Vacuum Forming/Thermo Molding
What IS vacuum-forming?
Vacuum Forming is a molding process that involves heating a sheet of Thermoplastic (temperature sensitive plastic such as ABS, Acrylic, Polycarbonate or Styrene) until it becomes soft and pliable. The soft plastic is then pulled over a mold, and a vacuum system is used to pull the material into the mold, shaping it as desired.
Thermoplastics all have differing requirements as to temperature, moldings and cycles. Some, like Styrene are very easy to mold. Others, like Polycarbonate are more difficult. Each material has different requirements in mold design, material drying and heating, vacuum supply, Web control, cooling after forming, supporting the material before forming, and finishing after forming.
We can help you find the right material for your project, and thermoform it to your exact specifications.
What is it good for?
Vacuum forming is awesome in it's wide range of applications. The bubble packaging that you see every day for items like cameras, hardware, medications, and foodstuffs are vacuum formed. Because of the wide range of materials we can use for this process, it can be used to make tiny delicate packaging for sensitive electronics, or to deep-form large parts like skylight covers!
We've vacuum formed candy molds and sushi boats for food service applications. Our stock-line of pet ramps, power saw covers and tire test tanks are vacuum formed of heavy duty plastic that can withstand the rigors of everyday use, even under rough shop condition..
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