Making custom chocolate moulds on a Formech Desktop machine

Balin Pagadala, Designer at Chicago Culinary FX, talks through some simple, low cost, yet effective ways of producing custom chocolate and confectionary moulds using a vacuum forming machine.

Using a Formech vacuum forming machine for several years has had a "tremendous" impact on the business. "It's a really great machine, we're able to work very fast with it [and] pull high detail, great quality molds," said Balin. "What is also really important is prototyping and coming up with shapes quickly."

Showcasing a variety of techniques, such as cutting and shaping foam on a hot wire cutter, Balin demonstrates creating detailed mould shapes using clay, foam, and aluminium foil.

"Just being able to manipulate and create shape is very empowering for any craftsman. You don't have to hire out for it, which can be really expensive. You bring it in-house, which gives you the control to manipulate your world."

Chicago Culinary FX use the Compac Mini, which is the predecessor to the Formech 300DT vacuum forming machine.