Formech 1372 Service manual

1
1372
Installation, Operating and Service Manual
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.
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For Parts, Service & Technical Assistance
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Large Format Vacuum
Forming Machine

Table Of Content
Safety 3
Introduction 7
Specifications 9
Foreword 9
Noise emissions 9
Machine storage 9
Machine transportation, lifting and moving 9
Installation 10
Electrical connection 10
Phase Connections / Motor Rotation 10
Pneumatic connection 11
Heat Guard assembly and fitting of the stabiliser / support arrangement 11
Assembly of the control POD 11
Counterbalance arms and weights 12
Cooling System 12
Using the Cooling System 12
Operation Mode 13
Touch screen arrangement and operation 13
Job Editing Mode 17
Heater Settings 21
1372 - Zone Layout 21
1372 Heater element power arrangement 21
Heating Zone Control and Adjustment 21
Other Controls and user adjustments 22
Table Speed adjustment 22
Table Height Adjustment 22
Clamp Frame rear spring adjustment 23
Clamp Frame front clamp adjustment 23
Counterweight adjustment, loading and unloading 23
Touch screen control POD position 23
Fixing mould tools 24
Operating Procedure 25
Operating Techniques 26
Heaters 26
Bubble moulding 26
Mould Tools 27
Plastics 28
Post Forming Operations 28
After forming 28
Trimming 28
Forming Difficulties 29
Warranty 30
Clamp Seals 30
Heating elements 30
Vacuum system 30
Service & Repair 31
Electrical 31
Heater 31
Replacing a heating element 32
Auto-levelling system 32
Vacuum 33
Vacuum system 33
Pneumatics 34
Table Cylinder Maintenance 34
Clamp & table seals 35
Panel seals 35
Cleaning 36
Lubrication 36
Electrical Circuit information 37
Overview 37
Interlocking devices 37
EC Certificate 45

Manual - Formech 1372
3
Safety
Thank you for choosing Formech.
Please read and follow the below safety instructions before attempting to install
or operate your machine.
Special attention should be paid to sections dealing with safety.
It is impossible to cover all aspects of thermoforming within the scope of this manual, we are therefore
available to offer advice on special problems regarding thermoforming techniques, tooling and materials.
1) The electrical supply to the machine must be of adequate capacity. Wiring must be to local regulations
and carried out by a suitably qualified technician. THIS MACHINE MUST BE EARTHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
LOCAL REGULATIONS.
2) Ensure that the pneumatic air supply is regulated to 6 BAR or less and is properly filtered & lubricated using
a good quality airline oil. A competent person must make compressed air connections.
3) Do not operate the machine until you have been trained and are fully conversant with it. Read and
understand all of this User Manual. Users of this machine should complete regular competence tests.
4) Never remove any panels unless both the electrical and pneumatic supplies have been isolated.
Never remove any warning labels from the machine. It is important to understand that high pressures may be
present within parts of the pneumatic system even after the supply has been isolated. Special care must be
taken if any parts have become jammed to ensure that all pressure is removed before attempting a repair.
5) Daily repetitive use of this or any other machine may lead to a) fatigue and loss of concentration. b)
possible strains. Operators should be trained in the use of correct lifting techniques in order to minimise these
effects.
6) When servicing the machine care must be taken to prop any heavy moving parts. This refers particularly
to the mould table, clamping frame and counter balance weights. Always restrict movement of these parts
before entering any part of the machine to prevent possible injury.
7) Always let the machine cool down before attempting to work on it. Some parts of the heater and heat
shield become extremely hot during operation.
8) Only use the machine for vacuum forming and blow moulding of plastic. It is not intended for any other
purpose.
9) Ensure that the area you are working in is properly ventilated and that you are aware of the potential
hazards from the plastics you are forming.
10) Ensure that the area surrounding the machine is clean and frequently cleared of finished product and any
waste.
11) This machine is fitted with a dry running vacuum pump. Do not lubricate. Do not allow any liquid to enter
the vacuum system. Severe damage may be caused if the above is not observed.

