Belovac Vacuum Forming Machine
| 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 |
Disambiguation
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
This machine is working but requires maintenance and improvements.
Machine Information
Company page: http://www.belovac.com/manual_deep_draw.html
Usage Notes
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
1. Insert Material into Frame 2. Secure Mold to Vacuum table 3. Check seals aronud material and mold 4. Turn on Wall Power 5. Turn on Machine Power 6. Select Number of Heating Elements 7. Select Duty Cycle 8. Connect Pnuematic Hose 9. Turn on Heating Element 10. Move material frame into heater 11. Close Vacuum Valve 12. Turn on Vacuum Pump 13. Visually check if material is sagging and ready 14. Pull Material frame forward 15. Inspect Plastic is ready 16. push level to raise vacuum bed 17. Open Vacuum Valve 18. Monitor pull of material over mold 19. Turn off Vacuum 20. Turn off Heater
Safety notes
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.
Warning
Fire - Heat
Shock - 3 Phase Power
Crushing - Pnuematic Platform
Maintenance and Repairs
- Get Running - DONE
- Fix Frame Rubber Seals
- Move Vacuum Guage
- Larger Vacuum Tank
- More powerful Vacuum Pump