Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Vacuum Technology

By Ramsey Wolfe

How do we make our moulds?
We often get asked this question as neither Joan, Joseph, Adam, or myself are what you could call a sculpturing genius. It took us over 12 months working hard to modify the industrial production methods that we use to make hobby and professional style vacuum formed moulds. The usual production method for making this type of mould, is to start off by sculpting your original in potters clay or one of the newer air hardening or oven hardening clays.Yes, moldings can be made in clear materials, a range of standard colours or a specific colour to match a mating part ( view examples ), but they would cost more than the same parts in their base material colour.

Is it possible to have e.g. product identifiction, text instructions or logos on my parts ?
This is possible for both vacuum forming & injection molding and can be achieved in a number of ways. Text or logos can be engraved on mold tools so as to be either recessed or stood up on the injection molding or vacuum forming, or it can be hot foil or pad printed on the parts after molding or forming.The ideal minimum vacuum pressure capacity would be 27"Hg (inches of mercury) ? which is equivalent to 13.5 PSI. However, most vacuums will vary between 20 and 27"Hg. One of the variables that can affect the amount of vacuum you can effectively get is the elevation from sea level where you are located. (Subtract 1"Hg for each 1000' above sea level. An example would be if a pump normally reaches 27"Hg at sea level, then in Denver at 5000' above sea level, it will only get 22-23"Hg.

Do you make mold tools for other companies to mold from ?
Yes, as long as the part/s are within our molding capacity & thus we're able to prove mold tools although we do prefer to make the moldings as well. We do also modify and repair existing mold tools.

What is Sleep Apnea?
Middle ear fluid is a body fluid that forms in the space behind the ear drum. Normally there is air behind the ear drum. Middle ear fluid forms in an ear when air is unable to get into the middle ear through the eustachian tube. It is necessary for air to enter the middle ear through the eustachian tube to replace the air that the body is constantly absorbing from the middle ear.This is possible for both vacuum forming & injection molding and can be achieved in a number of ways. Text or logos can be engraved on mold tools so as to be either recessed or stood up on the injection molding or vacuum forming, or it can be hot foil or pad printed on the parts after molding or forming.

I need the finished moldings to have metal inserts in, is this possible ?
Yes, inserts can be put in the finished moldings during or after the molding process. We can also encapsulate parts and even produce moldings inside metal parts ( view examples ).This depends where you need the finish, but if OK, matt, gloss, or various textured finishes are available.This is possible for both vacuum forming & injection moulding and can be achieved in a number of ways.

Do you make mold tools for other companies to mold from ?
Yes, as long as the part/s are within our molding capacity & thus we're able to prove mold tools although we do prefer to make the moldings as well. We do also modify and repair existing mold tools.Plastic Vacuum Forming and our sales reps set up all dealer locations. You need to have a commercial store frontbusiness and sales tax ID number. One of the most important things to do is to secure your Blynd with a tie down system. Our Blynds are lightweight and will blow over if they are not properly secured. If you have a 4X8 Blynd, face the narrow side in the direction of the prevailing wind. - 15431

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