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=== Toxic Fumes ===
=== Toxic Fumes ===
It is important to keep in mind that melting a plastic emits toxic fumes. Although a vacuum form machine doesn't completely melt plastics, it does bring it past it's glass transition temperature, where polymer chains are allowed to move some encounter thermal decomposition. During thermal decomposition, polymers breakdown into hazardous plastic fumes, fatty acids, and the original manufacturing compounds.<ref>[https://www.sentryair.com/plastic-fumes.htm#:~:text=During%20thermal%20decomposition%2C%20polymers%20breakdown,fires%20in%20a%20burning%20building.]</ref> Material choice is important not only for your project, but also the safety of the people working int the same space. Have your material approved by staff before using it. '''Do not leave heaters unattended and do not overheat plastic sheets!''' Doing so will increase the risk of releasing toxic fume.
It is important to keep in mind that melting a plastic emits toxic fumes. Although a vacuum form machine doesn't completely melt plastics, it does bring it past it's glass transition temperature, where polymer chains are allowed to move some encounter thermal decomposition. "During thermal decomposition, polymers breakdown into hazardous plastic fumes, fatty acids, and the original manufacturing compounds."<ref>[https://www.sentryair.com/plastic-fumes.htm#:~:text=During%20thermal%20decomposition%2C%20polymers%20breakdown,fires%20in%20a%20burning%20building.]</ref> Material choice is important not only for your project, but also the safety of the people working int the same space. Have your material approved by staff before using it. '''Do not leave heaters unattended and do not overheat plastic sheets!''' Doing so will increase the risk of releasing toxic fume.
=== Trapping ===
=== Trapping ===
There is a risk of trapping when operating the vacuum form machine. Use caution when using the clamp frame to ensure fingers or hands will not get trapped. This is a single person operating machine. Use caution when someone else is around.
There is a risk of trapping when operating the vacuum form machine. Use caution when using the clamp frame to ensure fingers or hands will not get trapped. This is a single person operating machine. Use caution when someone else is around.