FORMART S vs SE vs FORMART 2: Which Vacuum Former (and Which Sheets) Should You Buy?

Short answer: choose the FORMART S if your parts fit on an A4-size sheet (300 × 205 mm) and desk space matters; the FORMART SE if you need the larger 500 × 300 mm format for masks, lampshades and bigger packaging; and the FORMART 2 if you form regularly and want QR-code material detection, automatic mould release, stepless suction control and dual cooling fans on that same large format. For sheets, start with HIPS, use Transparent PET for clear parts and chocolate moulds, LDPE for reusable casting moulds and TPU for flexible covers.

FORMART S vs SE vs FORMART 2 at a glance

Specifications are MY YARD's figures. MY YARD gives a maximum forming area of 470 × 270 mm for the FORMART SE and FORMART 2.

What all three FORMART machines have in common

• All-in-one: heater and -90 kPa vacuum pump are built in, so there is no vacuum cleaner or compressor to connect, just a mains socket.
• Same sheet range: 0.3 to 3.0 mm thick, from MY YARD or other suppliers; the database covers materials such as PLA, PETG, PS, PE, HDPE, ABS, PP, PMMA, PC and KYDEX.
• Same height limit: objects up to 160 mm high.
• Quick-lock frame: clamps the sheet with a turn of the handle and stops at any height, so you can load the next sheet without removing the formed part.
• Preheat and dehumidify programmes against bubbles, a 3.5″ colour display, and Simple or Advanced operating modes.
• In the box: HIPS sheets, a set of cat bowl moulds, a webbing remover kit, a USB cable, heat-resistant gloves and a basic tool kit.

Who each FORMART is for

FORMART S: compact, A4-size and easy to start with

The FORMART S is the compact member of the family: 50 × 46 × 31 cm and 12.8 kg, with an 800 W power draw. It takes one sheet size, 300 × 205 mm, and has a CNC-machined wooden forming bed, which absorbs less heat than metal and helps the sheet capture fine detail. Choose it for jewellery, chocolates, soap, small packaging, classroom projects and most 3D printed moulds that fit within a 230 × 130 mm work area. It is the cheapest way into the FORMART system and the least demanding on space.

FORMART SE: the large format at the lower price

The FORMART SE uses 500 × 300 mm sheets and a 430 × 230 mm work area, enough for masks, lampshades, trays, larger packaging and several smaller moulds at once. The included size-switching kit steps it down to 420 × 300, 300 × 300 or A4-size sheets, so small parts do not waste a large sheet. Three intelligent suction modes (rough, standard and fine) set the vacuum for you. It suits makers, designers, schools and universities that need one machine for small and large projects.

FORMART 2: for regular, repeatable forming

The FORMART 2 has the same format as the SE and adds the features that save time when you form every day: it scans the QR code on MY YARD sheets and loads the settings, a built-in vacuum sensor allows stepless suction up to -90 kPa, a directional valve blows cooling air to help release the part, and dual brushless fans cool it quickly. Choose it for short-run packaging, product design studios and shared workshops where many users need repeatable results.

FORMART SE vs FORMART 2: is the upgrade worth it?

Format, sheet sizes, heater and maximum suction are identical, so the SE forms the same parts. The FORMART 2's extra €605.00 buys convenience and consistency: automatic material detection removes setting errors, stepless suction helps with delicate sheets such as LDPE (which can break above 60 kPa), and automatic mould release with fast cooling shortens each cycle. MY YARD notes that automatic release is less effective on moulds with undercut sides, rough surfaces or very high vacuum, so good mould design still matters. If you form occasionally, the SE is the better value; if the machine runs all day or many people use it, the FORMART 2 pays its way.

Sheet guide: PET vs HIPS vs LDPE vs TPU

Start with HIPS. It is the sheet supplied with every FORMART and the most forgiving to learn on. Move to PET when you need a transparent part, and to LDPE when you want a mould you can cast into again and again. PET overheats easily: form it within three seconds of reaching temperature, or it turns white. LDPE needs reduced suction and the Microporous Forming Bed.

Which sheet sizes fit which machine?

In short: A4-size (300 × 205 mm) packs fit every FORMART; 500 × 300 mm packs fit only the FORMART SE and FORMART 2. On the FORMART 2, original MY YARD sheets carry the QR code the machine reads; third-party sheets are set from the database.

Accessories worth knowing about

• Volume Control Kit (FORMART SE and FORMART 2 only): a movable separator that prevents webbing and bridging around tall or closely spaced moulds. The FORMART S has its own webbing remover kit instead.
• Microporous Forming Bed (all FORMART models, A4 size): a 1.0 mm microporous bed that spreads the vacuum evenly so LDPE and PP sheets do not break.

Starter and Advanced bundles explained

Each FORMART is available on its own or in Starter and Advanced bundles with sheets. A bundle is the simplest way to begin with sheets that are sized for your machine, so you can try several materials without working out pack sizes yourself. Buying the machine on its own makes sense if you already know which sheets you need or use third-party sheets. Check each product page for exactly what each bundle includes.

Quick decision guide

• Parts smaller than 230 × 130 mm, limited space or budget: FORMART S.
• Bigger parts, several moulds at once, occasional use: FORMART SE.
• Daily forming, shared workshops, many users: FORMART 2.
• Printing your own moulds? Read our guide to vacuum forming with 3D printed moulds and, for food, how to make chocolate moulds. Eolas PLA and PETG filament is made in Cantabria, Spain.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the FORMART S, SE and FORMART 2?

The FORMART S uses A4-size sheets (300 × 205 mm) with a 230 × 130 mm work area. The FORMART SE and FORMART 2 use sheets up to 500 × 300 mm with a 430 × 230 mm work area. The FORMART 2 adds QR-code material detection, automatic mould release, stepless suction control and dual cooling fans.

Will 500 × 300 mm sheets fit the FORMART S?

No. The FORMART S only takes 300 × 205 mm (A4-size) sheets. The 500 × 300 mm packs are for the FORMART SE and FORMART 2, which also take A4-size sheets with their included size-switching kit.

Can I use third-party sheets in a FORMART?

Yes. All FORMART machines work with sheets from any supplier from 0.3 to 3.0 mm thick. The built-in database covers materials such as PLA, PETG, PS, PE, HDPE, ABS, PP, PMMA, PC and KYDEX. Only the QR-code auto-detection on the FORMART 2 is limited to MY YARD sheets.

Which sheet should a beginner start with?

HIPS. It is the sheet supplied with every FORMART, needs no preheating, holds fine detail and can be painted after forming. Move to PET for transparent parts, LDPE for reusable casting moulds and TPU for flexible covers.

Do I need the Volume Control Kit?

Not to start. Every FORMART includes a webbing remover kit. The Volume Control Kit is an extra adjustable separator for the FORMART SE and FORMART 2, useful for tall moulds, closely spaced moulds and large sheets.

Do the FORMART machines need a separate vacuum cleaner or compressor?

No. Every FORMART has its heater and a -90 kPa vacuum pump built in. You only need a mains socket: the FORMART S draws 800 W and the FORMART SE and FORMART 2 draw 1700 W on 220–240 V.