Difference between revisions of "Belovac Vacuum Forming Machine"
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| − | == | + | == Overview == |
This vacuum forming machine has been donated by SAIC and is currently installed in Hot Metals area. A Danger Committee was formed and the machine is ready for member use pending authorization. | This vacuum forming machine has been donated by SAIC and is currently installed in Hot Metals area. A Danger Committee was formed and the machine is ready for member use pending authorization. | ||
| − | == Status == | + | ===Current Status=== |
This machine is working but requires maintenance and improvements. | This machine is working but requires maintenance and improvements. | ||
| − | + | ==Usage== | |
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This device can handle any thermoformable plastic up to 3/8" thick. | This device can handle any thermoformable plastic up to 3/8" thick. | ||
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# Turn off Heater | # Turn off Heater | ||
| − | + | ==Safety== | |
The Vacuum Former has an oven surface for heating and softening the plastic. It is made of multiple panels (total 6) infared radiant heating elements, draws a total 80,000 watts (top and bottom), and reaches full operating temperature depending on Active heating time set on the timer. | The Vacuum Former has an oven surface for heating and softening the plastic. It is made of multiple panels (total 6) infared radiant heating elements, draws a total 80,000 watts (top and bottom), and reaches full operating temperature depending on Active heating time set on the timer. | ||
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* '''Crushing''' - Make certain there is nothing obstructing the platform, before pulling the pneumatic lever raising the mold to frame. [[File:Crush sm.png|100px]] | * '''Crushing''' - Make certain there is nothing obstructing the platform, before pulling the pneumatic lever raising the mold to frame. [[File:Crush sm.png|100px]] | ||
* [[File:Shock sm.png|100px]] '''Shock''' - High Voltage machinery (3 Phase Power) required to run motors and heating elements. Make certain cabling is secure and undamaged before operating. | * [[File:Shock sm.png|100px]] '''Shock''' - High Voltage machinery (3 Phase Power) required to run motors and heating elements. Make certain cabling is secure and undamaged before operating. | ||
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| + | ==Machine Information== | ||
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| + | Company page: http://www.belovac.com/manual_deep_draw.html | ||
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| + | ===Training Resources=== | ||
| + | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVvMgkn8st8 About Vacuum Forming Process] | ||
| + | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD10sMJJbf8 Overview of newer model] | ||
| + | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTFnsG814Pc Custom Vacuum Box creation] | ||
===Maintenance and Repairs=== | ===Maintenance and Repairs=== | ||
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* Larger Vacuum Tank | * Larger Vacuum Tank | ||
* More powerful Vacuum Pump | * More powerful Vacuum Pump | ||
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[[Category: Hot Metals]] | [[Category: Hot Metals]] | ||
Revision as of 09:40, 22 November 2018
[[file: |frameless]] | |
| Owner/Loaner | PS:One |
|---|---|
| Make/Model | Belovac BV E-Class |
| Arrival Date | 2018 |
| Usability | yes |
| Contact | User:Rtystgeeke |
| Where | Hot Metals |
| Authorization Needed | yes |
| Hackable | no |
| Estimated Value | tbd |
| Host Area | Hot Metals |
Overview
This vacuum forming machine has been donated by SAIC and is currently installed in Hot Metals area. A Danger Committee was formed and the machine is ready for member use pending authorization.
Current Status
This machine is working but requires maintenance and improvements.
Usage
This device can handle any thermoformable plastic up to 3/8" thick.
Depending on which platen/frame that is used, the machine can accept ??? plastic sheets.
The "buck," or form, may be any sturdy shape that can tolerate a bit of heat. Wood, metal, and polyester resin work well. Avoid shapes with hollows underneath because they have a tendency to collapse. Shapes with undercuts, or shapes taller than they are wide, will be very difficult to remove from the formed plastic. Paint, shellac, or epoxy resin can cause the hot plastic to stick.
The oven must be used only for vacuum forming. Please do not attempt to use this machine to dry materials or anything other than its intended purpose.
Usage Steps
The following instructions are an initial release of how to run the machine.
- Insert sheet of material into Frame
- Secure Mold to Vacuum table
- Check seals around material and mold
- Turn on Wall Power
- Turn on Machine Power
- Select Number of Heating Elements
- Select Duty Cycle
- Connect Pneumatic Hose. It can be borrowed from the CNC Plasma Cutter, if not in use.
- Turn on Heating Element
- Move material frame into heater
- Close Vacuum Valve
- Turn on Vacuum Pump
- Visually check if material is sagging and ready
- Pull Material frame forward
- Inspect Plastic is ready
- push level to raise vacuum bed
- Open Vacuum Valve
- Monitor pull of material over mold
- Turn off Vacuum
- Turn off Heater
Safety
The Vacuum Former has an oven surface for heating and softening the plastic. It is made of multiple panels (total 6) infared radiant heating elements, draws a total 80,000 watts (top and bottom), and reaches full operating temperature depending on Active heating time set on the timer.
The most likely source of problems would be for someone to leave the plastic under the heater for way too long and set it on fire. To help avoid this error, we are only using the center top panel for heating. Ignoring safety protocal is cause for revoking authorization.
Fumes from most plastics are not expected to be significant when the machine is used properly (i.e., nothing is on fire). If fumes do turn out to be a concern, the machine can be retrofitted with a fume hood. Then existing exhaust duct for the Forge could be used.
Warnings
- Hot Surface - Metal Frame holding material and handles will be hot. Wear Gloves during operation.
Fire - Material may catch fire while heater is left on. Do not leave unattended.- Crushing - Make certain there is nothing obstructing the platform, before pulling the pneumatic lever raising the mold to frame.
Shock - High Voltage machinery (3 Phase Power) required to run motors and heating elements. Make certain cabling is secure and undamaged before operating.
Machine Information
Company page: http://www.belovac.com/manual_deep_draw.html
Training Resources
Maintenance and Repairs
- Get Running - DONE
- Fix Frame Rubber Seals
- Move Vacuum Guage
- Larger Vacuum Tank
- More powerful Vacuum Pump