Today, people are actively using plastic containers. For the manufacture of such products with a very different and complex form, a vacuum molding machine is used. The goods manufactured on such machines are actively used not only in everyday life, but also in the food, and in the light industry, and in the automotive industry.
The principle of operation of the device
How does a vacuum molding machine work? The basis of its operation, as the name implies, is the technological process of vacuum molding. It allows you to give the workpiece the necessary shape.
The essence of the work is as follows:
- A blank made of plastic that has previously undergone high-temperature heating is placed in a special vacuum chamber, which is located above the matrix, with the necessary shape of the product.
- After that, the vacuum molding machine creates pressure in the chamber by pumping air.
- Due to this effect, the workpiece takes the form of an existing matrix.
The main types of machines
To date, all vacuum forming machines can be divided into three types. The main factor for dividing into different groups is the size of the parts to be manufactured. According to this principle, the following types are distinguished:
- large-sized machines used for the production of large-scale goods on a large production scale;
- medium-sized devices are used for the production of medium-sized goods and single products on an industrial scale;
- small-sized equipment is used for the production of small batches of plastic goods and single products.
It is worth noting here that all machines can also be divided into two categories - automatic and semi-automatic. If everything is clear with the first type of aggregate, then in the second category the processes of material extraction and loading are carried out manually.
Different types of vacuum forming machines are capable of developing different pressures, temperatures and other technical characteristics. Depending on these indicators, the devices are able to work with blanks made of such material as ABS, PMMA, PVC, acrylic and other materials.
Machine company "Korst"
In vacuum forming machines, the principle of operation is almost the same. The main difference lies in its technical characteristics. They must meet the goals for which the device was designed. The equipment of the Korst company is intended for the production of various parts of the case, trays, racks, other forms for various purposes, etc. All products are widely used in various industrial fields.
This vacuum molding machine can work with a material whose thickness is from 0.05 to 5 mm. As for the dimensions of the finished product, it can reach several meters in length. For such equipment, it is enough to simply make a matrix with your own hands or buy it, since it is inexpensive. Using WF machines allows you to use a huge range of feedstock, which at the same time is quite cheap.
WF technical parameters
The VF A550 model has the following technical parameters:
- Firstly, it requires an electric power supply of 3 x 380 V with a current frequency of 50 Hz.
- Secondly, for proper operation, it is necessary to connect a pneumatic network with a pressure of 6 atm.
- Thirdly, the weight of the equipment is 250 kg.
- Fourthly, for such devices, an important characteristic that should be taken into account is air consumption. For this model, it is 100 cubic meters. m per hour.
- Fifth, during operation, the device consumes power of 9 kW.
- Sixth, the maximum thickness of the produced film is 5 mm. The working range itself is 0.2-5 mm.
- Seventh, the size of the surface of the table for packaging finished products has dimensions of 550 x 400 mm.
- Eighth, the dimensions of the machine itself are 700 x 1500 x 800 mm in width, height and length, respectively.
- Ninth, the maximum heating power of the unit is 7 kW.
As for the heating zones, they are equipped with infrared elements manufactured in Germany. Temperature control in such areas is carried out using seven-step power controllers. The evacuation process is carried out by a vacuum pump, and the subsequent blowing due to a fan.
DIY Vacuum Forming Machine
In some cases, you can make such equipment with your own hands. The main limitation is that on a home-made machine it will be possible to produce plastic products with a wall thickness of not more than 4 mm. Such a machine will allow to produce small-scale products or single containers and more without problems. The future machinist of the vacuum molding machine will need the following production kit:
- metal pipes and plywood sheets;
- a compressor and several electric heating elements for heating;
- self-tapping screws for fastening;
- asbestos board;
- quality stainless steel sheet;
- vacuum table;
- You will also need an automatic relay, on / off buttons, LED.
Assembly process
The assembly of such equipment should be carried out in the following sequence:
- To begin with, a clamping frame is made. For this, a prepared metal profile pipe is used.
- Next, you need to make a plywood box. In addition, you need to assemble a sealed box in which the compressor will be located. From above, it is necessary to install a perforated molding table on it.
- The next stage is the assembly of a stainless steel duct for the location of heating elements in it. A blank should be located above this box, this must be borne in mind during installation.
- After that, proceed to the installation of relays and switches.
- The last stage is the interconnection of one part of the clamping frame and the molding table.
Based on the foregoing, several conclusions can be drawn. Firstly, the vacuum molding machine is a fairly functional equipment capable of manufacturing the majority of plastic products. Secondly, all products are used in various industries, even in food. Thirdly, if necessary, it is possible to assemble such a house structure. However, such units consume a huge amount of energy and are very powerful, and therefore the wiring should be appropriate.