Plastic has become so firmly established in everyday life that, perhaps, today it is used in absolutely all areas of production. Due to its unique properties, it serves as the basis for the production of other products, as well as an independent production object. For example, PVC molds allow you to cast geometric shapes of a given size and type from liquid synthetic and natural materials.
Instructions
Step 1
For manufacturing purposes, make a plastic mold by vacuum forming. Use wood or clay to make a die of the desired size. If you plan to cast a large number of plastic molds, then use the metal cut on the cutter for the matrix.
Step 2
Polish the die and make corners and ridges that will allow you to further remove the shape. Make holes all over the surface so that air can escape freely and does not inflate the plastic.
Step 3
Preheat the plastic sheet with powerful lamps. Do not use an open flame! Check elasticity by touch, the sheet should retain your print.
Step 4
Start the thermoforming machine. Lubricate the matrix with oil and cover with a heated sheet. The press will "go around" the sheet on the die using a vacuum and a fan will start, which will cool the plastic.
Step 5
Remove the resulting shape as soon as it has completely cooled down and acquires its characteristic rigidity. If necessary, apply a roll-on pattern or use thermal film.
Step 6
In this way, you can make blister packs, molds for casting, molds for rubber products and multi-component compounds (for example, for the production of paving slabs). You can mold plastic products with a thickness of no more than 10 mm. For thicker structures, additional processing of the inner part of the mold with a cutter will be required.
Step 7
It is highly undesirable to work with molten plastic at home, but if you decide, be sure to use respirators and protective masks. You can use plastic sheets with a thickness of no more than 3 mm, otherwise you will simply not warm them up and break them.
Step 8
Preheat the sheets on hot iron sheets or on an oven lined with non-woven fabric. To shape and distill air bubbles, roll the plastic over the matrix using rigid rollers. Wear gloves and aprons.
