Vacuum Forming Windows Question

[TAMELESSTGR]

Gents,

I am looking to build a small vacuum form to replicate windshields. Trying to think about how to accomplish this. I would assume I need to find a plastic material that is clear and the same thickness as the model glass. Trying to figure out what I should use to make the base structure/plug that the plastic will be formed over. Could I use like a modeling clay or maybe epoxy putty? Something that will harden once molded into the shape? Thanks!

Ken

[mattb]

if all you want to do is 1/32 windows, buy a mattel vac u form and hook it to a shop vac. this actually works pretty good

[RichD]

If you were going to do a lot of vacuum forming you might invest in one of these: https://www.micromark.com/Compact-Va...orming-Machine
The machine can't be used with Lexan (polycarbonate), you could use PTEG instead. If you do a search on You Tube I'll bet that lots of videos on vacuum forming would turn up. You would need a cast of the original window as well.

[mattb]

The Micro Mark machine is used in dental labs and is the most common small machine you can buy. I have seen lots of them on Ebay and they probably work great.
I found that I could make silicone mold for my windows and then make a resin cast and use it for a buck to vacuum over.

[chappyman66]

Matt and Rich are right. You can make bucks from resin or 3D print them and then use a small vacuum machine to make the glass. There are clear resins but without a pressure pot getting them bubble free and water clear is a challenge.
If you want to do bigger stuff, you might need a bigger unit and there are lots of videos about building them.

[mattb]

found this one on ebay. less than $80 with free shipping. The model Micro Mark sells is available on ebay for $90 something

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vacuum-Molding-Forming-Machine-Former-Thermoforming-dental-lab-Equipment-US-RE/143401856009?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D60257%26meid%3Debebf92f9a1d40ec936a7c600b5e8a9b%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dco%26sd%3D113285895454%26itm%3D143401856009%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

[vtecfour]

That's the machine I've been using.

I cut 6" x 6" PETG sheets to fit in the plate for a usable 4" x 4" area. I like the heavier .020" thick material.



I started making molds out of Plaster of Paris from the original window and have recently tried silicone material. I like the latter as it's much more durable compared to plaster if you're making a bunch of copies.



Dan

[noddaz]

Has anyone ever used plaster to make a buck or mold? Easy to mold or shape, but delicate to handle. Whoops! Too slow, it looks like someone has.
Scott

[Guest]

That's the machine I've been using.

I cut 6" x 6" PETG sheets to fit in the plate for a usable 4" x 4" area. I like the heavier .020" thick material.



I started making molds out of Plaster of Paris from the original window and have recently tried silicone material. I like the latter as it's much more durable compared to plaster if you're making a bunch of copies.



Dan

I have never thought of using silicon for a vacuum form buck. That's great information, thanks. What shore is your silicon rated at? Is it real soft or stiff?

[vtecfour]

I make my molds for resin body slosh casting with Smooth On Mold Max 30 silicon rubber, so thought why not use it to make a vac form buck. Seems stiff enough. If firmer is preferred, higher shore ratings are available.

In the background, you can just make out a windscreen formed using the silicone buck pictured previously.



Here's it mounted on the body.



Dan

[munter]

also.....I make window bucks for each window and lay them out flat rather than a one piece fits all type. I then cut and glue (Canopy glue formula 560) each window in place individually. Fiddly yes, time consuming yes.....good results yes. This method is important if you are building a car with a roof. Window fit makes or breaks resin car build results in my opinion.

[TAMELESSTGR]

This is great information guys, appreciate it, will look over everything suggested here.