Vacuum presses

What is a Membrane Vacuum Press?

Undoubtedly, it is a universal device equipped with a vacuum pump, whose task is to create a vacuum, and a diaphragm, so elastic rubber. A silicone or rubber elastomer replaces one of the forms and most often the external one, otherwise known as negative. The use of the vacuum phenomenon additionally supports the gluing processes, due to the pumping of air also from the glue and between the glued elements, as a result of which the occurrence of air bubbles is reduced. Our vacuum presses are equipped with hot-air heaters, and their task is to shorten the gluing time, resulting in increased production efficiency by up to 80% compared to gluing and forming without using temperature.

Vacuum press and work with wood-based materials.

Initially, vacuum presses were used for forming and gluing wood-based materials such as flexible plywood, wood, HDF, fibreboard, etc. The membrane press allows for quick, accurate and easy veneering of flat and curved elements, e.g. frame bands, stair steps, skirting boards. Certainly, facilitating the veneer veneer process is a great advantage of vacuum presses, but not the only, undoubtedly, other useful function is forming. Using a membrane press, we are able to shape wood-based materials, thanks to which it is possible to make many useful products such as backrests, chairs, all kinds of sports boards, decorative elements, etc.

Can a vacuum press work with plastics?

Over time, new synthetic materials are created, for the treatment of which membrane presses or thermoforming machines can also be used. Plastics, which can be successfully formed using vacuum membrane presses is Kydex – this material is used to make holsters or scabbards for  weapons intended for security and military services. Mineral and acrylic boards called Solid Surface are a very interesting material. It can be shaped after heating up and they have a color resembling expensive natural stones such as sandstone, marble, granite. They can be used to make kitchen furniture, window sills, lamps, decorations, reception counters, etc. Another material worth attention is PET felt material made from recycled PET bottles. Due to the content of polyesters, it is possible to form it, therefore it can be used to make decorative wall panels, ceilings, lampshades and many other functional and nice products. What’s more, polyester felt is also characterized by very good acoustic and insulating properties. Prepreg, i.e. ready-made fiberglass and epoxy resin plasters used in the production of durable body parts and sports equipment.

What is the difference between a thermoformer and a vacuum membrane press?

The vacuum membrane press and the thermoforming machine work on a very similar principle, they both need to create a negative pressure to work, however in the press the working element is the membrane, while in the thermoforming machine the working element is our material that we want to shape. Thermoforming machines are devices used in many industries, from the production of decorations, advertising, to the medical and food industry. Materials that can be successfully formed on thermoforming machines are plastic raw materials after heating, such as PET, PP, PE, ABS, PVC, etc. They can be used to make many useful products such as containers, packaging, decorations, orthodontic inserts and many others.