Mayku Multiplier

The Mayku Multiplier presses a heated plastic sheet over an object, called a mould. Unlike the other machines in the lab, you need that mould before you can start. 3D-printing is a common way to make moulds.

Once the mould exists, forming is fast, and you can make many identical parts in a short time. So ask yourself first: do I need several copies of the same shape, or is one enough?

• One part: it is almost always faster to 3D-print it directly.
• Ten copies, or a mould to cast in: the pressure former might be the right tool.

See what people make with the Mayku Multiplier

The mould decides whether the part comes out well. You can print it on the Bambu printers (FDM) or the Formlabs printer (SLA).

• FDM (Bambu): print in PETG or ABS, not PLA, which softens in the heat. Use about 50% infill and 3–5 mm walls. ABS only prints on the enclosed printers; see the Bambu guide.
• SLA (Formlabs): gives the smoothest moulds, with less visible layer lines, so the parts come out smooth too. Standard resin is fine for test moulds; use a high-temperature resin for moulds you will use many times. Make the walls at least 5 mm thick, and wash and cure the print fully before forming; see the Formlabs guide.
• Draft angle: give the sides at least 5° of slope, so the part comes off the mould.
• No undercuts: shapes that hook inwards lock the sheet onto the mould.
• Vent holes: in hollow parts of the mould, add small holes so air doesn't get trapped. Keep them 0.4 mm or smaller on the surface, or they leave marks in the sheet.

Mayku's guides for printing moulds: FDM and SLA.

Watch How to use the Mayku Multiplier before you use the machine for the first time.

1. Check your sheet. Use a lab sheet, and know its material and thickness. Remove any protective film.
2. Load the sheet. Open the lid, place the sheet on the guides, lower the lid and turn the top lock.
3. Heat. Heating starts by itself once the air tanks start filling. Follow the screen until it says the machine is ready.
4. Place your mould on the forming area when the screen says so. Press ok.
5. Form. When the screen says it is ready, lower the lid, slide the bottom lock and press the button. The machine presses the sheet over the mould.
6. Let it cool. Wait until the cooldown is done and the air has been released. Keep your hands out until the screen says it is safe.
7. Take out the part. Release the locks, open the lid and remove the part and the mould.
8. Trim the part. Manually trim the part, or use the laser cutter. If you are thinking of using the laser cutter for trimming, ask a staff member first.

Read through the Multiplier workflow explained for an extensive walkthrough.

Only use the Mayku sheets found in the lab.

Mayku's technical data sheet lists the properties of each material.

• Staff are in the lab Monday–Thursday, 09–15.
• Discord: ask in the Space 162 server.
• Going deeper: The Multiplier manual and all current documents on Mayku's support page.