FORMING CHEMCAST GP AND VICAL SHEET

INTRODUCTION

One of the most useful properties of Vical acrylic acrylic Plastic is its formability. Being thermoplastic, it becomes soft and Pliable when heated and can then be formed to almost any desired shape. As the material cools, it stiffens and retains the shape to which it has been formed.

The size, shape and optical requirements of the formed part generally govern the choice of forming method to be used. Regardless of the method used, the following principles must be observed for best results.

1. Vical acrylic blanks must be cut larger than the finished piece size to allow for minor shrinkage on heating.
2. The whole sheet should be heated uniformly to the proper forming temperature (exception-see Strip Heating).
3. The sheet should be completely formed before it cools below the minimum forming temperature.
4. The part should be cooled slowly and uniformly while being held in its formed shape and removed from the mold while still warm.
   

TABLE OF CONTENTS

METHODS OF HEATING

FORMING TEMPERATURES AND CYCLES

FORMING EQUIPMENT

FORMS FOR Vical Acrylic Sheet

1. Contour Tolerances and Shrinkage Allowances Effects of Forming
2. Materials for Forms

SURFACES OF FORMS

FORMING METHODS

Technical Information