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Plexi or acrylic thermoforming
2

Plexi or acrylic thermoforming

Plexi or acrylic thermoforming

(OP)
Hello all
I am a self proclaimed technician/ flintstone designer, I have been working on a corporate jet for over a year and flew it yesterday. The landing light lenses are yellowed and cracking and are not available. I am building a vacuum form machine to form some new ones, I have built the table from 1/8" alum. and have framed up the machine, I have a large stainless O2 bottle that will serve as a surge tank and a welsh duo seal pump. The heater I am hoping to use is propane infared overhead. Has anyone had experience with such a project? I am in somewhat uncharted waters, I have had some experience with vacuum in the aircraft fire detection industry but that was many years ago.

Rick

RE: Plexi or acrylic thermoforming

2
There are a number of people who do small run vacuum forming on the Hobby molding website. They usually make their own machines cheaply. they might be of assistance the link is:  http://hobbymolding.com/modules.php?name=Forums

RE: Plexi or acrylic thermoforming

Have you tried any of the boneyards? Phoenix AZ and William Strube come to mind.

RE: Plexi or acrylic thermoforming

DIY vacuum forming is popular among Star Wars fans who make their own stormtrooper costumes, etc.  They might be of assistance, too.

http://www.tk560.com has flip-flop vacuum table plans and a discussion board where people talk about alternative designs (e.g, over-and-under configurations, gas fired ovens, etc.).

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