Adam Savage’s Large Vacuum Forming Machine

11 thoughts on “Adam Savage’s Large Vacuum Forming Machine”

1. Why not add a hole(with a plug to prevent the vacuum from sucking ABS into the hole) through the buck to allow you to use compressed air to pop the part off?

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2. Hi Adam,

   Do some plastics give off fumes or anything when heated up? Seeing all of that steam or whatever it was when you lowered the plastic made me think of it. Having kids at home makes me think about that kinda stuff. Excellent video.

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3. Cool, I like the idea of using the compressed air.

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4. I sometimes wish that some of the videos were more in-depth. Personally I know the basics of a vacuum former and built a small one myself, however would love to hear more about the knowledge that just comes with experience and practice, since Adam definitely has both.

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5. Yes, Adam, that is cool!

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6. Looks like the classic Protoform, http://www.build-stuff.com/plans/proto-form-vacuum-forming-build-plans/, and can confirm its worth having a set in advance. I changed a few things, but a solid starting point.

   I’m very glad I didn’t sell it when leaving CA. Its a heavy beast but a solid machine design.

   For those interested in Vacuum forming details. I would still recommend research and reading on the tk560.com forums. Lots of home-built machines and a solid expert community to answer questions, especially about pulling different materials and types of problems with making parts and forming slugs.

   Warning, at times they can be a grumpy group if you ask a question asked and answered many times before, so I highly recommend first timers search and read before you ask.

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7. would something like talc powder help as a mold release? same theory as other casting? also you could use something like an arduino or a temperature controller like a eurotherm and SSR/thyristor to give you variable power control with an amp meter so you can slowly dial up all power while monitoring the current. that’s how i control my big boy furnaces.

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8. It IS cool! I can only dream of having that much equipment, or room for the equipment lol!

   What made you decide to go with vacuum formed plastic on this? Did you consider any alternates?

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9. I don’t know if you’re aware, but it’s common practise to drill small holes ( ~1.5 mm) in the forming buck, with a bit larger hole on the back/underside (3 – 5 mm) to blow compressed air in and release med plastic. You don’t need to plug the holes either, as they’ll just be bare noticeable as tiny dents. If you put them in the seams, they’ll be practically invisible.

   Although I think in this case the sides are too steep as well, so that the plastics “grips” the mold. I would perhaps bondo the the outside with a fine misted spray bondo and sand it as smooth as I could to eliminate friction, and perhaps spray it with a silicone spray to further avoid friction.

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10. Makes sense. I definitely agree that he could use a little bit of draft angle on the sides to help him get it out.

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11. Making a small hole on the top would let air in and make the mold come off easier.

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