Heat Forming Plastic Sheets

A flexible thickness of 1 16 makes it easy to wrap around objects.

Heat forming plastic sheets.

The only major variable that can affect the forming process is the thickness of the plastic sheet. I m nearing the end of the design phase of a project and i need some help selecting the right material with which to make it. Kydex can be easily cut to size by scoring and cutting sheets with a razor or similar knife. The only absolute requirement for bending and forming kydex is heating the sheet until soft when the material becomes formable.

Use these plastic sheets along with with our hobby vacuum formers and a kitchen oven to thermoform homemade plastic parts with results that rival expensive. For thicker sheets it will take longer and for thinner sheets it will take less time. Thermoforming is a manufacturing process where a plastic sheet is heated to a pliable forming temperature formed to a specific shape in a mold and trimmed to create a usable product. Can any plastic experts offer advice.

The sheet or film when referring to thinner gauges and certain material types is heated in an oven to a high enough temperature that permits it to be stretched into or onto a mold and cooled to a finished shape. Modify the timing as necessary. This article uses a sheet about 1 4 thick so all times are about 10 to 15 minutes per step. No need to roll out and flatten melted pellets.

I ll essentially be building a solid 3 dimensional form by setting a plastic sheet over the form and hitting the plastic with a heat gun and then trimming. Heat guns and toaster ovens have proven the best diy method for our customers.