Ok fellow KR nuts. This day goes down in my book as a confirmation in destiny
and faith in the creator. Bear with me as I tell you why and if you want to
form clear acrylic. I had notice at work today of a consultant coming in to
help with a project at work. Now I usually am not involved in these much but
as my position of Quality Technician is almost over and my promotion to Process
Technician ( as in Process Engineer without a degree), starts off soon I was
asked to attend. So off I go and reading an introductory brochure to this
"consultant" I find that this man is VERY experienced in all aspects of the
thermoforming field, had his own AIRLINE for a number of years and is still an
avid flyer! He shows up wearing a tie with old biplanes and a boatplane pin!
Hahhaha oh my god when we broke for a break I must have looked like a vulture
on a week old deer carcass to get to him for a quick talk. And in 5 minutes
what did I learn?
Are you ready for this?
1 - The mold/tool must be warm as to not "chill the plastic"
2 - Felt is often used as it imparts warmth, but is not needed.
3 - A smooth surface is fine (no felt - but wood usually waxed) but a surface
temp of a minimum of 150 degrees must be held
before the plastic hits it.
4 - A male tool can be formed as easily as a female (that helps make things
easier) As acrylic does not bag like I am used to with
polyethylene.
5 - A trick of the trade - a quick burst of air over the surface (as if blowing
off dust) of the side that is to hit the mold.
6 - And last but not least - FORMING temperature of acrylic is 360 DEGREES
!!!!
Now you know why it has been cracking.
Tests will begin.
Steve McGee
Endeavor Wi. USA
Building a KR2S widened.
[email protected]
