Design and fabrication of a vacuum forming machine

Abstract

This report covers the design and fabrication of a vacuum forming machine which allows the dentist to make transparent retainers, indirect bonding trays, bleaching trays, or temporary crowns for the patient. The report mentions the different methods to straighten the patient’s teeth and the benefits of using the vacuum forming machine comparing to traditional means. The report also covers the working principle of the existing vacuum forming machine using heat gun. It discusses the limitation of the existing vacuum forming machine and how the modification make to the existing vacuum forming machine to tackle the limitation. The report includes the design of the inverted cone diffuser, the experimental data of using the diffuser, and the findings from the experiment data. The report also includes the conceptual phase, engineering drawing and costing of the design of vacuum forming machine using heating coils. Throughout the designing process of the product, various methods, and techniques such as, decision matrix and S.M.A.R.T, are used in making several decisions that lead to the final design of vacuum forming machine using heating coils.