This diploma thesis deals with the proposal and production of a mold for series production of plastic parts by vacuum forming. The thesis is divided into 2 main chapters. The theoretical part includes analysis of chip machining technology. The experimental part focuses on solving the design of the mold in PowerShape software, a detailed analysis of making of the model for casting and about making of the mold themselves. In the last part the manual completion and verification of the mold is discussed. Thesis is terminated by technical-economic evaluation, in which is discussed about production costs.

Vacuum forming is a popular, cost effective method amongst large and small scale applications. The method is used to mold a material to the surface of a mold/pattern in order to create a negative copy for reproduction or an object in positive form. The prototype vacuum forming system developed and documented herein is of a membrane-seal type that consists of three (3) principle parts: radial platen, Hinged Frame and Platen Support Assembly, and a PVC surge tank. Each part is described in detail through design, manufacturing, and testing processes. The design supports functional versatility, small scale molding, and uses readily available materials. Functional prototype testing was performed with the thermoplastic KYDEX® and multiple objects for mold examples. Results include successful proof of concept, design pros and cons, and findings based on functional testing.

The master thesis deals with the design and production of the mold for vacuum forming. Specifically, how the existing and new mold materials affect their design and, consequently, their production technology. The thesis contains a brief description of the principle of vacuum molding. Technological and design principles of designing molds. Furthermore, the realization of the solution variants and the simulation of their production. The solved variants are subsequently evaluated from a technical and economic point of view.