Blowing the plastic for the doors  

The fixture that we created was bolted to the rolling table.  Once secure, we used duct tape to make the space inside as airtight as possible.        Next, we laid the trimmed piece of acrylic on the fixture and put the top frame on.
	KDL had 50 long-reach Vise Grip clamps and we used most of them to clamp the frame down, trapping the acrylic sheet between it and the fixture.
Once firmly clamped, the entire table was rolled into the oven.  Radiant elements in the upper part of the oven heated the acrylic (and the clamps, fixture, table, etc.) to 350 degrees.
	The heating took 3 1/2 minutes for the 1/8 inch sheet and over 4 for the 3/16.
Once the acrylic was uniformly heated, the table was rolled back out and air was pumped into the space under it.  While KDL has an electric eye that limits the height of the bubble, we added the air by hand and gauged the height by eye.  These bubbles were more tests than actual production pieces.
	When the table was rolled out and the bubble blown up to its intended height, it had to be kept there for 5 minutes at the acrylic cooled.  Here Mike is adding air to keep the bubble at its full expansion.        As Mike had made much of the fixture itself, he was eager to go along and observe the production process and participate in creating the bubbles..
Jeff's expertise, facility, and willingness to help us out made our production of the door bubbles possible.  We appreciate his generosity.

       If you would like to contact us please email Mr. Smith or  Mr. Steed   We would really like to hear from you.

Last Updated: 07/11/05 
 

Disclaimer: This page is the product of the Central Kitsap Junior High School Project SchoolFlight.