- CR Clarke 1820
- Thermoplastics: Polypropylene, HIPS, Styrene, and PETG. <3mm thickness, 508 x 458mm
- Forming
- Workshop Category: W2
- Workshop Risk Category: Green: Low Risk
Used to mould sheet thermoplastic. Once heated the vacuum pulls the malleable plastic sheet around a former. The former must be made from a material that can withstand a higher temperature than the heated plastic i.e Timber, MDF, metals, and can not have undercut/overhangs
Start with a Risk Assessment to ensure a safe work area:
- Remove loose fitting clothing, jewellery, and tie back long hair
- Give the work your undivided attention
- Make sure the area is clear of people
- Ensure machine is free from combustibles and clean
Operational Safety Rules:
- Make sure plastic sheets fits over the grey rubber seals
- Remove protective film of side facing the heating elements
- Adjust clamps so the top plate clamps tightly over plastic – ask a staff member for help
- The heating cover on the vacuum former slides forward over the plastic and back into its housing. Only move this using the designated insulated handle (some parts of this cover are hot). Ensure the cover is always pushed back into its housing when not in use or unattended.
- You can now turn on the machine. There is a master switch as well as four dials to control temperatures in different areas of the heater – ask a staff member if unsure of correct settings
- The heating element will take around 10 minutes to heat up, the orange lights above heater dials will turn off when temperature is reached
- The plastic is ready to be formed when its starts to slightly dip in the middle – overheating can course the sheet to pinch or puncture
- Leave the vacuum pump on whilst the plastic cools
Suggested material suppliers