Vacuum Forming

Vacuum forming (thermoforming) heats a plastic sheet until it softens, lowers it over a mould and uses vacuum to pull it tight around every detail. The result is a precise shell: a chocolate mould, a blister pack, a cosplay mask or a casting mould. Eolas Prints offers the MY YARD FORMART range of all-in-one desktop vacuum formers, with heater and vacuum pump built in, plus the sheets and add-ons made for them.

From 3D print to mould

If you already 3D print, a vacuum former multiplies every print. Print a master once in PLA, ABS or resin and form it again and again: in MY YARD's tests a PLA master withstood about 3–5 formings, ABS about 30–50 and resin hundreds. Design in a draft angle of more than 3° and add 1.5–2 mm vent holes in recesses for crisp results.

Which FORMART?

FORMART S: compact, uses A4-size sheets (300 × 205 mm). Ideal for jewellery, chocolates, soap and classrooms.
FORMART SE: 500 × 300 mm sheets, with a size-switching kit for 420 × 300, 300 × 300 and 300 × 205 mm, and three suction modes.
FORMART 2: the same large format plus QR-code material detection, automatic mould release, a vacuum sensor and dual cooling fans.

Sheet guide

Machine	Sheet sizes	MY YARD sheets
FORMART S	300 × 205 mm (A4-size) only	PET 0.3 / 0.5 mm, HIPS 0.5 mm, LDPE 1.5 mm, TPU 1.0 mm
FORMART SE	500 × 300 mm; 420 × 300, 300 × 300 and 300 × 205 mm with the included kit	500 × 300 mm: PET 0.3 / 0.5 / 0.8 mm, HIPS 0.5 / 1.0 mm, LDPE 1.5 mm; plus all A4-size packs
FORMART 2	As FORMART SE	As FORMART SE; reads the QR code on MY YARD sheets

Choose Transparent PET for clear parts and chocolate moulds, White HIPS for paintable masks, props and moulds, LDPE for reusable resin, plaster and concrete moulds, and TPU for flexible covers. The Volume Control Kit is for FORMART SE and FORMART 2; the Microporous Forming Bed fits every FORMART.

Vacuum forming FAQ

What is the best plastic for vacuum forming?

It depends on the part. HIPS is the easiest all-rounder and can be painted; PET is transparent and suits chocolate moulds and packaging; LDPE makes reusable, non-stick casting moulds; TPU gives flexible covers. FORMART machines also accept third-party sheets from 0.3 to 3.0 mm, including PETG, ABS, PP and PMMA.

Can I vacuum form over 3D-printed moulds?

Yes. MY YARD confirms 3D-printed parts can be used as moulds. A PLA master lasts about 3–5 formings, ABS about 30–50 and resin hundreds; for longer runs, cast a plaster or cement copy from the first shell.

Can I make chocolate moulds?

Yes. MY YARD lists chocolate moulds as a main use of its Transparent PET sheets, which are suitable for food-related applications.

Do I need a vacuum cleaner or compressor?

No. Every FORMART has a built-in -90 kPa vacuum pump and heater; you only need a mains socket.

Which sheets fit which FORMART?

300 × 205 mm (A4-size) sheets fit the FORMART S, and the FORMART SE and FORMART 2 with their size-switching kit. 500 × 300 mm sheets fit only the FORMART SE and FORMART 2.