Changes

=== Air Holes ===

=== Air Holes ===

For the plastic sheet to be able to take the shape of your mold, air needs to be able to escape from between them. To help achieve so, we implement air holes at strategically placed locations. In general, these locations imply any area that is lower than it's surrounding such as cavities, where an air pocket can easily be formed. It is ok to add air holes directly in your 3D model but it will increase print time unnecessarily. It is recommended instead to drill the holes manually with the correct drill bit size and protective gear.

For the plastic sheet to be able to take the shape of your mold, air needs to be able to escape from between them. To help achieve so, we implement air holes at strategically placed locations. In general, these locations imply any area that is lower than it's surrounding such as cavities, where an air pocket can easily be formed. It is ok to add air holes directly in your 3D model but it will increase print time unnecessarily. It is recommended instead to drill the holes manually with the correct drill bit size and protective gear. Visit the [https://www.vaquform.com/blogs/news/how-to-3d-print-molds-for-vacuum-forming VAQUFORM] page where they talk more in depth about air holes.

== Printer Settings ==

== Printer Settings ==

Once your 3D model of your mold is complete, it is time to print it. This is the part where slicer settings and filament selection will help the most towards the durability of your mold. Starting with your slicer settings, the following should help your mold best trough the process of vacuum forming. It is possible that settings may need additional adjustments depending on your filament and type of plastic you are forming. Using these settings, you can expect to get up to 10 pulls for 0.25mm to 0.5mm and up to 5 pulls for 1mm and thicker.

Once your 3D model of your mold is complete, it is time to print it. This is the part where slicer settings and filament selection will help the most towards the durability of your mold. Visit the [https://www.vaquform.com/blogs/news/how-to-3d-print-molds-for-vacuum-forming VAQUFORM] page for a detailed explanation on how to make your prints.

=== Layer Height ===

== Health and Safety with Vacuum Forming ==

As per usual, the lower the layer the better the resolution of the print, but the longer it will take to print. Since the plastic sheet is formed onto the mold, every details will transfer to the sheet, even the smallest layer lines. A solution to get the best of both worlds (fast printing time and a good surface finish) is sanding the part down. Anything above 400 grit (the higher the better) will give a good enough finish compared to big layers. In the end, it is all up to your preferences. A good place to start is 0.16mm layers (for a standard 0.4mm nozzle) and calibrate from there to your liking. 

 

=== Infill ===