Dental Vacuum Forming & Molding Machine

**NOBI** · #1 06-28-2018, 01:02 AM

Hi There,

Have somebody here use this machine to making a vacuum canopy?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dental-Vacu...UAAMXQPd1RGcVm

I just come across this machine and thinking that it can make a vacuum canopy for papermodeling.

**Lex** · #2 06-28-2018, 03:54 AM

I use it and highly recommend it. Especially if you,use it frequently

**bpgeygolpher** · #3 06-28-2018, 07:31 AM

Is there enough room to make 1/30 scale canopies?

**papermate** · #4 06-28-2018, 08:06 AM

Available on micro-mark’s wensite also.

Papermate

**John G Macalla** · #5 06-28-2018, 08:33 AM

Lex
I got one of those dental vacuum molding machines. The instructions don't give material or thickness to use with them. The use of a 5 inch square blank in the holding tray is a lot of plastic to waste doing an 1 square inch mold. Have you done any female draw in mold forming? On mine it only put a slight indention over the mold no matter how many vent holes I drilled into the surface of the mold to suck it down. I don't want a clear male molded part with even more vagueness of detail due to being an over mold. Do you limit the blank plates distance from heat source with some kind of physical blocker?

**airdave** · #6 06-28-2018, 08:35 AM

I would be concerned about the quality.
This is obviously a "Chinese Knock-Off"
There are some obvious differences in the photos
(compared to other models that are available from American and International sellers on eBay).

I see many cheaper alternatives for the same or similar equipment.
Even the US models are $100-$150

What is the size of the molding area?
Is it big enough to do 1/32 canopies?

**Lex** · #7 06-28-2018, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airdave

I would be concerned about the quality.
This is obviously a "Chinese Knock-Off"
There are some obvious differences in the photos
(compared to other models that are available from American and International sellers on eBay).

I see many cheaper alternatives for the same or similar equipment.
Even the US models are $100-$150

What is the size of the molding area?
Is it big enough to do 1/32 canopies?

Sorry Dave I got my knockoff one (the only kind available here) at half of the price so I assumed this would be an original... I tested mine for electrical insulation and grounding, other than that I think it's a simple and sturdy enough piece of equipment to not become a serious source of health hazard. But yes please do get a fully certified one if at all possible. If in any doubt, one can always improvise with a blow drier and a vacuum cleaner...

As to moulding, 1:32 cockpits do fit. The canopy from 1:33 J-20 fits.diagonally (which is a one-piece canopy on a modern aircraft and larger than that of F22. I consider this an extreme case). I haven't tried female moulds but I believe the.suction issue can't be fixed.easily. Any particular reason to use female moulds if it's solely about canopies?

**MichaelS** · #8 06-28-2018, 10:44 AM

Any chance someone could post a few pics of canopies made with this? I am very interested.

**NOBI** · #9 06-28-2018, 08:31 PM

In my wish list now. Thank you very much for all information. @Lex Where you buy and what is a specification for a plastic sheet to use with this machine?

**papermate** · #10 06-29-2018, 02:19 AM

MS, see here http://www.papermodelers.com/forum/547319-post56.html. That's what I made with that "Chinese Knock-off" which I bought from Micro-Marks. Yep, it's made in China, travelled a long way to US and then back to HK China again. And I need a voltage converter to use it, it's completely ridiculous!! Why couldn't they sell in Shenzhen where I can go there to pick up and return home in 4 hours!!!

Papermate