Belovac Vacuum Forming Machine: Difference between revisions
From Pumping Station One
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{{NeedsUpdate|This machine has moved locations and power needs to be run. The vacuum pump seems to be missing or broken. Needs be extricated from its corner and inspected for word to be done.}} | |||
{{Template:EquipmentPage | {{Template:EquipmentPage | ||
|owner = PS:One | |owner = PS:One | ||
|hostarea = | |hostarea = Cold Metals | ||
|certification = yes | |certification = yes | ||
|hackable = no | |hackable = no | ||
| Line 7: | Line 10: | ||
|serial = | |serial = | ||
|arrived = 2018 | |arrived = 2018 | ||
|where = | |where = Cold Metals | ||
|doesitwork = yes | |doesitwork = yes | ||
|contact = | |contact = Area Host | ||
|value = tbd | |value = tbd | ||
|image = | |image = Belovac_Vacuum_Former_Main.jpg|300px | ||
}} | }} | ||
== Overview == | == Overview == | ||
This vacuum forming machine has been donated by SAIC and is currently installed in | This vacuum forming machine has been donated by SAIC and is currently installed in Cold Metals area. A Danger Committee was formed and the machine is ready for member use pending authorization. | ||
=== How to Get Authorized === | === How to Get Authorized === | ||
'''Authorization for this machine is on demand'''. Please | '''Authorization for this machine is on demand and [[Viral_Authorizations|viral]]'''. Please make a request on Slack to see when an Authorized member is available and coordinate an authorization. | ||
Please review the information on this page, in particular the Safety section. | Please review the information on this page, in particular the Safety section before meeting. | ||
Please bring your own materials, as there is no guarantee there will be any available. A few sheets of thin 12in x 12in ABS/HIPS would be ideal. | Please bring your own materials, as there is no guarantee there will be any available. A few sheets of thin 12in x 12in ABS/HIPS would be ideal. | ||
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The process consists essentially of inserting a thermoplastic sheet in a cold state into the clamp area, heating it to the desired temperature with the heating elements, and then raising the buck/form/mould from below. The trapped air is evacuated with the assistance of a vacuum system. Once cooled, the platform is lowered to release the formed plastic part from the buck/form/mould. | The process consists essentially of inserting a thermoplastic sheet in a cold state into the clamp area, heating it to the desired temperature with the heating elements, and then raising the buck/form/mould from below. The trapped air is evacuated with the assistance of a vacuum system. Once cooled, the platform is lowered to release the formed plastic part from the buck/form/mould. | ||
The following instructions are an initial release of how to run the machine. Please provide feedback or feel free to make edits. | The following instructions are an initial release of how to run the machine. | ||
Please review '''Safety''' section below the Instructions. | |||
Please provide feedback or feel free to make edits. | |||
{| class="wikitable" border="2" | {| class="wikitable" border="2" | ||
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''' Power On Procedure ''' | ''' Power On Procedure ''' | ||
# Turn on Wall Power | # Turn on Wall Power | ||
Note: Check that plug below panel is connected. It may be disconnected. | |||
|[[File:Bvf main power.jpg|300px]] | |[[File:Bvf main power.jpg|300px]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
# | # Push bar forward to close frame clamps and secure overall frame. | ||
|[[File: | Note: Do not use as handle when pushing/pulling frame into position. | ||
|[[File:Bvf_frame_clamps.jpg|300px]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
# | * Select desired Valve configuration on bed/platen/platform. | ||
|[[File: | # Both Valves closed for 12inx12in frame | ||
# Left Valve Closed and Right Valve Open for 24inx24in frame | |||
# Both Valves Open for 24inx48in frame | |||
|[[File:Bvf_platform_valves.jpg|300px]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
# | # Connect Pneumatic Hose. This allows one to raise/lower the platform. | ||
Note: | Note: It can be borrowed from the CNC Plasma Cutter, if not in use. | ||
|[[File: | |||
Note: The main valve with yellow handle, behind the CNC Plasma cutter, above the large tank, may be closed if there is no air. | |||
| | |||
[[File:Bvf_pnuematic_hose_01.jpg|300px]] | |||
[[File:Bvf_pnuematic_hose_02.jpg|300px]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
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# Check seals around material and mold. | # Check seals around material and mold. | ||
Note: If material is not thick enough, it may slip out of the frame. | Note: If material is not thick enough, it may slip out of the frame. | ||
# Raise part way to make certain mold lines up with frame. | |||
Note: It is a 3 position pneumatic valve. Up position raises platform. Center position, holds platform at current position. Down position, lowers platform. | |||
|- | |||
| | |||
