Infinite Shapes

Infinite Shapes is a how-to guide for thermoforming plastic parts and a building manual for a bolt together Shape Copier vacuum forming machine. The focus of the manual is practical, affordable thermoforming technology. Companies making their own plastic parts can reduce costs, assure quality control and maintain a smaller inventory.

Infinite Shapes will explain how vacuum forming machines work, how to use shape forming techniques, how to make wood and epoxy molds and how to select plastics for shape forming. Rapid prototyping thermoforming, using inexpensive and easy to modify wood molds can reduce new product development time and cost. Prototype molds can be converted to long lasting epoxy molds for production.

The Shape Copier is assembled from pre-cut, drilled and tapped T-slot aluminum extrusions that are available from several suppliers for bolt together assembly. A high quality, internally pre-wired, ceramic radiant panel heater is used to quickly heat the plastic. A forming platen with 14” of travel is moved pneumatically for good production rates and deep draws. The plastic sheet clamp frame is adjustable for different sheet thicknesses and sizes. The maximum mold size is 24” x 36”; maximum plastic sheet size is 28” x 41” x 1/4”.

A complete parts and materials list with part specifications and supplier contact information is provided.

For more information, contact Michael Dowell, Learning River Publishing, 5316 Bracy Ridge Court, Pfafftown, NC 27040, 336-922-4181, E-mail: mdowell@triad.rr.com.