Manual - Formech 1372
4
Safety
It is vital that any person using this machine and the person(s) responsible for the health & safety is
made fully aware of the potential hazards that could arise from the use and misuse.
These can be broadly categorised as: -
1. Electric Shock.
This machine uses Voltages up to 415V.
NEVER ATTEMPT ANY REPAIR UNLESS THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY HAS BEEN LOCKED IN THE OFF POSITION.
ONLY SWITCH ON WHEN ALL COVERS & GUARDS HAVE BEEN REPLACED.
ONLY A QUALIFIED ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN MAY WORK ON ANY PARTS CARRYING MAINS VOLTAGE
AND SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT THE MACHINE IS IN A SAFE CONDITION BEFORE
ALLOWING SERVICES TO BE RESTORED.
2. Burning.
Parts of this machine reach temperatures in excess of 300°C over large areas.
WAIT UNTIL THE MACHINE HAS COOLED DOWN BEFORE SERVICE WORK COMMENCES.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS MUST BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT ONLY THE MACHINE OPERATOR IS IN THE
OPERATING AREA DURING USE.
USE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SUCH AS GLOVES WHEN TESTING THE HEATED PLASTIC,
HANDLING HOT VACUUM FORMED PARTS, MANUALLY ASSISTING THE FORMING PROCESSS AND
TOUCHING HOT SURFACES.
INFRARED RADIATION IS EMITTED BY THE QUARTZ HEATERS, ENSURE THAT ANY EXPOSURE TO THIS TYPE
OF RADIATION IS SHORT OR COMPLETELY AVOIDED.
3. Injury from Compressed Air.
Pressures up to 100 PSI will be present in large volumes on this machine.
BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS WHEN DEALING WITH COMPRESSED AIR EVEN AFTER THE MAIN SUPPLY HAS BEEN
SHUT OFF DANGEROUS RESIDUAL PRESSURE MAY STILL BE PRESENT WITHIN THE SYSTEM.
4. Toxic Fume Inhalation.
When large sheets of plastic are heated fumes will be given off.
ENSURE THAT THE MACHINE IS POSITIONED IN AN ADEQUATELY VENTILATED PLACE. ASSESS THE RISKS
OF THE MATERIALS TO BE FORMED PRIOR TO USE.
5. Injury from Moving Parts.
Where pneumatics components are used to power moving parts there is a risk of personal injury.
NEVER REMOVE ANY PANEL OR ATTEMPT ANY REPAIR UNLESS THE COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY AND THE
ELECTRIC SUPPLY HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED.
BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS WHEN DEALING WITH COMPRESSED AIR. EVEN AFTER MAIN SUPPLY HAS BEEN SHUT
OFF DANGEROUS RESIDUAL PRESSURE MAY STILL BE PRESENT WITHIN THE SYSTEM.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO OVERIDE ANY CONTROL SYSTEM INTERLOCK OR SAFETY RELATED CONTROL SYSTEM
SUCH AS THE 2 HANDED CONTROL SYSTEM.
HEALTH & SAFETY - Hazards specific to this machine.

