Heat Forming Abs Plastic Sheets

Sheet surface temperature will directly correspond to material gage.

Heat forming abs plastic sheets.

This is my first attempt at oven forming abs plastic. Only part of the shape is forming. Kydex can be easily cut to size by scoring and cutting sheets with a razor or similar knife. For example let s use 0 250 in.

Heat guns and toaster ovens have proven the best diy method for our customers. Or do i need to have a two part mold with a top and a bottom. Abs produces detailed parts that are tougher and more rigid than other plastics. Modify the timing as necessary.

Most plastics have a melting point much higher than the temperature of boiling water making it virtually impossible for the water to transfer enough heat to the plastic for it to become flexible. The only major variable that can affect the forming process is the thickness of the plastic sheet. This article uses a sheet about 1 4 thick so all times are about 10 to 15 minutes per step. Preparing hot air gun w.

For thicker sheets it will take longer and for thinner sheets it will take less time. I have the oven set at 250f. Tutorial for how to. Boiling water allows users to heat the abs enough to make it easily shapable and moldable but prevents the plastic from exceeding 212 degrees no matter how long it is left submersed in the boiling water.

The only absolute requirement for bending and forming kydex is heating the sheet until soft when the material becomes formable. The spec sheet shows a temperature of 234 degrees. Heating abs over a flame or other heat source risks heating the plastic to the point where it decomposes releasing carcinogenic chemicals. High density polyethylene hdpe which requires a core temperature of approximately 280 f for optimal forming.

Is there a problem with going higher. Alternatively there are some plastics that can melt at a much lower temperature so it is very important to know what material you are working with if you don t want to end up with a boiling pot. Ideal for perspex acrylic plexiglass polycarbonate. Bending shaping plastic with hot air gun heat gun.

Thermoforming is a manufacturing process where a plastic sheet is heated to a pliable forming temperature formed to a specific shape in a mold and trimmed to create a usable product. The sheet or film when referring to thinner gauges and certain material types is heated in an oven to a high enough temperature that permits it to be stretched into or onto a mold and cooled to a finished shape.