Formech packaging solutions

Formech machines are ideal for educational projects that will introduce students to the possibilities of vacuum forming

Suggested Projects


Project 1 - Primary

Project: Make a mask for Halloween. Design the mould from modelling clay, kiln/oven dry and then vacuum form and trim. Decorate the finished mask with marker pens. Teacher to trim, make air vents and holes for elastic.
Materials
required:		 Formech Compac Mini or 300X, modelling clay, HIPS 1mm white, Gerbil cutting machine, scissors, craft knife, elastic, permanent marker pens or similar for use on plastic.
Skills
required:		 Design, modelling, vacuum forming, artistic decoration. Could be used as part of a Halloween themed school assembly

Project 2 - Primary / Secondary

Project: Each child to make a modern coat of arms to decorate their classroom. Draw the design on paper and then mould in clay. Kiln/oven dry and then vacuum form and trim. Could be made in a variety of coloured plastics to make an attractive classroom display, perhaps a mobile. Ideal for use with a 6" reducing window, making this a very economical project.
Materials
required:		 Formech Compac Mini or 300X, modelling clay, HIPS 1mm (various colours), Gerbil cutting machine, scissors or craft knife.
Skills
required:		 Design, drawing, modelling, vacuum forming. Could be combined with history lessons.

Project 3 - Primary / Secondary

Project: Design a travel game for use on a plane. Design and draw concept, thinking of restrictive surroundings, transfer to a wooden mould. Vacuum form and trim. Provide instructions and suggest age range.
Materials
required:		 Formech Compac Mini or 300X, hardwood or MDF and sealant for mould, HIPS or ABS 1-2mm, Gerbil cutting machine or other trimming method.
Skills
required:		 Design, drawing, objectivity and methodology, health and safety issues and assessing user ability.

Project 4 - Secondary

Project: Design a packaging prototype for a new range of toiletries. Design and draw the concept before transferring to a wooden mould. Vacuum form packaging, trim, name product, produce a methodology behind the design, including costings with a view to going into production and a marketing strategy.
Materials
required:		 Formech 300X, Compac Midi, 450 or 660, CAD/CAM package if appropriate, hardwood or MDF and sealant for mould, PVC or HIPS 0.5-1mm, Gerbil cutting machine or other trimming method.
Skills
required:		 Design, drawing or CAD/CAM package, vacuum forming, project analysis, research, marketing.

Project 5 - Secondary / Higher Education

Project: Design a storage solution for use within a car, incorporating a lid with a decorative design. Draw design and then transfer to wooden mould. Vacuum form, trim, attach lid (if not already part of design). Place items inside to show usage.
Materials
required:		 Formech Compac Mini, 300X, Midi, 450, hardwood or MDF and sealant for mould, HIPS or ABS 1-2mm, Gerbil cutting machine or other trimming method.
Skills
required:		 Design, drawing or CAD/CAM package, vacuum forming, project analysis, research, marketing.

Project 6 - Secondary / Further / Higher Education

Project: Design a concept car using a form of power other than fossil fuels. Provide technical drawings, costings employing economies of scale for production etc. Manufacture the prototype and power it, imagining that this will be the basis for gaining funding for going into production.
Materials
required:		 Formech Compac Midi, 450, 660. CAD/CAM package if appropriate, hardwood or MDF and sealant for mould, HIPS or ABS 1-2mm, Gerbil cutting machine or other trimming method.
Skills
required:		 Design, drawing or CAD/CAM package, engineering, vacuum forming, economical analysis.

If you have any questions or comments relating to our suggested projects, please contact us.