Manual - Formech 1372
5
HEALTH & SAFETY - Hazards specific to this machine.
Safety
6. Injury from Trapping.
There is a risk of trapping fingers and hands when loading mould tools. Ensure appropriate care is taken to
prevent trapping and use suitable personal protection. Care is required when operating the clamping frame to
ensure that fingers or hands are not trapped.
Keep hands clear of the heater rails when pulling the heater forwards.
7. Lifting, Reaching and Stretching.
TAKE CARE WITH LIFTING REACHING AND STRETCHING WHEN PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:
-Operating the manual heater, the loading of materials and unloading of plastic formings.
-Applying manual assistance to formings during vacuum.
-Drilling holes and trimming of mouldings on the machine after forming.
-The fitting and loading of mould tools.
-Loading and fitting of reducing plates and frames.
-Fitting and adjustment of Fans.
-Replacement and maintenance of top frame and table seals.
ENSURE THAT LOCAL LIFTING AND HANDLING PROCEDURES ARE APPLIED AND MONITORED BY A PERSON
RESPONSIBLE FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY.
8. Fire.
The sheet auto-levelling system allows the level of heated plastic to be kept constant. There is a risk that
failure of the level sensors due to misuse of heaters OR the setting of the compressed air supply to a level that
exceeds the operating pressure of pneumatics valve and the machine specification may cause the plastic to be
blown into the heaters and to be ignited. Periodically monitor and check the condition of the infrared beam
sensors.
ENSURE THE COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY IS SET TO THE RECOMMENDED LEVEL AND ONLY USE THE HEATER
FOR THE HEATING OF VACUUM FORMING PLASTIC MATERIALS.
RISK OF FIRE AS A RESULT OF HEAT AND PLASTICS PRESENTS AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. ENSURE FIRE
SAFETY TRAINING IS PERFORMED & CONTROLLED.
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO HAVE FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE AT OR NEAR THE MACHINE. USE DRY
POWDER (BLUE) OR CARBON DIOXIDE (BLACK) FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.
9. Airborne Particles.
Particles present in the working area may become airborne during the use of the fan cooling system, when
using an airline to blow onto plastics and when the release function is operated without tooling fitted.
ENSURE THAT THE DUST, PARTICLES AND DEBRIS IN THE WORKING AREA ARE KEPT TO A MINIMUM.
ENSURE THAT SUITABLE EYE PROTECTION IS WORN.
10. Working at Height.
When installing the fan cooling system, it is necessary to work at an appropriate height.
Ensure that adequate safety precautions are taken to prevent falling from height and that suitable, stable and
secure equipment is used to support your weight when working at height. Ensure that you DO NOT work on
your own when working at height.
ENSURE THAT LOCAL LIFTING HANDLING AND HIGH LEVEL WORKING PROCEDURES ARE APPLIED AND
MONITORED BY A PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY.

