DIY PLASTIC MOLDS – how to make a vacuum former EASY

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Plastic molds were always a mystery for me, and I did a LOT of research to put this video together. If you have questions, feel free to check the FAQ list below. This box is called a Vacuum Former and it makes shiny plastic flexible molds that can be used for most craft projects.
Remember to use #NerdEcrafter on instagram if you make anything geeky. I am not a clay artist by profession, so all my creations are just for fun. Take some sparkles (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

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FAQ

1. What is the name of the plastic you used?
LDPE – Low Density Polyethylene

2. How big was the sheet of plastic at 37$?
It was 240cm X 120cm (94 x 47inches)

3. How much did the whole project cost you?
– Jewelry box 2$ (even though from the dollar store )
– Peg board (already had the piece of plywood around) 0$
– Round hole attachment for drill 15$
– Screws and bits (already had them at home) 0$
– Wooden picture frames 2X 1$ 2$
– Plastic Sheet (depends on your store’s rate)
– C-Clamps 2$ each
– Pieces of wood to hold peg board in the box 1$ (took apart an extra picture frame)
– Total of about 25$ excluding power tools and plastic sheet.

4. Where did you buy the plastic sheet?
I searched for a local “Plastic Distributor” and found at least 5 areas locally. Try to do a google search for that

5. I can’t find a local plastic distributor, can I buy it online?
Yes, I know ebay sells them, but they end up being a bit pricier

6. Can I use other kinds of plastic?
Definitely! Here’s a list I found of plastics used for making molds:

ABS – Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (black and white)
Hard, rigid material that has good impact strength
Forms to a high definition

Acrylic – PMMA (clear, frosted, and colored)
Extruded acrylic vacuum forms better then the cast
Tends to be brittle and temperature sensitive

Vivak ® PETG – Co-Polyester (clear)
Easy forming at low temps
Forms to a high definition

HIPS – High Impact Polystyrene (white)
Easy forming
Forms to a high definition
Most widely used material

PC – Polycarbonate (clear)
Hard and rigid with good impact resistance

PP –Polypropylene (natural, black, and white)
HDPE – High Density Polyethylene (natural)
LDPE – Low Density Polyethylene (natural)
Difficult to form
Good temperature control required
(List taken from: http://www.usplastic.com )

7. Is it really cheaper to make plastic molds?
Yes! Using silicon mold maker costs about 40$ for a bottle that will generally make a mold of 6 medium pieces.

8. Is it easy to unmold?
Very!

9. I don’t have the materials to make one, can you make one for me and sell it to me?
Sorry, I don’t sell anything

10. Can I make a mold of ANYTHING?
I experimented with a lot of things, unfortunately, chocolate and gummy bears did not survive because of the plastic’s heat.

11. Can I make chocolate melt things with this mold?
Definitely, but it depends on the kind of plastic you are using. Double check online on food-grade safe plastics.

12. How long did it take you to make this vacuum forming project?
A lot less than I expected! Only 30 minutes. Took longer to gather the materials 😉

13. Did the plastic make a smell when you melted it?
Nope!

14. Can we see more pictures of the one you made?
Sure, here you go: https://www.dropbox.com/s/j1ayiy0fhrlev8x/formerdesign.jpg?dl=0

15. What can I use as base for the mold?
Baked clay pieces, resin, plastic, hard cookies, metals.

16. What can I NOT use as base for the mold?
chocolate, soft material toys like small plushies, gummy bears, any gummy, soft foods.

Special Thanks to Pat for using all the power tools while I recorded. You da best!