Vacuum plastic forming

[ams]

So I've been learning about vacuum plastic forming and know how to do it. However I am confused with how to create the object to actually form from. Such as Gemini's formed plastic logos. They have details and at only $84, I doubt they are making a hard copy out of something expensive to create the object to make into formed plastic.

I know you can do it with CNC routing such as wood objects and all, but what's the cheap way of making a design and then vacuum forming it?

 

[bpatrick3]

mdf

 

[James Burke]

As stated above, your pattern letters can not be plastic or they will warp or melt into your substrate. The ones I have seen in the past were either wood or aluminum.

If you plan to make your own pattern on a router, make sure you put enough draft angle on the sides to prevent them from sticking.


JB

 

[Moze]

Faces (Alabama) uses MDF.

 

[Kottwitz-Graphics]

We always used mdf, but I remember a thick sheet, something like 1.5"...

The forms are the cheapest part of the process. The ovens are the expense.

 

[MikePro]

mdf. multiple layers if you need to