Vacuum Forming
Vacuum Forming is a common manufacturing method where plastic sheets are heated and stretched over a mold, then sucked down by a vacuum to create precise shapes. It's widely used in prop making, costume creation, and set design for movies, theater, and themed entertainment. Think of it like making a plastic copy of an object - similar to how a vacuum-sealed food container hugs the shape of its contents. This technique is popular because it's relatively affordable and can quickly create multiple identical pieces, which is perfect for making props, masks, armor pieces, and decorative elements.
Examples in Resumes
Created custom costume pieces using Vacuum Forming techniques for major theatrical productions
Designed and produced 50+ Vacuum Formed props for haunted house attractions
Supervised Vacuum Form department for television prop shop, managing production of repetitive costume pieces
Typical job title: "Prop Makers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Prop Makers
Online Communities
Professional Organizations
Trade Shows & Events
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you plan and manage a large-scale vacuum forming project for multiple identical props?
Expected Answer: Should discuss material selection, mold design, production scheduling, quality control, and team coordination. Should mention cost estimation and timeline planning.
Q: What safety protocols would you implement in a vacuum forming workshop?
Expected Answer: Should cover ventilation requirements, personal protective equipment, proper material handling, temperature control, and emergency procedures. Should also mention training requirements for team members.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What materials work best for vacuum forming and why?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain different plastic types, thickness considerations, and when to use each. Should mention cost factors and durability requirements for different projects.
Q: How do you troubleshoot common vacuum forming problems?
Expected Answer: Should discuss issues like webbing, thin spots, improper detail reproduction, and their solutions. Should demonstrate understanding of temperature and timing adjustments.
Junior Level Questions
Q: Explain the basic vacuum forming process.
Expected Answer: Should describe heating plastic, mold placement, vacuum application, and cooling process in simple terms. Should understand basic safety requirements.
Q: What are draft angles and why are they important in mold design?
Expected Answer: Should explain that draft angles help pieces release from molds easily and prevent damage. Should demonstrate basic understanding of mold design principles.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic vacuum forming operations
- Simple mold preparation
- Material handling and safety procedures
- Basic finishing techniques
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex mold design and creation
- Multiple material type expertise
- Problem-solving common issues
- Production efficiency techniques
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management and team leadership
- Advanced mold design and creation
- Quality control implementation
- Workshop safety oversight
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with vacuum forming equipment
- Lack of basic safety knowledge
- No understanding of different plastic materials
- Unable to explain mold design basics
- No experience with finishing techniques
Related Terms
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