Modifications

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.

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 ==

== La modélisation 3D de votre moule  ==

To succeed at vacuum forming it starts way before using the machine. A good mold is the foundation of a good part, with as little complications along the way.

To succeed at vacuum forming it starts way before using the machine. A good mold is the foundation of a good part, with as little complications along the way.

It is ok to add air holes directly in your 3D model but it will increase print time unnecessarily. It is recommended instead to drill the holes manually with the correct drill bit size and protective gear. You can visit the [https://www.vaquform.com/blogs/news/how-to-3d-print-molds-for-vacuum-forming VAQUFORM] page where they talk more in depth about air holes.

It is ok to add air holes directly in your 3D model but it will increase print time unnecessarily. It is recommended instead to drill the holes manually with the correct drill bit size and protective gear. You can visit the [https://www.vaquform.com/blogs/news/how-to-3d-print-molds-for-vacuum-forming VAQUFORM] page where they talk more in depth about air holes.

== Printer Settings ==

== Paramètres d'impression ==

Once your 3D model of your mold is complete, it is time to print it. This is the part where slicer settings and filament selection will help the most towards the durability of your mold. Visit the [https://www.vaquform.com/blogs/news/how-to-3d-print-molds-for-vacuum-forming VAQUFORM] page for a detailed explanation on how to make your prints.

Une fois que votre modèle  3D est complète, il est temps de l'imprimer. C'est ce stade où les paramètres de votre découpeuse et le choix de filament contribueraient le plus à la durabilité de votre moule. Visitez la page web [https://www.vaquform.com/blogs/news/how-to-3d-print-molds-for-vacuum-forming VAQUFORM] (en anglais) pour une explication détaillée sur comment faire vos impressions.

== Health and Safety with Vacuum Forming ==

== Santé et Sécurité avec le thermoformage ==

Vacuum forming is a generally safe machine that takes little effort to manufacture parts with great quality. Although, there still are safety aspects to take into consideration. When you encounter a problem with the machine, it is important to alert the staff about it and DO NOT attempt to fix it yourself. Reparations and changes to the machine should only be made by qualified personnel.

Vacuum forming is a generally safe machine that takes little effort to manufacture parts with great quality. Although, there still are safety aspects to take into consideration. When you encounter a problem with the machine, it is important to alert the staff about it and DO NOT attempt to fix it yourself. Reparations and changes to the machine should only be made by qualified personnel.

=== Burns ===

=== Brûlures ===

Evidently, the vacuum form machine uses heat reaching up to 300°C to soften the plastic. Consequently, some parts of the machine can get very very hot. It is important to know which those are and keep body parts clear of these area. The plastic part will also be very hot after forming. You should let it cool down before attempting to handle it. If you must handle the part immediately after forming, wear the proper PPE such as heat protective gloves. To test to see if the part is still hot, approach it gently with the back of your hand. If you can feel the heat without touching it, it is probably too hot to handle. If you cannot feel any heat from a distance, try and get closer until you can touch it rapidly without feeling excessive heat. From there it should be safe to touch the part without getting burned instantly and gauge if you can handle it or not.

Evidently, the vacuum form machine uses heat reaching up to 300°C to soften the plastic. Consequently, some parts of the machine can get very very hot. It is important to know which those are and keep body parts clear of these area. The plastic part will also be very hot after forming. You should let it cool down before attempting to handle it. If you must handle the part immediately after forming, wear the proper PPE such as heat protective gloves. To test to see if the part is still hot, approach it gently with the back of your hand. If you can feel the heat without touching it, it is probably too hot to handle. If you cannot feel any heat from a distance, try and get closer until you can touch it rapidly without feeling excessive heat. From there it should be safe to touch the part without getting burned instantly and gauge if you can handle it or not.

=== Toxic Fumes ===

=== Fumées toxiques ===

It is important to keep in mind that melting a plastic emits toxic fumes. Although a vacuum form machine doesn't completely melt plastics, it does bring it past it's glass transition temperature, where polymer chains are allowed to move some encounter thermal decomposition. "During thermal decomposition, polymers breakdown into hazardous plastic fumes, fatty acids, and the original manufacturing compounds."<ref>[https://www.sentryair.com/plastic-fumes.htm#:~:text=During%20thermal%20decomposition%2C%20polymers%20breakdown,fires%20in%20a%20burning%20building. Plastic Fumes - Sentry Air Systems]</ref>  Material choice is important not only for your project, but also the safety of the people working int the same space. Have your material approved by staff before using it. '''Do not leave heaters unattended and do not overheat plastic sheets!''' Doing so will increase the risk of releasing toxic fume.

It is important to keep in mind that melting a plastic emits toxic fumes. Although a vacuum form machine doesn't completely melt plastics, it does bring it past it's glass transition temperature, where polymer chains are allowed to move some encounter thermal decomposition. "During thermal decomposition, polymers breakdown into hazardous plastic fumes, fatty acids, and the original manufacturing compounds."<ref>[https://www.sentryair.com/plastic-fumes.htm#:~:text=During%20thermal%20decomposition%2C%20polymers%20breakdown,fires%20in%20a%20burning%20building. Plastic Fumes - Sentry Air Systems]</ref>  Material choice is important not only for your project, but also the safety of the people working int the same space. Have your material approved by staff before using it. '''Do not leave heaters unattended and do not overheat plastic sheets!''' Doing so will increase the risk of releasing toxic fume.

=== Pinching ===

=== Pincement ===

There is a risk of pinching when operating the vacuum form machine. Use caution when using the clamp frame to ensure fingers or hands will not get trapped. This is a single person operating machine. Use caution when someone else is around. The heaters also operate on rollers and track. You should not be putting your hands onto the track as it creates another risk of pinching.​

There is a risk of pinching when operating the vacuum form machine. Use caution when using the clamp frame to ensure fingers or hands will not get trapped. This is a single person operating machine. Use caution when someone else is around. The heaters also operate on rollers and track. You should not be putting your hands onto the track as it creates another risk of pinching.​