anyone ever do any work with plastics?

[isaac338]

I just bought (on a whim, of course) a vacuum former and a rotational molder from a fellow in the classifieds.

Having never used either machine, and not knowing the full score, does anyone have any examples of stuff they've made on similar gear?

No idea what I'll use them for but the price was right.

Pics to follow!

 

[Stuart in MN]

I think a vacuum former could be used to make custom tool trays for tool boxes.

 

[Bronson]

I used a vacuum former in High School to make some mc fairing parts, and wind screens. We made footballs, and other balls with the rotational unit. They were just practice pieces in a Class i took. Did You get any raw materials with it?

 

[isaac338]

Nope, but there's a plastics place nearby that has 4x8 sheets of 1/16" HIPS for $40.

 

[ZRX61]

I've used em to make CF & kevlar aircraft parts.

 

[zcinpa]

I've used vac former to make various trays, rotational molder to make some plastic toys, some balls, i'm sure there are more interesting uses for them but they're super easy to use, should be fun!

 

[RODDOORS]

What size are the vacuum beds?? Size of vacuum pumps? Calrod, Nichrome or gas?? Top heat or top/bottom heat. Larger machine are also 3 phase.
All make a difference in what you can make.

 

[7echo]

I get 1/16 HIPS for about $25 a sheet. Styrene is a good material for vac forming, it forms well, is paintable, and easily glued. We usually use Weld-On cement.

We have made lots of custom sconce shades with a roto-molder. You can get a lot of interesting material from Smooth-On.