Manual - Formech 1372
6
HEALTH & SAFETY - Hazards specific to this machine.
Safety
11. Prohibited Uses
DO NOT USE THIS MACHINE FOR ANY PURPOSES OTHER THAN THE VACUUM FORMING AND BLOW
MOULDING OF PLASTICS SHEET.
DO NOT USE THE HEATER TO APPLY HEAT TO ANY MATERIAL OTHER THAN PLASTIC SHEET AS PART OF
THE VACUUM FORMING PROCESS SUCH AS: FOOD PRODUCTS, ALL TYPES OF PARTICLES, POWDER, DUST,
ALL TYPES OF LIQUID, WOOD, PAPER, METALS AND ANY FORMS OF COMBUSTABLE MATERIALS.
DO NOT USE THE TABLE MECHANISM TO CLAMP, COMPRESS, FOLD OR APPLY FORCE TO ANY ITEM UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
DO NOT USE THE CLAMPING FRAME TO CLAMP COMPRESS, FOLD OR APPLY FORCE TO ANY ITEM OTHER
THAN THE CLAMPING OF SHEET PLASTICS AS PART OF THE VACUUM FORMING PROCESS.
DO NOT USE THE RELEASE TABLE AIR FUNCTION TO APPLY PRESSURE FOR ANY OTHER MEANS OTHER
THAN TO RELEASE THE MOULDING FROM A FITTED MOULD TOOL.
DO NOT USE THE TABLE VACUUM PORT TO SUPPLY VACUUM FOR ANY OTHER MEANS OTHER THAN TO
APPLY VACUUM UNDER A MOULD TOOL AS PART OF THE VACUUM FORMING PROCESS
DO NOT ALLOW OTHER PERSONS WITHIN 1 METRE (39 INCHES) OF THE TABLE / APERTURE TRAP POINT
WHEN OPERATING THE TABLE USING THE TWO HANDED CONTROL TABLE LIFT FUNCTION.
DO NOT BLOCK THE PUMP EXHAUST PORT ON THE REAR OF THE MACHINE AND DO NOT USE THIS
PRESSURE OUTLET TO APPLY PRESSURE FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE.
DO NOT USE THE TOP OF THE HEATER OR TOP OF THE HEATER GUARD TO STACK PLASTICS OR OTHER
MATERIALS.
DO NOT USE THE UNDERSIDE OF THE REAR OF THE MACHINE TO STORE ANY ITEM(S).
DO NOT USE THE MACHINE TO STACK OR LEAN ITEMS AGAINST THE SIDES.
DO NOT USE THE FAN OUTPUTS TO APPLY AIRFLOW FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE OTHER THAN THE
COOLING OF VACUUM FORMINGS AS PART OF THE VACUUM FORMING OR BLOW MOULDING PROCESS.
DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE HEATER TRANSORT WITH ANY ITEM OR USE THE TRANSPORT WHEELS TO CUT
OR FORM ANY ITEM OR MATERIAL.
DO NOT USE ANY OTHER PART OF THE HEATER TO MOVE THE HEATER FORWARDS AND BACKWARDS
OTHER THAN THE HEATER HANDLE.
DO NOT USE THE FAN GANTRY TO HANG ANY ITEM.
DO NOT MOUNT THE FAN POSTS ON THE UNDER SIDE OF THE FAN GANTRY
DO NOT REMOVE THE SIDE PANELS OF THIS MACHINE TO USE THE PNEUMATIC CYLINDER TO CUT,
COMPRESS, BEND OR FORM ANY ITEM.
DO NOT USE OR MODIFY THE ELECTRICAL POWER IN THE CONTROL PANEL TO SUPPLY ANY OTHER
DEVICE OR TO APPLY MODIFICATIONS TO THE MACHINE OR ITS FUNCTIONS.
THIS IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF THE POSSIBLE MISSUSE OF THIS MACHINERY. THIS LIST IS
WHAT IS CONSIDERED TO BE FORESEEABLE MISSUSE. THE USE OF THIS MACHINE MUST BE ASSESSED,
MONITORED AND CONTROLLED BY THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFTEY IN THE
ORGANISATION THAT OWNS AND OPERATES THIS MACHINE.

Manual - Formech 1372
7
Introduction
The Formech 1372 is a highly versatile, manually operated Vacuum Forming Machine that will produce
high definition mouldings in up to 6mm thick material. It is intended for use only for the Vacuum forming of
plastics components and for the blow moulding of heated plastics.
The Formech 1372 incorporates the following features:
• Easy to use graphical touch screen with single screen forming cycle operation and 10 job storage
facility.
• Powerful quartz heaters PLC controlled in 15 heating zones.
• Heater power level standby feature allowing energy saving when heater is in rear position.
• Heater safety shutoff after idle period
• A powerful ltered dry rotary vane vacuum pump.
• Reliable and robust PLC control system & touch screen.
• Vacuum gauge indication.
• The machine is tted with an auto-level facility, which detects a droop in the sheet of plastic
resulting from softening during its heat cycle. Air is blown into the chamber beneath the plastic
keeping the sheet level until it is ready to be formed.
• A powerful compressed air blow pre-stretch facility.
• A pneumatically powered scissor table incorporating 2 handed manual control allowing easy and
safe use of heavy moulds. Table speed can be adjusted by externally mounted table speed controls.
• An easily adjustable table height facility to assist performance with shallow mouldings.
• A powerful compressed air blow facility to release the moulding from the tool.
• The 1372 is ideal for prototype development work whilst also quite capable of small and large
production runs.
• The machine has been designed to be highly adaptable and functions such as changing a mould,
or fitting reducing windows (which allow smaller sheets to be used) can be carried out in the
minimum amount of time.
• Optional powerful fan cooling system.
This manual is the original user instructions for the Formech 1372. It informs the user on machine safety,
assembly, operation and maintenance. It also provides an introduction into vacuum forming with some
useful advice on mould making and post forming processes. If you would like a more comprehensive guide
to the vacuum forming process then please visit the ‘support’ and ‘about’ section of the Formech web page.

