Vacuum Forming

Basics

• A technique used for plastics, fiberglass, and carbon fiber (as well as other composites), where a flexible (either by physical or chemical form) material is placed over a form on a specialized vacuum surface which removes gas bubbles unlike traditional Thermoforming

Used For

• Hulls of Boats
• Shells and Frames (For the Velomobile etc)
• Windsheilds and other non standard plexiglass shapes
• Hard Shell Plastic Packaging with thin walls
• Hard Masks (May be a good enteerprise + maker masquerades!)

See Also

• Thermoforming

Useful Links

• The Wikipedia Page on Vacuum Forming
• A "Tested" Video on Adam Savage's Vacuum Forming Machine
• A "Punished Props Academy" Video on how to make a basic DIY Vacuum Forming Machine