vacuum forming newbie

[gpot]

Can you calculate the sheet area you need by working out the surface area of the mold? How much does a plastic sheet thin out when it sags?

I am building a vacuum forming machine for a prototype and need to estimate the forming area/frame size needed.

Thanks

 

[plasgears]

The ratio of straight shape to curved shape will point to the amount of thinning. The heater temp should be below melt temp. Use a generous corner radius, about 3 x t, at the flat to curved transition.

 

[TheAnswerGuy]

gpot,

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