the plastic.
  4. FLAT BASE - So it sits properly on vaccum former and stays stable
  5. VENT HOLES - Small holes allow air to escape so that plastic can form tightly over the shape