Manual - Formech 1372
8
Introduction
1- Heater
2- Clamp frame handle
3- Toggle clamps
4- Mitsubishi touch screen
5- ‘Table Up’ control buttons
6- Table adjustment (depth of draw)
7- Heater handle
8- Heater Guard
9- Counter balance weights
10- Self-adjusting clamp springs
11- Control box with main switch
12- Heater rear supports
1372

Manual - Formech 1372
9
Specifications
Foreword
Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting to install or use this machine. Special
attention should be paid to sections dealing with safety.
It is impossible to cover all aspects of thermoforming within the scope of this manual, we are therefore
available to offer advice on special problems regarding thermoforming techniques, tooling and materials.
Specifications
1372
Forming area: 1330mm x 620mm. Depth: 1820mm
Sheet Size: Nominal 1372mm x 660mm
Material thickness 0.25mm min. 6.0mm max
Electrical
Power - 17kW - Supply 380-415V, 5 wire, 3 phase + Neutral + earth, 50Hz
Power - 17kW - Supply 208-230V, 4 wire, 3 phase + earth, 60Hz (North America)
Width: 1820mm Length:2100mm Height:1200mm Weight: 600Kg
Noise emissions
Noise emissions on the Formech 1372 are less than 70dB(A).
Machine storage
The Formech 1372 must be stored in a dry environment.
Machine transportation, lifting and moving
The Formech 1372 is prepared for transportation with the heater secured forwards with counterweights and
accessories situated at the front of the machine where possible.
The weight of the packaged machine is towards the front.
Before lifting, remove all separate assemblies and leave the heater fixed in its position until positioning at its
operating site. Remove packaging where it assists with lifting and moving.
The machine must be lifted from the front taking particular care to avoid damage to the front clamping
frame and control pod.
The centre of gravity is at a point centre - rear of the main cabinet when viewed from the front.
Ensure lifting forks pass through to the rear of the main cabinet and to the rear frame.
Ensure that local lifting and handling procedures are applied and monitored
by a person responsible for health and safety.

Manual - Formech 1372
10
Installation
The machine should be sited on a level concrete floor. Dusty or draughty areas will compromise machine
performance but it is important to allow enough space (750mm) around the machine to allow access
into the various panels and to ensure a good airflow to prevent overheating. During all of the following
installation ensure that the power supply is properly isolated.
Electrical connection
An electric supply of correct voltage, current & frequency is required. An isolating switch with facility to be
locked in 'OFF' position and capable of handling full current should be wall mounted, within easy reach of
the operator.
380-415V Three phase supply
Using 3 phases, Neutral and Earth connection STAR configuration. 3P, N & E
The major current consuming devices within this machine are 230V single phase. However, in order to
balance the load to electricity generator's requirements, each phase of a standard three-phase supply
should be connected to the L1 L2 & L3 of the machine. A neutral wire of full load capacity is required in this
case.
208-230V Three phase supply
Using 3 phases and earth connection – Delta configuration. 3P & E
Again the major current consuming devices are 230V single phase. Therefore on 230V delta configurations
these devices are wired by using two 120V phases hence using alternate phases to balance the load across
three phases. It is therefore important to allow for this additional loading on the supply wiring.
Important notice on 3 phase & Neutral connections
To prevent damage of components it is highly important to check that the three phase and neutral
connections are correct. The machine colours for wiring are as follows:
Brown L1 - Phase 1
Black L2 - Phase 2
Grey L3 - Phase 3
Blue Neutral
Green/Yellow Earth or Ground
After making connections to the isolator switch in the rear cabinet it is essential to verify that the phases and
neutral connections are terminated correctly. The three phases must be connected to the connections L1, L2
& L3. The Blue neutral connections must be connected to the terminal labelled N.
Verify these connections using a volt-meter / multi-meter by measuring the voltage potential between the
Neutral and each phase in turn. The voltage between each phase and the neutral should measure 220 –
240V ac. Once this is confirmed the Electrical box cover may be fitted and the isolator switch turned on.
Phase Connections / Motor Rotation
For all electrical connections the pump rotation direction is important. After switching the machine
on press the Vacuum button on the operation screen and check that vacuum is present at the
hole in the centre of the table. If there is no vacuum or if pressure is present then reverse 2 of
the phase connections.
THIS MACHINE MUST BE EARTHED
For a
on press the Vacuum button on the operation screen and check that vacuum is present at the

