DIY Chocolate Molds
Wouldn't it be awesome to create personalized chocolate in the shape of your favorite game controller, Lego brick, or even your furry friend's paw? Well, now's your chance!
We'll guide you through two simple steps:
- Build a vacuum forming machine
- Create a mold using vacuum forming
Then you can pour chocolate into it and enjoy your sweet creation.
Pro tip: Once you've built the vacuum former, you can repeat the second step endlessly. Unlimited chocolate molds.
Materials & Tools
For Building the Vacuum Former:
- 3 mm MDF board (450 x 350 mm)
- Glue (for bonding)
- EVA foam (for sealing and cushioning)
For Making Molds:
- Heat source (hot air gun)
- Vacuum cleaner
- Metal clips (for securing the plastic sheet)
- Plastic sheets (PET, ABS, or polystyrene)
- Object you want to make a mold of (3D printed, laser-cut part, or anything cool from your home – rubber ducks welcome!)
How to Get Started
Step 1: Laser Cut the Parts
- Download the attached PDF file containing the plans.
- Measure the diameter of your vacuum cleaner's hose.
- Adjust the size of the hole as shown in the image above.
- Use a laser cutter to cut the MDF parts. Green lines indicate engraving, all others indicate cutting.
Step 2: Assemble the Vacuum Platform
- Watch the assembly process in the attached video.
- Glue the parts together to create a solid structure.
- Ensure the top layer is perforated (for good airflow).
- For better sealing and suction, use EVA foam. Cut 4 pieces of foam measuring 115x7 mm and glue them around the perforated layer. If you don't have foam, use something similar.
- You will notice that one part is not shown in the video. This part is not glued – it is only used for clamping the plastic sheet during mold making.
Step 3: Select Objects and Create Molds
This is where creativity comes in! Think about what shape you want your chocolate to be. Use random objects from around the house (car keys are not recommended).
Or you can design and 3D print/laser cut your own parts. If you're printing them, use PETG, as it's more heat-resistant.
Assembly Process:
1. Secure the vacuum former with the clamp to the work surface.
2. Connect the vacuum cleaner to the base.
3. Secure the plastic sheet in the frame using metal clips.
4. Check that the frame fits tightly onto the vacuum platform.
Creating Chocolate Molds with Vacuum Forming
- Turn on the vacuum cleaner.
- Place the object on the perforated platform.
- Heat the plastic sheet with the hot air gun, moving the heat around to avoid burning the material. Do not overheat – some plastics become white and brittle if overheated. Therefore, experiment with the material and heating time. Don't worry if it's not perfect the first time – try several times!
- Also try different types of plastic – plastic plates often work well, but the result depends on the material.
- When the plastic is soft and pliable, quickly place it over the object.
- Let it cool before removing the mold.
Ta-da! You've just made your first unique mold. Cheers!
Author: , Year: 2024.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. More information: CC-BY-NC 4.0