Thermoplastics:
Any thermoplastic material melts under heat then forms crystals when the crystallisation temperature. This allows the material to take on some of the surface and structural quality of the mold it is in.
This was by far my favourite technique as I was able to see a direct transformation in the material qualities of the fabric.
The best material for this would be polyester organza since its high polyester content would allow for more plasticity and it’s lightweight would produce less distortion of the final form.
Firstly, decide attach your moulds onto fabric.
Apply pressure onto the structure.
Followed by application of heat. The crystallisation temperature of organza is 220°C, making it the optimal temperature for manipulating the fabric. Boiling works well too, but requires over an hour. I realised using a hot air gun was another viable option and would only take about 5 minutes.
Vacuum Forming
Also relies on the thermoplasticity of the material as well.
Place your object within the chamber.
Clamp your PVC sheet and pull the heating rack over the material.
Slide heating rack back (a safety mechanism will prevent you from pulling lever)
Then pull the lever to push your moulding objects into the plastic sheet.
Turn on the vacuum pump once the lever is at full extension.
Flip the switch to pressure to release object mould from the vacuum formed sheet.
I did not realise how much force this used until it crushed my metal tin which i was using as a mold.