Vacuum Formed Part

For a video of the vacuum forming process used to create the above product, click here.

And, just for fun, here is a drape moulding video I made that anyone could try at home.

Vacuum forming is a process involved in making many of the everyday products around all of us. Packaging of all kinds, yoghurt pots, disposable cups, blisterpacks and food trays are examples of products that have been commercially vacuum formed. Vacuum forming has benefits for industrial production as the plastics used require low temperatures and pressures to be formed. This means that moulds and machines can be made from lower cost material than other more demanding plastic forming processes. The nature of the products manufactured by vacuum forming means that it is big business throughout the world.

Vacuum forming is a technique suited well to teaching in schools. The equipment is not too expensive - a vacuum forming machine will cost around £1500 which is reasonable compared to something like a laser cutter which may cost upwards of £10,000. The scope for use in all areas of Design and Technology is great as is shown by some case studies in the links below. The process involves making formers which is an opportunity to develop skills with tools and machines or the use of CAD/CAM, assisting with meeting criteria laid out in the National Curriculum. From a health and safety side, the vacuum forming process is very suitable for school workshops. The typical machines are fully contained units so risk of contact with high temperatures is minimised and the controls for operation are uncomplicated to use. Supervision would still be recommended, particularly for younger age groups and suitable PPE would have to be provided to students such as gloves and aprons. As plastic is used for vacuum forming, this would also be an opportunity to introduce sustainability issues to students, providing cross-curricular links to science and geography.


Links:

Vacuum formed products
Properties of high impact polystyrene (HIPS)
Vacuum forming in schools and a case study involving CAD/CAM and another case study