NonPareil: French Pastry School & Formech

Chicago’s City Colleges have one of the finest culinary academy’s of any American city, known as the French Pastry School (FPS).  Headed by co-founders, Chefs Jacquy Pfeiffer and Sébastien Canonne, M.O.F., FPS specializes in pastry arts education.  Formech is also a proud sponsor of FPS and took the opportunity recently to host a workshop for their latest graduating class (72 students) on, “Forming Unique Chocolate Molds”.

Since Formech specializes in a machine designed specifically with the chocolate/confectioner industry in mind, it is a natural fit to partner with an institution such as FPS.  Our 300XQ Chocolatier vacuum forming machine has many features that make forming molds, trays and even bespoke packaging a breeze.

Nic Neath, General Manager of Formech Inc, joined the FPS graduates to elaborate on the many uses of vacuum forming in their industry.  He used their existing machine to demonstrate that  a way to set one’s self apart from the crowd, is with unique molds.

While there are several options for tooling designs, Nic demonstrated four simple techniques the students could put into practice with ease as well as discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each method:

1. Forming over an existing object.
   
2. Cast an existing object and make copies.
   
3. Sculpt a new creation and form over.
   
4. CNC Mill.
   

He explained the use of a mold resin material like Smooth-On and its usefulness in casting.  Further, he talked about the most commonly utilized materials in making chocolate molds and packaging, emphasizing the need for food grade materials approved by the FDA. Finally he provided an overview of the most helpful tips and tricks for creating perfectly formed objects with their Formech machine.  See the gallery below for a look into Formech’s visit to FPS.

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For more information on Formech Vacuum Forming machines, their use in the confectionery industry and more, contact us today for a consultation: 312-396-4072; sales@formechinc.com.

Formech’s Vacuum Formers: Formidable At Fakuma 2012

Formech’s Latest Semi-Auto Ranges Wow At Fakuma 2012Fakuma is a key trade event for the EU plastics processing industry with approximately 1,700 exhibitors and visitor attendance in excess of 40,000.  Approximately 65% of exhibitors are domestic companies emphasizing the very sizable German plastics market.  Formech was proud to represent the finest UK engineering and 30 years of vacuum forming machine design, demonstrating our latest developments with the HD686 and 1372 ranges.

Formech Managing Director, Paul Vukovich commented:

“I am excited with the huge interest we received in Formech’s semi-auto range in such a strongly contested market.  Formech’s no compromise approach to using quartz heaters and Mitsubishi’s logical touch screen across the range sets a benchmark at the price.  This resonated strongly with existing and new clients requiring high performance at very accessible price points.  Application queries were as far and wide as automotive prototyping to packaging, design and architecture.”

Germany Market Manager, Jeannine March explained:

“Since the formation of Formech’s branch office here in 2010 my feet have hardly touched the ground!  Despite strong competition from the long-established domestic brands, Formech’s reliable, user focused and cost-effective machines–coupled with a helpful and friendly approach–is proving very attractive to existing and new customers in Germany.  Formech’s presence at major European events hosted in Germany such as the K Show and Fakuma underlines our commitment to the EU market and keeps us close to our customers from whom we are continually learning.”

Sold on Formech

Formech’s uniquely flexible approach to machine design and customization were a big hit with customers looking for a fully optimized solution at a sensible price.  One visitor in particular, looking to buy a machine to form small run specialized automotive parts, expressed delight in how easy the Formech machines were to use.  Understanding his application and quantity requirements enabled us to quote on a cost-effective semi-auto bespoke size machine for his needs.  The end result was an ideal solution at a price that fell within his budget and proved considerably cheaper than the ‘take it or leave it’ large standard auto solutions offered by other manufacturers.

 More testament to our fine array of machines that fit market demand for a variety of application requirements, with huge international growth driven by our branch offices in US and Germany and a carefully selected network of very supportive re-sellers, 2012 is a record-breaking year for Formech in global machine sales.

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Formech Vacuumforming Machines & Equipment Catalog–In Downloadable PDF!

Is your old thermoforming machine giving you a headache?  Perhaps it’s time for an update.  Or maybe you’re just starting out in the hot field of rapid prototyping.  Consider Formech Vacuum Forming machines to give you that competitive edge.  With 30 years as an industry leader, picture yourself forming to perfection with one of Formech’s top notch machines by your side.

Download our catalog and see what your future could be like with a Formech.  View all the machines we offer AND their specifications.  Did you know we can also create a custom built model to suit your specific needs?  Take a look now, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for with Formech.

Formech Americas, Formech Inc, Thermoforming/Vacuumforming Machines Catalog

Formech Vacuum Forming Guide Online

Everything you want and need to know about vacuum forming is in this handy guide from Formech, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of vacuum forming, thermoforming, and packaging machines.  Check the link for your free download and if you still have any questions, feel free to send them to us!  We’re always happy to share with you what we know.  

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DIY: How to Easily Replicate Existing Patterns and Tooling

Formech: Forming to Perfection Create a box for your mold to support the sides and bottom. This will also make an environment for you to pour your resin so that you decrease the chances of spilling or uneven pouring. Keep the size and shape in mind when building the box. This example is rather large and will be quite heavy when completely filled. Select a casting resin that will be able to withstand the heat from the thermoforming process. This particular resin has an aluminum base and will do the job well. Other resins that are useable for this process have mineral a mineral base. Companies like Smooth-On make several viable options (i.e. Task 18). These resins come in two parts, the resin and the activator. The most common ratios are 1:1 or 1:10 and are always measured by weight. www.smooth-on.com Using an electric mixing attachment is vital to achieve uniform consistency so that all the resin cures properly. When purchasing a resign pay attention to the pot life. This is the amount of time you have to work with the resign before it starts to cure. Next we will allow the mixed resin to sit for a 1-5 minutes to release any air bubbles that may be present. Air bubbles can have a drastic effect on the aesthetic and functionality of the tooling. Remember to coat all surfaces of the mold with mold release so that you can easily extract the finished tooling. Then apply a thin layer of casting resin to the surface of the mold. Including this step will drastically reduce air bubbles on the surface of the tooling and leave a a smooth exterior. Once you have coated the mold it is time to pour the rest of the compound into the cavity being mindful of the pot life. Once it is cured (cure times will very), you should easily be able to separate the cast (or tooling) from the mold provided you used he mold release properly. To sign up for our monthly newsletters please email us at info@formechinc.com Formech Inc – Forming to Perfection Visit our website at www.formechinc.com