What should be finished to the highest degree before vaccuforming?

The process of vacuum forming relies heavily on the quality and precision of the plug or tool used to shape the heated plastic. Finishing the plug to the highest degree ensures a smooth and accurate surface, which directly affects the final quality of the formed parts. A well-finished plug minimizes imperfections and surface flaws that could transfer onto the vacuum-formed part, leading to defects in the final product. When the plug is meticulously prepared, it enables the plastic to better conform to its contours, resulting in a cleaner, more defined shape once the vacuum forming is complete.

In contrast, while the vacuum table, mold release agent, and base material are important components of the process, they do not have the same direct impact on the shaping accuracy as the plug. The vacuum table must be appropriately maintained to ensure proper suction, but it is the plug's surface that determines the final output's detail and finish. A mold release agent is crucial for preventing the formed part from sticking, and the quality of the base material affects the overall heat distribution and forming process, but neither can compensate for a poorly finished plug. Thus, prioritizing the finish of the plug ensures the best outcomes in vacuum forming.