Manual - Formech 1372
11
Installation
The 1372 must be installed and commissioned by a Formech qualified technician.
Pneumatic connection
If the air supply is insufficient the performance of the machine will be compromised.
The connection to the machine should be via a lockable shut off valve.
Ensure that the pneumatic air supply is regulated to 6 BAR or less and is properly filtered & lubricated using
good quality airline oil. A competent person must make compressed air connections.
If flexible hoses are used it is strongly advised that they are of Nylon, canvas or wire reinforced rubber and
suitably rated for pressure and temperature. The connection hose size should be 12mm diameter.Threaded
fittings are BSP. Maximum airline pressure must not exceed 6BAR or 80 PSI.
Heat Guard assembly and fitting of the stabiliser / support arrangement
The Heater Guard is attached to the rear rails and upper support bar. This machine may be supplied with
the heater stabiliser / support system fitted. Where this is not the case assemble the support system and
heater guard as follows:
ENSURE THAT LOCAL LIFTING AND HANDLING PROCEDURES ARE APPLIED AND MONITORED BY
A PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY.
Fit the bottom left and right support triangles with the angle returns facing inwards.
The heater guard assembly will be separate. The vertical support struts are fitted to the upper support bar at
the back of the heater guard. The rear heater rails are also fitted to the heater guard. The rear rails need to
be connected to the front rails using the rail link bar.
The rail link fixings will be attached to the links. Remove these 2 screws from each side and retain ready for
the fixing of the heater guard and rails. Mount the assembly, you may require up to 4 persons to lift the
assembly in place. Fit the rail link screws and nuts with washers. Do not fully tighten until the rails / guard
has been levelled.
Support the assembly until the support struts are attached to the bottom horizontal support bar.
Slide the bottom horizontal support bar through the bottom of the support struts and fix the ends to the
back of the support triangles using the fixings supplied. See item 8 & 12 – general arrangement.
The heater may need to be levelled although it is likely that the factory settings may be adequate.
To adjust the level so that the heater rails are completely straight remove the covers from the vertical
supports and adjust the height as required.
Adjust the rear triangle levelling screws as required. Fully tighten the rail link bar fixings and check the level
again. Readjust as required.
Lift and position the heater shield in position on the rear heater rails and fit the retaining bracket
Ensure that that all fixings are tight.
Assembly of the control POD
Where the 1372 is delivered in a packaging crate, the control pod may be rotated or removed.
Remove the three fixing screws from their fixing point at the front RHS corner of the machine, rotate the POD
and refit the 3 screws to allow the POD to be at a suitable angle.
Ensure the rubber seal is located in the POD stand and the fixings are tight.
DO NOT LEAN ON THE POD.
If t
The connection to the machine should be via a lockable shut off valve.

