Materials

Forming Sheet Materials

Any flat thermoplastic sheet can be vacformed provided the sheet is a uniform thickness less than 6mm. At dFab, ABS, HIPS & PETG are typically used and available for purchase. Alternative materials such as recycled plastic and acrylic are also welcome.

Before purchasing materials consider the desired material properties (strength, rigidity, colour, transparency, etc)

If a buck has been made from a thermoplastic, a thermoplastic with a glass transition temperature should be used as the forming sheet.

Formech 450 DT	Max Sheet Size 450 x 300 mm Max Sheet Thickness 6 mm	Forming Area 430 x 280 mm Max depth of draw 160mm
Formech 1372	Max Sheet Size 1372 x 660 mm Max Sheet Thickness 6 mm	Forming Area 1330 x 620 mm Max depth of draw 420mm

Forming Die Materials

Moulds can be made in a range of materials including;

• wood

• structural foam

• cast resin/plaster

• plastic

• machined aluminium.

All forming materials must be strong enough to withstand the vacuum pressure. Soft, movable or fluid filled bodies will not make suitable moulds.

Forming die surface textures such as wood grain & layer lines will transfer to the of a formed plastic sheet. Consider the type of mould you are maki