Holster and sheath makers can now work with the CKK VacuForge™ 12-inch press, a totally new take on membrane thermoplastic vacuum forming technology. High-quality materials go into this vacuum forming tool, and we designed it for frequent daily use.
The high-heat membrane material is held to the lid by a "pinch" retention design, and that lid design gives you the most secure and easiest to replace membrane retainer on the market. A specially formed heat-sink board rests over the vacuum grid base design, letting the press stand up to repeated, back-to-back, all-day thermoforming use.
The heavy-duty vacuum membrane comes pre-installed and seals against a raised edge running around the vacuum chamber base. A magnetic lid retention design lets you close the lid and keep it held in place before the initial vacuum drawdown. On the intake side, the VacuForge™ 12-inch forming press has (1) pre-installed 1/4 inch brass ball valve with a threaded nipple, and on the vacuum release side it has (1) vacuum gauge with a 1/4 inch brass ball valve. To use it, simply connect an existing vacuum pump to the 1/4 inch intake nipple connector and turn the pump on. The vacuum draws down smoothly and quickly.
We designed the press to need as little air volume as possible, so it applies a quick vacuum to the preheated workpiece. A workspace-conscious footprint design and built-in plumbing make it a plug-and-play setup. Just hook up your vacuum pump and start forming.
CKK developed this cutting-edge KYDEX® vacuum press around a one-piece leakproof design with an ultra-sleek look. Its back is precision machined from one solid piece, so it won't warp over time, and the vacuum former is crack resistant. There is no quality like this anywhere else on the market!
We built the VacuForge™ 12-inch vacuum forming press for its intended application of making custom gun holsters and knife sheaths from thermoformed plastics (such as KYDEX®, HOLSTEX®, Boltaron®, and ABS). Beyond that, there is no limit to its applications, which include hobbyists, cosplay, orthotics, small prototyping, and much more. CKK Industries aims to bring you the highest quality American-made solutions at an affordable price.
A 90-day warranty covers this product's material and workmanship. Consumables such as membranes and heat-sink boards fall outside that coverage.
Features
- Work area of 12" x 12"
- Needs only a small air volume
- Integrated plumbing that holds a vacuum for extended periods
- Gasket-free construction
- Heavy-duty membrane that self-seals and changes fast
- 30 InHg vacuum
- One-piece solid base for a strong, seamless design
- Lid anchored by magnets
- Heat sink board that is removable and customizable
- Ultra-durable build
- Designed to be leak-proof
- Resists cracking
- Will not warp over time
- Plug-and-play fittings, so you just unpack and hook up to your vacuum system
- Applications without limit
- 90-day warranty from the manufacturer*
- Open-top footprint measuring 15-3/4" w x 15-3/4" l x 18-1/2" h
- Made in USA
- Weighs 17 lbs
Includes
- (1) VacuForge™ Press 12
- (2) High Temp Heavy Duty Membranes, with the extra membrane included in the package
- (1) Removable/Customizable Heat-Sink Board
- (1) Vacuum Gauge
- (2) Brass Ball Valves
- (1) 1/4 Inch Threaded Connection Nipple
How to Use
- Bring your thermoplastic material (KYDEX®, HOLSTEX®, Boltaron®, or leather) up to 300-375°F, depending on the material and your oven settings. Heat it evenly for the best results.
- When the material hits the desired temperature, wrap it around the object you want to mold, such as a knife, gun, or flashlight. Check our video tutorials for guidance on this step.
- Set the preheated item, wrapped in its thermoform sheet, inside the vacuum molding press, which accommodates flat-backed molding styles. Close the lid until the magnets hold it shut.
- Pull vacuum pressure so the material molds to the item. The press adjusts on its own to the pressure that proper molding needs. Leave the material in place until it cools and sets into its final form.
- After the material cools and hardens, carefully take it out of the molding press. Your holster or sheath can now move on to finishing!
* Coverage excludes improper use, along with any damage to the membrane or heat-sink, since these are consumable parts.
