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Do you have a need to create molds, masks, or other shapes out of plastic? Make your own 5-inch square vacuum former in just a few hours! The instructions below are based on materials that you might have around the house already or can be modified to use what you do have.

Part 1
Part 1 of 5:

Making the Vacuum Former Box

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    • On 3/4 inch plywood, draw three squares, 5 inches on a side.
    • Draw another, smaller 4 inch square centered inside each square.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 5:

Making the Platen

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    • On the 5mm MDF, draw a 5 inch square.
    • Start in from a corner at 0.5 inches from each side, draw straight vertical lines every 2/3 inches for a total of 7 lines.
    • Repeat the pattern for horizontal lines creating an intersecting grid pattern.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 5:

Making the Bottom / Mount

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    • On the 5mm MDF, draw a 5 inch by 9 inch rectangle.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 5:

Making the Sheet Holder Frame

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    • On the 5mm MDF, draw two 7.5 inch squares
    • Centered inside each square draw another, 5.5 inch square.
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Part 5
Part 5 of 5:

Using Your New Vacuum Former

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    • Set the box on a sturdy table.
    • Using the clams / quick clamps, firmly clamp the box to the table.
    • Firmly push the vacuum hose or adapter into the hole on the side of the former.
    • Cut your desired thermoplastic into 6 inch square sheets.
    • Choose or 3d print shapes to be formed.
  1. Take care to space the part around the holes to maintain clean edges.
  2. Keep going until until the plastic sags about 1.5 to 2 inches
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      • 3/4 inch plywood (a little over 75 square inches)
      • 5 mm MDF (a little over 127 square inches)
      • Wood glue
      • Hole saw (sized to fit vacuum hose/adapter) - Typical adapter size is 1-1/2 inch
      • 3/32 inch drill bit
      • Clamps / Quick Clamps
      • Drill
      • Jigsaw / Skill saw / Circular saw (whichever is small enough and easy to use)
      • Pencil (for drawing guidelines)
      • Thermoplastic (Try PETG as it is food safe)
      • Heat gun with enough power for your chosen thermoplastic
      • Binder clips (x4) to hold sheet inside frame
      • Grips to hold frame while heating
      • Vacuum cleaner / Shop vacuum with accessory hose


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