Do you take any videos Ond. Would be good to see this vacuum process
I will Richie, the next time I use the press. That will be in a while though. To answer your question, the process goes something like this:
1. The frame goes into the oven and I watch for the acrylic to sag a little, maybe half an inch or so. This means it's hot enough to mould.
2. I turn the vacuum unit on before I take the frame out of the oven so its sucking air down through the top plate.
3. I remove the frame and quickly place it onto the press.
4. The acrylic sheet is soft so it pulls down over the dome mould and the aluminium frame makes contact with the rubber stripping on the press forming a seal.
4. The sheet is sucked down flat onto the press and over the mould shape. Seconds later you can lift the frame up as shown in my post pic.
I was sheepishly lost when you said you where building a vacuum. I had no idea what was going on. lol. I didn't really read it thoroughly enough. But now I see what you did and that my friend is freakin cool. Great job Ond. You are on another level. Well done.
That's Ok Ian, I do the same in other peoples threads too. I'm relieved it worked.
@ Mike & jennifer, I like getting the sort of questions you're suggesting jenn. I spend so much time thinking about HOW to get the results I want, it's nice to discuss strategies with members. That said Mike has a point. It's not the vacuum forming fumes I worry about. However, when I'm cutting or shaping acrylic in the workshop I need to use my respirator mask, the fumes coming off the plastic are bad and I have no exhaust fan out there.
That vacuum form set up is wild. I'm actually curious how you cut out the perfect circle once the piece was formed.
Also, kind of a random question but how durable is your paint finish once you are complete? I assume the polish hardens somewhat to protect it a little bit. Is it highly susceptible to scratches or is it just like anything else with a high polish finish (like a car, for example)?
You ask all the good questions dude
. I hand cut the dome firstly along the mould line and then by eye to fit. Automotive acrylic lacquers cure to a hard shell as you mentioned like on a car finish. Car finishes are baked (and clear coated) which makes them really tough. This finish is durable but it will get scratched. I'm OK with some light wear and tear scratching in the future...
I've done tons of vacuum work with wood - none with plastic/acrylic...
Now I need to come up with something so I can do it...
well done
Customised acrylic marquee covers. The mighty Pixelhugger did both acrylic moulding AND wood forming using a vacuum press on his Mission Control project.
If you’ve been following along since inception we are at a milestone! The cog rocket coin plate is all but finished except for a few embellishing parts. I spent time today wet sanding and then polishing the rocket component. Here is the coin plate with parts loosely assembled.
I'm well pleased with the result. It's gone from my head and into the real world, it's a chuff moment for sure.
I'll post the promised video as soon as I hook everything up in the next few days.
Check this... a serial number plate for RoToron. The acetate will be bonded to the aluminium using crystal coat.