Desktop Vacuum Former

thingiverse

This desktop vacuum former operates with a heatgun and vacuum, designed for laser cutting in MDF or wood at 0.25 inches thickness. It's printable at Ponoko and free of cost. The assembly requires materials like heatgun, vacuum, machine screws, glue, and aluminum foil. The laser-cut boards are assembled into a modified 'H' shape, with no air leaks along the seams. Inside and top are lined with aluminum foil, followed by placing the mold form on the perforated middle board. Plastic is locked onto an insert frame using machine screws, and two options are provided for holding the plastic down over the mold - either by string or long machine screws. Finally, a vacuum nozzle is placed in the bottom hole, heat gun in the top hole, and the lid is closed. Turning on the heat gun and vacuum forms the plastic to the mold, which can then be removed and trimmed. Instructions for assembly are available at http://support.ponoko.com/entries/20509538-desktop-vacuum-former.