Q. Why vacuum form?

Q. What's a pattern?

A. Patterns are the shapes that you will copy in plastic. Warmed plastic will form over the shape. Patterns can be made out of basswood, plywood, self-hardening or baked clays, acrylic, metals and plastics of all kinds.

Q. Where does the vacuum come from?

A. Your household vacuum cleaner. When styrene is warmed it is highly pliable. Introducing a vacuum to draw the plastic so as to conform to the pattern is magical. Once you have the pattern and one of our vacuum forming tables ( Order Here ), your vacuum cleaner will provide the pull on the plastic.

Q. How is the plastic warmed?

A. We recommend the use of a conventional home oven at a temperature of 300°F (150°C). Alternatively, you can use a paint stripper heat gun such as Makita's model #HG1100; or an electric hooded radiant type paint remover such as Warner's model #382.

Q. Can you show me an example of vacuum forming with a Kingston Vacuum Works vacuum forming table?

A. Please see our photographic "How To" page here.

Q. How complex can the pattern be?

A. Very. However, some shapes can have areas where the vacuum will not adequately draw the plastic to the pattern. When that is the case small holes must be drilled through the pattern so that the vacuum suction can reach the complex portion of the pattern.

Q. How detailed can the pattern be?

A. As fine as a human hair placed between the pattern and the plastic. Wood grain, slight fingernail dents and such things as adhesive tape can be easily captured.

Q. How can I get an answer that is not listed here?

A. We are anxious to answer your questions. Click here for information on how to contact us.