Zero Plastic Australia's Sheet Machine

Materials Required

1. Heat Press Machine: Purchase a 38cm x 38cm (15in x 15in) model.

2. Aluminium Sheets:

   • Two sheets, each 40cm x 40cm (15.7in x 15.7in), 3mm-5mm (0.12in-0.2in) thick.

3. Aluminium Mold:

   • One mold, measuring 30cm x 25cm x 1cm (11.8in x 9.8in x 0.4in) internally.

Note: Avoid exceeding a 33cm (13in) internal size for the mold, as larger dimensions may lead to incomplete melting at the edges.

Instructions for Making Plastic Sheets

1. Place one aluminum sheet (aluminium) on the heat press.
2. Position the mold on the aluminum sheet.
3. Fill the mold with 28 ounces (800 grams) of HDPE shredded plastic.
4. Cover with the second aluminum sheet.

Apply mold release to the sheets and mold if available.

1. Set your machine to 392°F (200°C) and allow it to reach maximum temperature.
2. Set the timer for 16 minutes (960 seconds).

Adjust the machine and mold height accordingly. Cook the mold for 16 minutes, tighten, and repeat three times.

3. Upon reaching maximum temperature, close the lid securely. It may take several attempts to close tightly without spillage.

Once the lid is closed on the mold, the timer starts with 16 minutes for the initial process of making a sheet. After the first 16 minutes, open the machine and tighten it.

1. Tighten the machine (usually 3 full turns suffice, but adjust as needed).
2. Close the machine and cook for another 16 minutes.
3. Upon completion, flip the mold (as the machine heats from one side). Flipping it front to back yields optimal results.
4. Cook for two additional periods (16 minutes each).

In total, cook the mold four times (twice on each side).

Once the final cooking is finished, place your mold with the hot side down on a cool concrete surface. This is crucial to prevent warping.

1. Position the hot side on the ground.
2. Apply weight on top of the mold, using as much as possible.

Instructions for Sheet Mold Cooling and Removal

1. Cooling Time: Allow the mold to cool for approximately 30 minutes. If feasible, extend this duration for optimal results.

2. Removing the Sheet: After cooling, open the mold. Use a utility knife to cut the sheet if no mold release agent was applied.

3. Additional Cooling: If the sheet remains hot, turn it over and place a weight on top for another 30 minutes.

4. Completion: Your sheet is now complete.

You might have additional questions since this is a complex process, but it becomes straightforward and requires minimal labor once mastered.

1. How do you adjust the machine's height? Refer to the manual provided with the heat press; it involves a screw at the machine's top.
2. Can different plastics be used? Yes, although I only use HDPE. Please share runtime and temperature if using other types.
3. What are these sheets used for? Consult attached photos or our social pages for updates.

For further inquiries, email zero.plastics.australia@gmail.com.