Vacform question

Are you using a Mattel Vac-U-Form machine? Or some other machine?

 

Bret, styrene is the preferred material for vacuforming "solid" (opaque) pieces, mostly because of it's ease of assembly.  Acetate if preferred for the "clear" parts as you noted because of it's clarity and scratch resistance - but it resists the solvent cements used with styrene so it is best to avoid when fabricating structural components since strong bonds are harder to achieve.

If you are near a metropolitan area, look for "plastic suppliers".  These folks carry a wide range of different plastics in many forms, and although a 4 x 8 foot piece of sheet may not be what you need, the unit cost is low and they may have "cutoff" scraps that they can 'peddle' to you.

Also, be on the look out for material from other sources.  Much of the "bubble" packaging used for retail goods (which is mostly created using vacuforming techniques, after all) are useful sources that can be re-purposed, depending on the sizes needed.  Although I know #6 recycle coded plastic is styrene, I'm not sure what acetate is coded, if at all.  Experimentation is the key in any case.

Good luck and keep the discussion going as you learn things!

Regards, Robert Beach

Hey Rob, thanks for the tip. I have some .030 styrene I think not sure I will have to check on that one. would that be good to use or will I need some thicker sheets. as for the acetate sheets, how would I go about glueing them on i.e. the canopy.

 

Roscoe

I use white glue...

Rob Beach wrote:

If you are near a metropolitan area, look for "plastic suppliers".  These folks carry a wide range of different plastics in many forms, and although a 4 x 8 foot piece of sheet may not be what you need, the unit cost is low and they may have "cutoff" scraps that they can 'peddle' to you. Also, be on the look out for material from other sources.  ...

Another potential source of styrene for scratchbuilding & vacuforming are signs from Lowes/Home Depot/favorite hardware store.   I bought a couple of No Tresspassing signs at Lowes for less than 2 bucks each.    Their thickness is 0.028 inches

EdGrune wrote:

Rob Beach wrote: If you are near a metropolitan area, look for "plastic suppliers".  These folks carry a wide range of different plastics in many forms, and although a 4 x 8 foot piece of sheet may not be what you need, the unit cost is low and they may have "cutoff" scraps that they can 'peddle' to you. Also, be on the look out for material from other sources.  ... Another potential source of styrene for scratchbuilding & vacuforming are signs from Lowes/Home Depot/favorite hardware store.   I bought a couple of No Tresspassing signs at Lowes for less than 2 bucks each.    Their thickness is 0.028 inches

 

Very interesting!!! I will have to look into that one. thanks 

 

Bret

Squadron used to sell plastic sheet specifically for vacuforming, I'm not sure if they still do but you could check their site to find out.

 http://www.squadron.com

 

For canopies, clear .015 Butyrate is best. Acetate can warp over time, where as Butyrate will hold its shape. K&S Engineering makes it in cristal clear 9"x12" sheets, and is mostly sold in hobby shops that handle radio controlled models, or you might be able to order direct www.ksmetals.com. As for styrene sheet, I get mine through a local plactics company (Laird Plastics )that deals in all different types of plastic, a 4'x8' sheet of .040 styrene usually costs me aroung $15. dave.

 Hi-Johnny; Listen, you can contact a firm I use in CALIFORNIA. I have had no luck here in TEXAS. I called 'TAP' PLASTICS in Concord, ca and they deal direct by mail.You can call them, tell them what you want and they,ll tell you if they have it, ask what size you need and VIOLA! you have your plastic.I would NOT use sheet styrene for canopies. It is to easy to mar or warp. I do hope this helps as this is how I,ve handled the lack of products and supplies in TEXAS. I would also, as suggested, try SQUADRON in CARROLTON ,TEXAS, they might be able to help you..        TANKERBUILDER

Are there any current suppliers of sheets for the Mattel machines?  That is, sheets already the right size and pre-punched?