Design & Fabrication of Socio Economic Vacuum Operated Plastic Molding Machine

  • Dr Vivek Parhate, Prof. K .K. Tonpe
Keywords: Plastic Molding, Plastic Molding, thermoplastic

Abstract

Vacuum-forming or thermoforming is one of the most common methods for processing plastic materials. Vacuum-formed products are prevalent in our daily lives. The process involves heating a plastic sheet until soft and then draping it over a mould. A vacuum is applied sucking the sheet onto the moulds can be rapid prototype models, thereby shortening the mould fabrication time. Using prototypes for the moulds makes it economically feasible to produce low quantities of large parts and to operate medium size production runs. More sophisticated machines and moulds are used for the continuous automated production of high volume items like yogurt pots and disposable mould. The sheet is then removed from the mould. In its advanced form, the vacuum-forming process utilizes sophisticated pneumatic, hydraulic and heat controls thus enabling higher production speeds and more detailed vacuum-formed applications. Vacuum-forming offers several processing advantages over other forming processes. Low forming pressures are used, which enables comparatively low cost tooling. And, since the process requires only low pressures cups and packaging.

 It also offers many of the same benefits on its own with the only difference being that you do need to have a shape ready for making a mold. The design ideas are of course endless, and those with an entrepreneurial spirit should find this to be an enormously inspirational tool. Users have the self-sustainability of being able to create literally at the kitchen counter whatever their hearts desire, without having to go to a factory or middleman for manufacturing. This allows for a whole lot of fun but also speed in production, unheard-of affordability, and the ability to customize at will. Technology, specifically the introduction of the process technology, is expected to revolutionize vacuum-forming production and to bring with it additional benefits including, labor-cost savings, a shortening of product development time and new design developments.

Published
2021-09-19
How to Cite
Prof. K .K. Tonpe, D. V. P. (2021). Design & Fabrication of Socio Economic Vacuum Operated Plastic Molding Machine. Design Engineering, 12765-12776. Retrieved from http://thedesignengineering.com/index.php/DE/article/view/4497
Section
Articles