Manual - Formech 1372
12
Counterbalance arms and weights
The counterbalance arm assembly is permanently attached to the clamp. Individual weights may be fitted
to each arm with a bar weight at the back end to be set in position to balance the clamp frame.
Weights are easily adjusted by loosening the screw with a 13mm spanner or socket. ENSURE SCREWS ARE
LOCKED TIGHT.
Adjustment may be required where a reducing window is fitted. Adjust the weights so that the clamp frame
is balance.
Set the weights so that the clamping frame is balanced at a suitable height.
COUNTERWEIGHTS ARE HEAVY ITEMS AND HENCE CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO PREVENT TRAPPING OF
FINGERS.
TAKE CARE WHEN ASSEMBLING, LOADING AND UNLOADING COUNTERWEIGHT. HEAVY ITEMS CAN
CAUSE CRUSHING IF MISSHANDLED, MISSUSED OR IF DROPPED.
WHEN LOADING AND UNLOADING COUNTERWEIGHTS ALWAYS ENSURE THE END STOP LOCKING SPLIT
PIN AND WASHER IS REPLACED AT THE END OF THE COUNTERWEIGHT ARM.
Cooling System
Attaching the Cooling System;
1 - Fit the gantry sides to the two heater rails at the boltholes on either side of the moulding area with the
four nuts and screws supplied.
2 - Fit the Gantry cross member to the top of the gantry sides with the four nuts and bolts supplied. The fan
mounting posts should be attached to the cross member so that the fan can be positioned behind the cross
member directing the fan draft forward and away from the heater.
3 - The swivel block should be supplied fitted to the fan unit. Slide this onto the cross member post and
tighten the grub screws and locking nuts. Never fit the fan posts on the underside of the cross member as
the fan may fall and cause injury. Mounting of the fans is a 2 person operation, precautions must be taken
when lifting and working at heights.
4 - Adjust the fan unit to the required position and tighten all the grub screws and lock nuts.
Using the Cooling System
The corresponding FAN button on the touch screen can operate the cooling fan at the appropriate time to
cool the moulding. The button changes colour when operated ON/OFF. It is worth considering the position
of the fan mounting to achieve good and consistent results with different mouldings.
Installation
It is essential to read and fully understand all the information in this manual relating to safety
and the Safety Hazards specific to this machine before installing and operating.
Operating procedures for this machine must be assessed, monitored and controlled
by the person responsible for health and safety.

Manual - Formech 1372
13
Operation Mode
Touch screen arrangement and operation
The main functions of the Formech 1372 are operated from the touch screen.
START:
START DEFAULT: Allows you to start
a vacuum forming process using the
default settings.
LOAD: Allows you to load a program
already saved in the memory.
HOME SCREEN
NEW/EDIT: Allows you to create a new
program. See section referring to Job
Editing Mode.
START: Allows you to start a vacuum
forming process, using the default
settings or one of your saved programs.
HEATERS: Turns the heaters ON. Button
Changes to Green when enabled.
Note that you have to press this button
to start a vacuum forming process.
Question mark: Shows the meaning of
all icons.

Manual - Formech 1372
14
Operation Mode
Operation mode
MAIN OPERATION SCREEN
Once you have chosen the
program you want to use, or
loaded the default settings, this
screen will open.
This gives you access to the
machine function of the
vacuum forming process.
(See page 15 dealing with Icon
descriptions)
The arrows guide the user
through the main 5 machine
functions of the forming cycle.
Remain on this screen when
performing continuous cycles.
Do not press finish unless you
wish to exit this screen.
LOAD
The LOAD button allows you to
choose a Job already saved in
the 10 memories available.
Press the screen for the Job that
is required to load the saved
settings.
The main operation screen will
load.

