Belovac Vacuum Forming Machine

Belovac Vacuum Forming Machine
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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 pump, to begin to build vacuum
Visually check if heating element is on and if material is warming
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
Disconnect pneumatic hose. Return to CNC Plasma Cutter.

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.