XRobots - How to build a vacuum forming machine including my easy heating solution

In this video I'll tell you all about my homebrew vacuum forming machine, including the easy heating solution that I came up with.

Here's a follow up video on this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fJOhr...

You can join my page on facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/XRobots.co.uk

The title music is also written and performed by me, copyright XRobots.co.uk

• Category

  Howto & Style

[NatureNTech]

Where do you buy your plastics?

[jamesbruton]

There are two suppliers listed on the resources page on my website

[DashHXQ]

Does it work with lexan?

[jamesbruton]

I've only ever tried Polystyrene, but it should work with ABS, Acrylic etc. Lexan I believe is Polycarbonate, which is much tougher.

[Syrio Forel]

Thank you very much for showing me an alternative to using my home oven! How is a home vacuum compared to a 'Shop Vac' brand vacuum for performance? Also, how thick was the styrene again? You mentioned 2 mils, but is that 0.02 inches, or is that 2 milli-meters? Thanks!

[jamesbruton]

2 milimetres

[David W. Smith]

Great work James.

As to 3D printer question: for things with large hollow shape, this works very well - 3D printing or CNC-generated bucks might be useful, but only would need one.

[Andrew B]

i could probably make this vacuum former for $50-100 depending on what i already have, but a 3D printer big enough to do those parts would cost at least $20,000

[GeatMaster]

is there an advantage to doing vacuum forming instead of 3D printing?

[James Bamfield]

I actually forgot I posted this question, lol. I actually found that out about a week ago. I've also heard hydrocal works wonders as well. Non the less, thanks for the answer!

[Shane Cole]

Try Dental Stone. Its much harder and Ive herd a lot of people are using it as molds for vac forming

[Lochie Bryden]

Awesome. Pretty stoked I found a guy who doesnt use an oven as a method of heating plastic, and uses a regular vac, not a 'shop-vac.' Cheers buddy, cant wait to get started myself

[Zachariah Kinnard]

3PO!