Thermoformed heart

❤️ Thermoforming Heart Mold – Friction Fit Design

After watching several interesting videos about thermoforming, I decided to experiment and design my own mold with two main goals:

1. Create flat, thermoformable parts
2. Ensure both sides of the heart are identical

Unlike many existing designs, this mold uses a friction-fit frame system to hold the thermoformed part together — no glue or fasteners required.

🧩 Design Overview

The mold consists of 3 printed parts:

• Main mold
• Bottom frame
• Top frame

The two frames form a sandwich that holds the thermoformable sheet securely during heating and forming. I suggest to use PETG for the mold. 

🔥 How to Use

1. Assemble the bottom frame, the thermoformable sheet, and the top frame together.
2. Apply heat to the center of the heart only until the material becomes shiny and just barely solid.
   • ⚠️ Important: Avoid heating the edges near the frame.
     Overheating the sides may warp the edges and prevent the heart from fitting correctly into the friction frame.
3. Place the heated sandwich onto the main mold.
4. Use the guiding pins on the sides to align all parts correctly.
5. Press down firmly until all three parts are fully seated together.
6. Allow the part to cool briefly.
   • The heart should release from the mold on its own.
   • Forcing removal too early may cause warped edges.
7. If needed, the mold includes side grips and screwdriver holes to assist with releasing the part.

📏 Output Dimensions

This design produces hearts with approximate dimensions:

• 4.5 cm × 5 cm × 2.5 cm

The model can be scaled up or down, as long as the original proportions are maintained.

📸 An example photo shows a larger scaled heart filled with candy.

📦 Notes

• ❌ Not intended for commercial sale
• 📦 Planned to be provided as part of a subscription