Using a 3D print for Vacuforming

[Sixxgunn13]

Hey guys, I thought I'd ask here since the post I placed in the RPF hasn't gotten an answer.

Has anyone ever thought of using a 3D print to make a buck? I was thinking if using plaster to make a majority of the buck to back the 3D print.

Any advice or tips would be appreciated!

 

[01Hawk]

After buying some things that were cast from molds made from 3D prints, my first concern would be making sure all the print lines were gone.

 

[Sixxgunn13]

Thx,
I thought if that as well, I would do a few tests and correct as necessary. but all bucks usually need to be smooth..
I know id probably need to have risers and a close to smooth print.

thx

After buying some things that were cast from molds made from 3D prints, my first concern would be making sure all the print lines were gone.

 

[Darth Voorhees]

Your talking about using an actual print for the buck? I wouldnt do that. The heat from the plastic your forming will likely either melt the buck, or worse, stick to it, and melt it lol. Hot plastic onto plastic wont work. Now if you want to print out a buck, sand and prep it and then make a mold of that and cast the buck in plaster or a high heat resin made for making vac bucks, THEN you'd be fine.

 

[Sixxgunn13]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking, someone on the RPF said he tried as it was good for a few pulls.. but yeah I was thinking of the worst case scenario like what you described.

Thank you for the advice.. I'll probably go the print prep then plaster mold it.

Your talking about using an actual print for the buck? I wouldnt do that. The heat from the plastic your forming will likely either melt the buck, or worse, stick to it, and melt it lol. Hot plastic onto plastic wont work. Now if you want to print out a buck, sand and prep it and then make a mold of that and cast the buck in plaster or a high heat resin made for making vac bucks, THEN you'd be fine.