Manual - Formech 1372
15
Operation Mode
Heater timer
Shows the heater time. Press this to adjust the heater power & standby settings. Changes can
be saved or press to return to the main operation screen.
Pre-Stretch
This operation will turn on the compressed air valve to allow air to flow into the sealed
cabinet. This function does not latch. Press & hold to run.
The Icon will change colour when pressed.
Vacuum
This operation will latch the pump and the vacuum valve on to apply vacuum to the table
hole. The Icon will change colour when pressed.
Fan timer
This operation will latch the fan on for the time set for loaded settings. The fans will turn off
when the time has elapsed. Pressing again will restart the timer. The timer setting can be
changed in edit mode. The Icon will change colour when pressed. Press again at any time to
stop the fan.
Release
This operation will apply compressed air to the table hole. This function does not latch but
will unlatch the vacuum. Press & hold to run.
The Icon will change colour when pressed.
Table down
This operation will drive the table down. This function does not latch so it can be used to
lower the table in steps if required.
Also see section regarding the setting of table speed.
Save
When in the operation screen this allows the user to save the program or the times just used
onto the memory and store as a new job. This function opens the settings screen. Also used
on settings screens to save memory changes.
Finish
This operation will exit the main operation screen and open the Home screen.
Auto-level
This operation enables the beam sensor to provide automatic levelling of the sheet level
during heating. Compressed air is applied under the heated sheet when the beam is broken.
This button latches and may be unlatched at any time.




be saved or press to return to the main operation screen.

Manual - Formech 1372
16
Operation Mode
Note that when a feature is activated, the icon will go green , as shown below:


Vacuum activated
Auto-level activated
To bring the table up, press both ‘Table up’ buttons simultaneously.
These are located on the front panel of the machine:


Table buttons

Manual - Formech 1372
17
NEW/EDIT
This screen will open when you press
NEW/EDIT on the home screen.
Either press:
NEW: The settings screen will open.
Or
EDIT: The memory screen will open.
MEMORY
This screen will open if you press EDIT
above.
Select the stored job you wish to edit.
The settings screen will open
SETTINGS
There are six icons on this screen:
Zones
Standby
Autolevel
Heat time
Fan time
Save / Exit
Each setting function allows
editing of memory parameters.
Press the AUTO-LEVEL to enable.
The button will change to green.
See the following for other editing
functions
Job Editing Mode

Manual - Formech 1372
18
Job Editing Mode
ZONES
Pressing any zone will open the SET
ZONE HEAT LEVEL % screen to allow
adjustment in 5% steps.
Press the Back button to return to the
settings screen
SET ZONE HEAT LEVEL%
Press the required heat level button
to set the required heat level &
return to the ZONES screen.
Repeat with the remaining zones to
achieve the heat profile required.

Manual - Formech 1372
19
Job Editing Mode
STANDBY HEAT %
Press set number to adjust using the
pop up keypad.
Press to return to the setting
screen.
Press to return to the setting
The benefit of quartz heaters is that they heat
up almost instantly compared to ceramic
heaters.
The standby feature is activated when the
heaters are in the rear position between cycles
and the power to the heaters is reduced to an
idling mode, which results in reduced power
consumption. As soon as the heaters are
brought forward they very quickly reach full
power for the next machine cycle.
SET HEAT TIMES IN SECONDS
Press set number to adjust using the
pop up keypad.
Press to return to the setting
screen
Press to return to the setting
SET FAN RUN TIME IN SECONDS
Press set number to adjust using the
pop up keypad.
Press to return to the setting
screen
Press to return to the setting

Manual - Formech 1372
20
Job Editing Mode
SAVE OR EXIT
Press this button when changes are
complete. The SAVE CHANGES window
will open
Press √ to open the select job memory
screen.
Press X to return to the main menu
without saving changes.
Saving to memory - Select Job memory
screen
Select the memory job name to save.
The parameter review screen will open
Saving to memory - parameter
review screen:
This final screen will allow the user
to review the saved settings before
saving to memory.
The set values may be edited at this
stage by pressing on the parameter
value shown. Re-adjust as required
using the pop-up keypad.
The Job name may also be edited at
this stage by pressing on the name
box and using a pop up key pad.
Press the black button with Arrow to
save.
The Home menu will open & saving is
complete.