Vacuum Former

thingiverse

This vacuum forming machine can be printed and used to create a mold of your 3D printed object. The updated version is available here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2690893. The main components include the "stand," the "gasket," and the "shop-vac-mount." These pieces are glued together, with the gasket in between. If your shop vac hose diameter is different from 59mm, let me know for a custom STL. A piece of wood or drilled hole can be used to mount the "shop-vac-mount." The "plastic-holder" requires printing two pieces and attaching them using four screws and nuts. To create a mold, use the provided "plastic-cut-out" template for reference when cutting your plastic. Alternatively, the "plastic-cut-out-less-plastic" template can be used for cost savings. Soften the plastic with a lighter or heat gun before placing it on the object and turning on the vacuum. The modeler used is Cubify Invent, available for $50 at Cubify.com.