Vacuum forming is a widely used plastic molding technique that involves heating a thermoplastic sheet until it becomes malleable, then applying vacuum pressure to mold it over a pre-designed mold.
Vacuum Forming Procedure
To mold a vacuum-formed product, the plastic sheet is first placed into a frame and heated until it becomes soft. Once the material is ready, it is positioned over a pattern, and a vacuum is applied to draw the material tightly over the mold, ensuring the desired shape.
Once molded, the formed part is left to cool before trimming the excess plastic. The final product is then trimmed to remove unwanted material and prepared for distribution.
Applications of Vacuum Forming
Vacuum forming finds its applications in markets such as aerospace for creating lightweight plastic parts. Some typical products made using vacuum forming include:
- Car dashboards
- Clamshell containers
- Medical device casings
- Retail displays
Why Choose Vacuum Forming?
Vacuum forming is a fast method for producing reliable plastic parts with minimal setup expenses. Other significant benefits include:
- Quick turnaround
- Low-cost tooling
- Flexibility in design
- Durability
Conclusion
Vacuum forming is a reliable process that enables the creation of durable plastic products at a budget-friendly rate.
Vacuum Forming