Originally Posted by xlgraphicspro
It's actually easier than you'd think to make your own vacuum former. I did it, and was actually making aftermarket bodies for the X-5 4 wheel drive buggy. but I couldn't keep up with some of the demand, and the cost Versus the profit wasn't enough to encourage further development.
I now have a real vacuum former at work, and am able to do small projects for myself! It's really handy! If you have any questions, I can help answer some!
I convinced the model shop here at work to buy a vacuum forming machine so it looks like I won't need to build one myself. The FDM mold is running right now (had to freeze the design quick, so no canopy for this go-around). Little bit of concern about how many shells we'll be able to pull off the only moderately robust FDM prototype mold. I might cover the mold in aluminum foil to help shield it from the heat.
What was the bulk of your cost, that made it prohibitive to further production?