what is best for making molds .

[hyflyer9]

Hello
I guess it would be better asked if I said what is the easiest material to use to make molds for vacuum forming?
Thank you .
hyflyer9.

[soarrich]

ORIGINAL: hyflyer9
vague forming?

What is that?

[saramos]

Solidworks?

[hyflyer9]

Sorry about that
I didn't see the typo in my first post.
I was asking about what is the easiest or best material to use to make forms for vacuum forming ?
hyflyer9

[saramos]

Are you trying to copy an item, or make somethng new? if copying, you might be able to use a latex or silicone product to make a mold of the item, then use plaster or hydrocal to make your form (plug). for an original part/design, it may depend on size and complexity. Some small stuff can be made with bondo, carved while not fully cured. Balsa or foam can be carved, then fiberglassed. Some things can be carved from a wood like basswood. A lot depends on what it is and what you are comfortable using.

Here's a site that has a ton of info on vacuforming.
http://tk560.com/index.html

Scott

[hyflyer9]

Thank a bunch saramos
I am currently scratch building a DC3 and I need to make my own engine cowl's about the size of a medium paper coffee cup.
hyflyer9

[saramos]

If you have access to a lathe, you could turn it out of wood. Also, make it longer than the final cowl and cut it to the proper lenght. This way, if the plastic wrinkles as you pull your part, it will wrinkle on the part that gets cut away. Be sure that the part gets wider at the bottom so it is easier to pull the part off the form.

Scott

[hyflyer9]

Hello Scott
Thanks again for the info and with a little luck and a lot of work the plane should turn out to look like the photo's attached .
Thanks again
hyflyer9.