Vacuum Former

thingiverse

I've created an updated version here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2690893 This is a vacuum forming machine that you can print. Which allows you to make a mold of your 3d printed object. I hope you like this and make one, you'll be able to pour chocolate in your mold or other things like urethane. I'm designer for shapeways here: https://www.shapeways.com/designer/jonathanmarch/hire-me Instructions Print-description (1) "stand-holds plastic"-holder (1) "shop-vac-mount"-attaches to hose or (1) "shop-vac-mount-53.5mm-outer"-attaches to hose (1) "gasket"-lets all the holes in the stand to be used (2) "plastic-holder"-holds the plastic optional (1) "plastic-cut-out"-template to cut the plastic or (1) "plastic-cut-out-less-plastic"-template to cut the plastic The three main pieces are the “stand”, the "gasket", and the “shop-vac-mount”. Those three pieces are glued together the "gasket" being in between, you can glue them with acetone and abs paste/glue or regular glue. The “shop-vac-mount” hole (inner diameter) is 59mm and fits securely for my shop vac I'm not sure if it will work for you, if you tell me the diameter of your shop vac hose I can made another stl if you want. There is a mounting piece on the "shop-vac-mount" that I just have a piece of wood in between that and the hose mount to mount it, you can drill a hole through it too and mount it. The next main piece is the “plastic-holder” you need to print two of them and use 4 screw (m3 screws do fit but you might have to drill out the hole some though) and 4 nuts to secure them. When you put the holders together the plastic will be clamped in between them and they will mirror each other so the bottom one will be upside down. Also wrap a rubber band around the posts on the “stand” so you have good suction. Then the “plastic-cut-out” is 1mm thick and is a reference piece to cut the plastic you will be using to make a mold (I used plastic plates) you need to cut one the inside of the line you draw around the piece for a good fit. When drawing the line you need to keep the pieces still so I use magnets, you might want to use tape or clips they should work too. Then the “plastic-cut-out-less-plastic” is the same thing as “plastic-cut-out” but with a 85mm hole in the center for saving plastic and money. Once you have this all done and are ready to make a mold you can use a lighter or a heat gun (both work but a heat gun is better) to make the plastic soft and partially melted. Then as fast as you can put the holders with the plastic on your piece on the stand and turn on the vacuum, then you have a mold. The fun files are for cubify invent by the way that's the modeler I use, it's really easy to make things but it's $50 on Cubify.com. Cubify Invent: http://cubify.com/products/cubify_invent/index.aspx