Modifications

[[File:Formech 450DT.jpg|thumb|442x442px|Formech 450DT]]

[[File:Formech 450DT.jpg|thumb|442x442px|Formech 450DT]]

Vacuum forming is a manufacturing method used to shape a heated sheet of plastic around a certain mold using the force of a vacuum. It's great advantage is fast production of parts with minimal post processing. There are different methods to vacuum forming. The mold, also called the tool, can be either male or female. Male tools are used if precision is needed on the inside of the part. Female tools, often used with plugs, are used for precision on the outside of the part. Most industrial molds are machined from metal blocks, such aluminum. Although, the use of machined molds can get expensive as they are hard to make and can have a long lead time. If the tool needs replacing or modification, it can create a lot of down time. This is where 3D printed molds come in handy. They are not as durable as machined molds, but are ideal for fast prototyping. The complication with 3D printed molds is that filament is also a thermoplastic, which melts under heat. So how do you keep the integrity of your mold when in comes into contact with a very hot plastic sheet? This is what we will be covering in this document as to how to prepare your molds to perform as best as possible in the vacuum forming process.

Le thermoformage sous vide est un procédé de fabrication, utilisé pour donner forme à une feuille de plastique chaude autour d'un moule en employant la force du vide. Son grand avantage est une production rapide des pièces avec un post-traitement minimal.Il existe différentes méthodes de thermoformage. La moule, aussi appelé l'outil peut être mâle ou femelle. Les outils mâles sont utilisés si on cherche de la précision à l'intérieur de la piéce.

 

Les outils femelles, souvent utilisés  Female tools, often used with plugs, are used for precision on the outside of the part. Most industrial molds are machined from metal blocks, such aluminum. Although, the use of machined molds can get expensive as they are hard to make and can have a long lead time. If the tool needs replacing or modification, it can create a lot of down time. This is where 3D printed molds come in handy. They are not as durable as machined molds, but are ideal for fast prototyping. The complication with 3D printed molds is that filament is also a thermoplastic, which melts under heat. So how do you keep the integrity of your mold when in comes into contact with a very hot plastic sheet? This is what we will be covering in this document as to how to prepare your molds to perform as best as possible in the vacuum forming process.

== 3D Modeling your Mold ==

== 3D Modeling your Mold ==