While it has a minimalistic appearance, the Mayku FormBox is anything but. This little machine has all the polish needed to make it an easy-to-use vacuum forming powerhouse that can create custom molds or product packaging over and over again. Every material pack comes with simple guidelines to set the temperature and get the timing right before you use the power of the FormBox to pull hot plastic into shape.

Let's break it down-

What is Vacuum Forming and Thermoforming?

Vacuum forming (also called thermoforming) is the process of heating a sheet of plastic until it is easily malleable and then formed into a desired shape. By using the power of a vacuum to remove the air out from underneath the plastic, a vacuumformer is able to replicate the shape of the original object, called a forming buck. Forming bucks can be very simple in shape or can be complex and specifically designed to work with the constraints of thermoforming. They can be made from a variety of materials and methods, including 3D printing. 

A custom package made for 3D Phil using the Makyu Formbox.
A custom package made for 3D Phil using the Mayku FormBox.

Cast & Form Plastic Sheets

Mayku has produced a catalog of fun projects to inspire your creativity using the white Form and the clear Cast plastic sheets. Form sheets are made of recycled polystyrene, a sturdy plastic well suited for any general-purpose thermoforming like creating your own custom molds or packaging, and thanks to its food-safe properties molds for unique culinary products. Cast sheets are clear PET - the same material water bottles are made of - which means you can make perfectly transparent objects in the shape you need; great for any small business looking to prototype and produce their own packaging.

Cast Sheets on the left, Form Sheets on the right.
Cast Sheets on the left, Form Sheets on the right.

Built-In Timer and Temperature

The Mayku FormBox takes the guesswork out of the process; a handy timer and temperature dial give you more control of the thermoforming process. Simply follow the guidelines included with each package of cast and form plastic sheets, set the timer and temperature as specified, and start heating your plastic. When the timer goes off, drop the plastic frame and create the perfect replicas of your original forming buck.

The easy-to-use built-in timer, heating indicator, and temperature dial.
The easy-to-use built-in timer, heating indicator, and temperature dial.

Universal Vacuum Adapter

To ensure compatibility with every style of vacuum, from handheld to home vacuums or shop vacuums, the Mayku FormBox includes a Universal Vacuum Adapter to easily support a multitude of different vacuum hose sizes. Simply press your vacuum's hose or nozzle into the adapter and you’re ready to go! You can even plug your vacuum directly into the Mayku FormBox to have it automatically turn on and off when the Mayku is ready to thermoform and pull the hot plastic into shape.

The Universal Vacuum Adapter makes it easy to connect vacuum hoses of any size to the Makyu Formbox.
The Universal Vacuum Adapter makes it easy to connect vacuum hoses of any size to the Mayku FormBox.

If you need to produce custom molds and packaging rapidly, consistently, and with an easy-to-use framework, the Mayku FormBox is the thermoformer for you. Mayku aims for the FormBox to be the solution designers and crafters have been looking for. To learn more and to order your Mayku FormBox today, check out the collection here.