Kydex overview using standard tools kydex thermoforming sheets can be drilled vacuum formed brake formed or punch pressed kydex is a machinable thermoplastic that can be molded to form fit just about any shape imaginable without expensive tools and machinery.
Press forming plastic sheet.
Unfortunately my experience with plastic is limited to forming lexan on a press brake within a sheet metal manufacturing environment.
Thermoform plastic sheets for vacuum forming our thermoform plastic sheets are perfect for inventors small businesses and diy hobbyists who want to make custom vacuum formed plastic parts.
The process is straightforward.
This is a type of vacuum forming where thin or thick gauge plastic sheet is placed over a die heated to a temperature that allows the material to become pliable then is stretched over the surface of the die while vacuum pressure pulls the sheet down and into its final shape.
Pressure forming uses both vacuum and air pressure to push the soft heated plastic more tightly against the mold giving the part sharp detail.
Teflon to protect the surface of the plastic from scratching.
While my plastic forming experience is limited i have had reasonably good luck producing good parts by applying sheet metal theories and layout calculations for the flat pattern development.
In the vacuum forming machine the sheet is heated until it becomes pliable while being held in place by the clamping frame.
Have a mold ready to use.
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Thermoforming is useful for clamshell packaging.
At this point the pliable polycarbonate sheet is lowered onto the mold.
Pressure forming produces parts that have crisper detail and sharper features than conventional vacuum formed parts.
As you ll need to put the plastic sheet into the oven this is your size limitation.
Essentially drape forming bottom is clamping a piece of sheet plastic in some type of clamping mechanism putting this material into a heating oven heating the plastic sheet up to a desired temperature retracting it from the oven draping it over a mold trapping the sheet just inside the clamping mechanism over the edge of the mold flange and applying a vacuum to the mold chamber.
Use these plastic sheets along with with our hobby vacuum formers and a kitchen oven to thermoform homemade plastic parts with results that rival expensive.
Overhead racks for hanging sheets may be equipped with tracks and trolleys leading to forming equipment to facilitate handling of the sheet note the special considerations section for plexiglas mc acrylic.
Make adjustments appropriate to the specifications of your project.