Formech 686 Floor-Standing Vacuum Former
Makes Light Work of the Most Demanding Applications

Handle Demanding Applications with Ease
The Formech 686 Vacuum Former is a versatile machine that is ideal for prototyping, product development, small-scale manufacturing, and light industrial applications. Its compact floor-standing design optimizes workspace without compromising on functionality.
Pneumatic table
Lift the tool table quickly and precisely for effortless operation, even with heavy tools. Twin controls avoid accidental activation.
Ease of Use
Intuitive colour touchscreen interface and 20 nameable pre-sets provide ultimate user convenience and ease of use.
Vacuum flow regulator
Precisely regulate vacuum flow rate when a greater level of control is required with demanding applications.
What's in the box?
With the 686, you'll find Approx. 5m flying lead, with exposed conductor wires to connect to mains power box, 3m x 12mm air connection pipe with 12mm push-in to 3/8" BSPT fitting, and a table mesh.
Key Features
- Vacuum & Release — After the formed part has cooled, air is forced between the mould and the sheet to help it release.
- Vacuum Gauge — A visual indication of consistent vacuum pressure being applied (pressure in Hg / bar).
- 20 Program Memory — 20 nameable memory presets enable convenient recall of settings for each application.
- 6 Independently Controllable Heating Zones - Provide rapid heat response with a greater range of control to form challenging shapes and materials.
- Auto-level — Avoids material sag during the heating cycle and maintains an even distance between heater and sheet whilst providing the user with an audible indication the material is ready to form.
- Pre-stretch — Pre-stretch enables the user to pump air into the heated sheet, creating a bubble to avoid thinning of material with deeper tools.
Technical Specifications
Forming Capacity | |
---|---|
Forming Area | 25.4 x 24.4 in |
Sheet Size | 27 x 26 in |
Maximum Depth of Draw | 12.6 in |
Maximum Material Thickness | 0.2 in |
Machine Dimensions | |
Width | 37.8 in |
Height | 45.9 in |
Depth | 76.1 in |
Weight | 573.2 lbs |
Power Requirements | |
Single Phase Power | 208-240V / 40A |
Power Consumption | 8 kW |
Air System | |
Air Requirements (PSI/bar) | 87 / 6 |
Operating Interface | 4.3" Colour HMI |
Vacuum Pump Type | Dry rotary vane pump |
Pump flow (SCFM @ 0 in. / 60Hz) | 11 SCFM |
Pump flow m3 /h @ 0mbar / 50Hz | 16 m³/h |
Mould Release Method | External air supply |
Heating System | |
Heater Type | Quartz Heater |
Heating Zones | 6 |
Optional Extras for the Formech 686
Enhance your vacuum forming experience with these available upgrades and accessories designed specifically for the Formech 686.
- Reducing Windows (10.5"x10.5"): Reduces forming area to utilize smaller sheets of material and minimize wastage.
- Vacuum Tank Package: Vacuum tank (104 L) to provides instant stored vacuum, for high demanding materials and shortening cycle times.
- Cooling Fan System: Overhead gantry and 550W fan to cool formed material and shorten cycles times.
- Starter Pack of Plastic: Assortment of material (HIPS, ABS, PETG) cut to size to fit your Formech vacuum forming machine.
- Tool Kits and Consumables: Keep your forming station stocked with essentials like release agents, cleaning supplies, and replacement parts.