Benny's Vac Forming machine (Work log)

[ynneb]

For a few years I have wanted to build a vacuum forming machine. There are many ideas I would like to cast in plastic. I see lots of potential in small areas, that places like China would not be hot on my heals to copy.

Here is the start of my machine, it is based on the Belovac design. You can see the video of the sort of machine I am copying HERE. (42 meg)

I managed to scrounge a vacuum pump for free from a friend. Holding my hand on the end of it, you can almost feel your blood been sucked through your skin.

I am using an auto LPG tank for the surge tank.

I am hoping to have this project finished withing two weeks.
How many cups will I accumulate by the end of the project?

I'll keep you posted.

Regards Benny

[ViperTX]

Interesting indeed....I've always wanted such a machine, though I have no idea what to use it for....maybe movie props.....or costume needs.....any spec's on your vacumn pump?

[ynneb]

No, sorry there were no specs on the pump other than it is driven by a 2 HP motor.
I have loads of ideas of what to use it for, but am reluctant to say so. I dont want to set up too much competition for myself

Check out this video. I had a bit of a laugh along with them, towards the end of the video.
http://www.youtube.com/v/Toi3eamF5ag&hl=en

[Hood]

Looking good Benny
Oh and dont be tempted to use that pump for anything other than its intented purpose

Hood

[ynneb]

I have been given some specs on the pump since I have posted on this forum.

ynneb

The pump you show in the photo is a Blackmere 2" or 2 1/2" Truck pump this pump was designed to pump fluids. The pump uses vanes to do the work and in its original state,running this pump dry would not be a good idea, however someone may have converted the vanes from a dura vane plastic to a carbon vane in which case it would work as a vacuum pump. The conversion would also have to have included some type of shaft seal.

Vane vacuum pumps have their limitations, in this case it would be both volume and vacuum. Volume because there are no published curves for this pump. Vacuum as in the pump would be limited to +- 65 Kpa Gauge at sealevel because of the vane construction. Also the vanes in these type of pump wear over time and then a rebuild has to take place. Also these types of pumps generate quite a bit of heat.

Does the pump have a system that drips oil into the pump body to lubricate the vanes.
What is the pump speed.

I have a company that manufactures vacuum pumps www.hivaceng.com, if you need any help or have any question give me a shout hivaceng@mweb.co.za

Regards

Scott

Hey Scott, welcome to the forum and thanks for the pump information.
You are right when you mentioned the plastic vanes. I have put 1 table spoon of motor oil into it.
The motor driving it is 2800 rpm with about 2.5:1 reduction. I guess that means it is been driven at 1120 rpm.

I guess beggars cant be choosers, at least when its free.

The alternative I have considered is to evacuate oil from the surge tank thus causing a vacuum in it.
I have also considered an auto air conditioning pump.
Any other words of suggestions?

Since you mentioned its name I have been able to find this web site about it. http://www.tate.com/pumps/blackmer.htm

Is this pump of any comercial value? should I be selling it and buying other things instead?

[FPV_GTp]

Looking good Benny
Oh and dont be tempted to use that pump for anything other than its intented purpose

Hood

What benny's secret is out ? when will the "Sexy toy " be completed ? I'm sure there is a huge market place for such a gaggit.

LOL just kidding looking very nice so far keep up the good work benny.

cheers

[teebutchw]

did you ever finish the Vacuum Table? Any recommendations as to what you would do to improve it?

[hugo carradini]

Hello Benny.
¿How is your project coming out? I hope we can share your experience and learn in the process
Regards Hugo

[ynneb]

Gee guys, another project that got shelved. Pretty embarrising really.

[epineh]

It isn't shelved, just highly de-prioritised

At least that is what I say about all my lost causes...

Russell.

[Khalid]

After One Year!!!... Do you think the work on the machine will re-started ???... Thats a cool addition...