Pre Q Graphics - 1.3d Plastic forming processes

Sleep? What's that

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Line bender

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Vacuum former

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Injection moulder

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Extrusion mould

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Blow moulder

Line bender process

1. Use a marker pen or chinagraph pencil to mark out where the bend lines will be

2. Turn on the ____ so that it comes up to a working temperature

3. Put on heat-proof gloves and have a tray of water ready to cool the workpiece

4. Place the marked line of the workpiece across the heating strip

5. Allow the plastic to heat through (the time needed will depend on the thickness of the material, thicker materials may need to be turned over to heat from both sides)

6. Test for flexibility as the workpiece approaches the right temperature (too cool can lead to it cracking, too hot can lead to scorching and blistering)

7. Bend the workpiece to the required angle (a jig or former may be used to ensure accuracy)

8. Once the workpiece has set it can be cooled in the water tray.

Vacuum Forming Process

1. The mould is placed on the platen.

2. A thermoplastic sheet is placed over the airtight seal and clamped above the platen.

3. The heater is pulled accross.

4. The platen is raised so the mould is sitting underneath the plastic.

5. The ___ is turned on and the plastic is sucked over the mould

Injection Moulding Process

1. Granules of the chosen plastic are fed into the hopper 2. The hopper feeds the Archimedes screw that drags the granules past a heater, where they are softened and become plasticised as they travel forward 3. The plastic is in a soft, pliable form as it reaches the end of the screw, where it collects until there is enough to fill the mould 4. At this point a hydraulic piston forces the softened plastic into the mould under pressure, filling it up 5. The plastic sets quickly, the mould is separated and ejector pins release the moulding 6. The process is repeated.

Blow moulding process

1. Heated plastic is poured into the mould

2. The mould is closed and gripped in place

3. Compressed air is blown into the mould which inflates the plastic

4. The plastic fills the mould

5. Product gets trimmed and is removed from the mould