Proto-Form Machine. Thermo forming plastics

**backyard_cnc** · Apr 10, 2015, 09:32 PM

Been slowly building a machine for thermo forming plastics using a mold, heat and plastics based on a set of plans available to purchase on the internet. Called a ProtoForm this machine will use either 24" x24" or 24" x 36" sheets of plastic. And has 20 gallons of vacuum holding tanks for a strong deep pull. Depending on what you can scrounge beg or borrow to build this machine will determine the total cost . I figure I will invest about $1500 to complete, I had a vacuum pump already but spent extra for nice oak trim and a solid electrical system. The end result though will be a professional quality machine capable of doing good work and it should pay for itself quickly!

Gerald
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Proto-Form Machine. Thermo forming plastics-1_7375_img-20150410-01071%5B3%5D-1-.jpg

Proto-Form Machine. Thermo forming plastics-img-20150407-01058.jpg

Proto-Form Machine. Thermo forming plastics-img-20150407-01059.jpg

**Altair** · Apr 12, 2015, 06:17 PM

I would love to have one of these. There's a huge market for motorcycle fairings in my area.

**backyard_cnc** · Apr 12, 2015, 07:00 PM

Yes the possibilities are almost endless dependent only on your imagination and the size of the machine you build. I am hoping to get it finished over the next 2 weeks and start to learn the ins and outs of molding various things.

Gerald

**kbalch** · Apr 13, 2015, 02:38 PM

Thanks Gerald! I've added your Thermo-Forming Machine to our Vacuum Forming category, as well as to your builder page: backyard_cnc's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Thermo-Forming Machine by backyard cnc

tags: vacuum forming, pump, tank

**DIYer** · Apr 13, 2015, 09:13 PM

Very interesting machine, Gerald! Looking forward to your posts on its output.

**kbalch** · Apr 17, 2015, 10:27 AM

Hi Gerald,

Very nice! Your Thermo-Forming Machine is the 'Tool of the Week'!

You'll be receiving one of our official HomemadeTools.net T-shirts:

Proto-Form Machine. Thermo forming plastics-hmt-t-shirts.jpg

If you've already received one of our official HomemadeTools.net T-shirts, we'd be glad to award you a $25 online gift card from GiftRocket. Your choice!

Either way, just let me have (via PM) your details (size, color choice, and mailing address for the shirt or email address for the gift card) and we'll get things processed directly.

Congrats!

Ken

**kbalch** · Apr 17, 2015, 02:39 PM

This thread has been moved to the Must Read subforum. Congrats (and thanks) to Gerald for making such a valuable contribution!

**backyard_cnc** · Apr 17, 2015, 02:55 PM

An updated picture of the completed woodwork and the start of the electrical. Machine will plug into a 50AMP range block. The 2 zones of heating will be controlled by Solid State Relays (SSR) which are visible at the top either side of the breaker panel. They are mounted on large heat sinks as they dissipate a goo amount of heat dependent on load. These are 40A SSR and should be well up to the task of switching the heater elements. The use of SSR means I only need low amperage switches on the control panel to send a DC voltage to the SSR to control the ON/OFF stae of each heat zone.I have yet to select a powersuplly for this but likely either 12 or 24Vdc depending on what I have in my parts stash!

Gerald

Proto-Form Machine. Thermo forming plastics-img-20150412-01076.jpg

Proto-Form Machine. Thermo forming plastics-img-20150417-01099.jpg

**cavalino** · Apr 17, 2015, 03:34 PM

Hi... Have you some plans of this machine? Were can be purchased? Thanks...

**backyard_cnc** · Apr 18, 2015, 11:56 AM

Plans for this machine can be purchased on the internet and are well worth the price. They are complete and comprehensive and the heater kits can also be purchased directly from the author. I am in no way affiliated with the website that offers these plans. Just a happy customer.

Gerald

Plans for building a personal and/or production ready vacuum forming machine