IMPROVED APPROACH TO DESIGNING THE VACUUM CHANNELS FOR ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED THERMOFORMING MOULDS

Marius-Andrei BOCA, Alexandru SOVER

Abstract


One of the significant characteristic elements of a vacuum thermoforming mould is the vacuum channels which traditionally are small diameter holes drilled through the mould body. The proper diameter of the vacuum hole should not exceed the thickness of the sheet that covers it. If the vacuum hole is too large, the sheet will thermoform into it and cause the appearance of marks or rupture as it draws. This paper proposes a practical framework for custom-designing efficient vacuum holes in thermoforming moulds through a systematic approach. By changing the inclination of vacuum channels and printing parameters, smaller diameter holes of 0.35 mm have been obtained. The significant advantage of using additive technologies is the freedom in design, fabrication of complex holes or hollow geometries in the same process, and saving of material.


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References


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