Materials & Tolerances
Thermoforming allows you the option to use a wide variety of materials. Each material has its own unique capabilities, advantages and tolerances. This information will help you begin the process of deciding which material is right for your next project.
Materials

abs
One of the most widely used thermoplastic materials, due to its impact strength, rigidity and abrasion resistance. ABS material has good chemical resistance, works well in high temperature and is moisture resistant.

acrylic
Combines clarity, weather-ability and impact strength.

petg
A transparent copolyester with high impact strength and chemical resistant properties.

polycarbonate
Versatile, tough and well-suited for a variety of demanding applications.

polyethylene
A highly-versatile material with high impact, rigidity, excellent flexibility and outstanding chemical resistance.

pvc/abs
Used for applications where fire-rated sheet is required. The combination of PVC and ABS provides very high impact strength with excellent ductility and formability.

pvc/acrylic
Used for applications where fire-rated sheet is required. The combination of PVC and Acrylic provides very high impact strength and formability with a greater resistance to a broad range of corrosive chemicals and cleaning solutions.

tpo
Used for interior and exterior applications requiring low temperature toughness and dimensional stability. This material has excellent chemical resistance and can be manufactured with UV stabilizers.
tolerances
Over time, accepted tolerances become industry standard. But if you need better-than-standard tolerances, just let us know. We’d be happy to help.
As mold and part dimensions increase in size, so must tolerances.
Activity | Tolerance | Guideline |
---|---|---|
Formed Measurements | +/- .020” | Additional .001 Per Inch Beyond 12” |
Drilled Hole Diameters | +/- .005” | Holes Equal or Lesser than 1” |
Drilled Hole Diameters | +/- .010” | Holes Greater Than 1” to 5” |
Slots | +/- .010” | Slots Equal or Lesser Than 1” in Any Direction |
Slots | +/- .020” | Slots Greater Than 1” |
Robotic Trimming | +/- .020” | Includes Hole Diameters Greater than 5” |
Robotic Trimming | +/- .020” | Trim Feature to Trim Feature Distance is Greater than 5” |