Vacuum forming parts

I havent posted in a while but i havent seen any discussion on this technique.

I havent used it for any parts on my sim but i made some decals for a yamaha gas tank.

The basic concept is an airtight box with holes on the top and a hole for a vacuum hose (i use a shop vac with an adjustable suction posrt on the hose) and a frame to hold plastic. The plastic goes into the frame and into an oven until hot. The object to be duplicated is placed on the box top with holes and the hot plastic and frame placed over top. The vacuum molds the plastic around the part.

Here is my box and frame assembly


And this is the decal after being formed still in the frame

And on the bike

They are a little bigger than stock but look good. The green plastic i used is from a costco cat litter container. That plastic takes 4 minutes on toast setting in a toaster over. I made the frame to fit exactly into the toaster oven i have in my shop

I put it in 3d printing forum because it goes really well with 3d printing as you can print your part and then copy, cover, make molds etc etc. hope someone finds it useful.

Here is one more picture of what i was duplicating. The other badge was missing more than half. If i wanted to be particular i could have used it as a mold instead to get one the exact size but the holes lined up and i didnt mind the slightly over size.