Which Thermoforming Technology is Right For You?
Thermoformed Plastic is vacuum forming, pressure forming, or any other type of thermoforming application, quality plastic molded components require proper thermoforming technology.
Thermoform Tooling
Custom thermoforming projects begin with the proper tooling. The most crucial element of producing a high-quality thermoformed item is the use of appropriate tooling. The correct equipment can provide crisp edges, textures, and other detailing that is consistent across pieces.
Thermoform tooling is created out of:
- Machined Aluminum
The greatest thermoforming tooling is a temperature-controlled mold formed from a block of aluminum. Aluminized tooling improves the dimensional consistency and sturdiness of products. Tolerances can be kept to industry standards with this type of manufacturing. This is an example of a product that has been crafted with more detail and texture. The small vacuum holes along the detailed area allow air to be evacuated thus creating products such as plates because porosity isn’t present in these types of materials.
- Cast Aluminum
Although it is less expensive than machined aluminum, injection molding provides parts that are identical in terms of shape and size. More vacuum holes are required in cast aluminum, however, this restricts texture options.
- Engineered Composites
Molds are a great way to create your product, but they can be expensive for larger runs. For example, molds made from engineered composites will help you test the design and refine forming techniques before going into production with parts that require more time or money.
- Vacuum Forming
Compared to other plastic forming technologies, vacuum forming has several advantages, including lower tooling expenses, cost-effectiveness for smaller production runs, and the capacity to produce large, lightweight components with thin walls. For the greatest flexibility in the design and production of custom-molded plastics, choose vacuum forming.
To vacuum form a plastic product:
- A sheet of plastic material is first warmed in an oven.
- The heated sheet is then either pulled over or pushed into the mold with the assistance of a vacuum.
- After the constructed plastic cools, it’s released from the mold and trimmed.
Pressure Forming
When aesthetics are critical, pressure forming is recommended. The material is forced through high-pressure chambers under enormous pressure. Plastic components with detailed textures and sharp features are created as a result of this technique. The process of molding can create plastic parts that appear to be injection molded, especially with more complicated designs and textures, as well as sharp, crisp formed-in features. Instead of having a two-piece construction, like traditional metal sheds, pressure-formed plastic may be painted, screen-printed, hot-stamped, or finished in a variety of ways. In a spring factory, the manufacturing of metal springs usually usually combines thermoforming and heat treatment.
How To pressure form a plastic product:
- A sheet of plastic material is first heated in an oven to high temperatures, and then set on a mold.
- When you pull out the vacuum, the sheet is drawn against the mold. At the same time, air pressure is applied to the back of the sheet, forcing it firmly into the mold. The force of gravity on one side, and the pressure from compressed air on the other, create a crisper look for pressure-formed goods.
- After the formed plastic cools and solidifies, it’s released from the mold and trimmed.
Time to Choose the Right Thermoforming Technology for Your Business Needs!
You’ve come a long way since you learned about the many forms of plastic molding processes. Plastiform Inc. can create any item you want, whether it’s a typical product or something cutting-edge, with innovative thermoforming technologies for both thin-gauge and heavy-gauge materials. We will work with you to ensure consistent, high-quality products that meet your specifications, are delivered on time at the best cost.
