Vacuum Forming Produces a One-Sided Part, Whereby the Sheet Color and Texture Provide Finished Part Aesthetics.
What is vacuum forming?
The process of heating a sheet of plastic and using vacuum and pressure to mold it into a shape is extremely cost effective, efficient and repeatable. Aluminum tooling allows for rapid modifications should customer feedback or new product capabilities require new molded features. Vacuum forming is ideal for crafting a strong, durable, lightweight plastic part, cover or enclosure, replacing sheet metal, wood or fiberglass.
Vacuum forming is your solution when you want to take advantage of pre-colored and pre-textured material.Typically, vacuum-formed parts will be molded over a male aluminum thermoform tool, so inside surfaces of the finished part will be controlled.This is a perfect solution for POP displays, pool and spa equipment covers, custom dunnage and material handling trays including returnable packaging for medical devices as well as fitness equipment, radome covers and parts for the transportation industry.Whatever your project requires, we have the material solution and manufacturing strength necessary to complete it. We use conventional thermoplastics and engineered resins such as high-impact polystyrene, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, acrylic/PVC, weatherable and non-weatherable ABS and TPO. Our facility can handle high volume, recycled material and more. We can even provide molded part solutions in custom colors and finishes and help you make the choice to move from sheet metal, wood or fiberglass.
Significant advantages of vacuum forming include:
- Substantially lower tooling costs than injection molding
- A greater degree of versatility in the finished product than injection molding
- The ability to produce parts in volume with accurate replication of the original part
Vacuum forming is a geat solution for:
- Point-of-Purchase Displays
- Automotive Aftermarket - Interior/Exterior
- Recreational Vehicles
- Pool and Spa
- Equipment Enclosures, Bezels, Housings and Covers
- Dunnage Material Handling Trays & Pallets
- Fitness Equipment
Delivering the designed-in feature you need!
There is great flexibility available with vacuum forming, allowing for custom-made designs that can be used to cover almost any product.
Distinct advantages:
- Low-cost aluminum tooling
- Quick start up
- Economical for medium-to high-volume applications
- No need for painting--the color and texture are in the material
Vacuum forming starts with a .060 gauge or thicker plastic sheet. The sheet is then heated and formed in a temperature-controlled mold.
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