# Insert sheet of material into Frame. | |||
|[[File:Bvf_frame_open_small.jpg|300px]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
# | # Close the frame latch to the secure the material. | ||
|[[File: | |[[File:Bvf_frame_latch_small.jpg|310px]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
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Note: This controls the cycle time of the heating elements being On (at dial), then Off (top of timer). | Note: This controls the cycle time of the heating elements being On (at dial), then Off (top of timer). | ||
|[[File:Bvf_heat_duty_cycle.jpg|300px]] | |[[File:Bvf_heat_duty_cycle.jpg|300px]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
# Turn on Heating Element | # Turn on Heating Element | ||
Note: You will see the Timer begin to rotate. | Note: You will see the Timer begin to rotate counter clockwise and audibly hear the contactors/relays energize. | ||
|[[File:Bvf control panel.jpeg|300px]] | |[[File:Bvf control panel.jpeg|300px]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
# Move material frame into heater. | # Move material frame into heater by pushing on front of slide. | ||
Note: do not use frame clamp bar as handle. | |||
|[[File:Bvf_heat_1.jpg|300px]] | |[[File:Bvf_heat_1.jpg|300px]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
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Note: The heating elements will visibly glow red. | Note: The heating elements will visibly glow red. | ||
# Visually check if material is sagging and ready. | # Visually check if material is sagging and ready. | ||
Note: It will visibly sag and look like a dome. | |||
| | | | ||
[[File:Bvf heat 1.jpg|300px]] | [[File:Bvf heat 1.jpg|300px]] | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
# Pull Material frame forward (towards front/away from heaters). | # Pull Material frame forward (towards front/away from heaters) completely forward until it stops. | ||
Note: Do not pull on frame clamp bar. It will open all 3 clamps if pulled on. | |||
# Inspect Plastic is ready (sufficiently heated/soft). | # Inspect Plastic is ready (sufficiently heated/soft). | ||
|[[File:Bvf_frame_forward.jpg|300px]] | |[[File:Bvf_frame_forward.jpg|300px]] | ||
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# Make certain area is clear before raising bed/platen/platform. | # Make certain area is clear before raising bed/platen/platform. | ||
# push lever up to raise vacuum bed/platen/platform. | # push lever up to raise vacuum bed/platen/platform. | ||
| | | | ||
[[File:Bvf_platform.jpg|300px]] | [[File:Bvf_platform.jpg|300px]] | ||
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===Troubleshooting=== | === Trimming Part === | ||
* Depending on the thickness of the material, a band saw or box cuter can be used to trim excess flashing from the final part. | |||
=== Troubleshooting === | |||
How long does it take to heat the plastic sheet? | How long does it take to heat the plastic sheet? | ||
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== Maintenance and Repairs == | == Maintenance and Repairs == | ||
* Get Running - ''DONE'' | * Get Running - mostly ''DONE'' | ||
* Add equipment sticker to machine for wiki info | * Add equipment sticker to machine for wiki info | ||
* Fix platen/frame rubber seals | * Fix platen/frame rubber seals | ||
* Build basic test mold for demos and training. (PS1 Logo or Mask) | * Build basic test mold for demos and training. (PS1 Logo or Mask) | ||
* Move vacuum gauge to before the valve, to measures the vacuum the pump is pulling (right now it's after the valve, so doesn't read anything useful) | * Move vacuum gauge to before the valve, to measures the vacuum the pump is pulling (right now it's after the valve, so doesn't read anything useful) | ||
* Install Additional/Larger Vacuum Tank to the system for more capacity | * Install Additional/Larger Vacuum Tank to the system for more capacity | ||
* More powerful Vacuum Pump | * More powerful Vacuum Pump | ||
* Temperature Monitoring | * Temperature Monitoring | ||
* Mount Control Panel Box to machine | * Mount Control Panel Box to machine ''DONE'' | ||
* Put on locking casters, or more permanent blocks/skid (machine is very heavy) | * Put on locking casters, or more permanent blocks/skid (machine is very heavy) IN PROCESS | ||
* make the platen stationary and the heater roll (complicated) | * make the platen stationary and the heater roll (complicated) DONE | ||
* Reduce the footprint of the machine (complicated) | * Reduce the footprint of the machine (complicated) | ||
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|- | |- | ||
|Andrew Camardella | |Andrew Camardella | ||
|By Request | |||
|- | |||
|Dave Solomon | |||
|By Request | |By Request | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== How to Become an Authorizer === | === How to Become an Authorizer === | ||
Get an ok from the area host. Successfully run an authorization supervised by an authorizer. | Get an ok from the area host. Successfully run an authorization supervised by an authorizer. | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Broken Authorization]] | ||