One of the most common plastic fabrication methods, Vacuum Forming Vacuum forming is used to produce various products by using heat and vacuum suction to shape thermoplastic materials over molds.
Vacuum Forming Procedure
The process initiates with a polymer sheet being heated until it reaches the optimal forming temperature. Once the material is ready, it is laid over a template, and a vacuum is applied to pull the material tightly over the mold, ensuring the intended shape.
Once molded, the formed part is left to cool before trimming the excess plastic. The final product is then cut to remove unwanted material and prepared for use.
Where Vacuum Forming is Used
This technique is widely used in various industries, including medical, to produce specialized components. Some frequent products made using vacuum forming include:
- Car dashboards
- Blister packs
- Healthcare packaging
- Point-of-sale stands
Why Choose Vacuum Forming?
One of the biggest benefits of vacuum forming is its low production cost. Other notable benefits include:
- Quick turnaround
- Economical setup
- Customizable shapes
- Strength-to-weight ratio
Conclusion
Vacuum forming is a reliable process that allows the creation of custom plastic products at a low cost.