This is a small desktop vacuum former that can be connected to a shop-vac and an electric heat source (like a grill for instance). You can control the time each appliance stays turned on, and the vacuum is automatically turned on when the tray is placed on top of the model. The vacuum table is 20x20cm wide, and I've tested it mostly with 1mm thick PET sheets.

Quick overview of my build up for a vacuum former that is self contained, portable and fairly easy to build.