Chris Chimienti from "Embrace Racing" has documented over a period of time the process of designing and buildnig a semi-automatic vacuum forming machine. The purpose of which is to create various parts that are difficult to recreate in other methods, for example curved items such as automotive lenses. The design is quite professional, and includes a ceramic heater device, motorised platform for the former, and a neat control system for temperature, power, and to move the platform. Although it would have taken some time to assemble, the benefit would be the savings against buying a commercial machine. Chris gives us a quick demonstration in the following video:
For more information, check out the Embrace Racing website. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.
If you're new to Arduino and want to join the fun, the first step is a solid board for your projects - our Freetronics Eleven - the Arduino-Uno compatible with low-profile USB socket, onboard prototyping space and easy to view LEDs:
