One of the most common Vacuum Forming plastic fabrication methods, Vacuum forming is used to create various products by applying heat and vacuum suction to shape polymer sheets over molds.
How Vacuum Forming Works
To mold a vacuum-formed product, the plastic sheet is first mounted into a frame and heated until it becomes pliable. Once the material is ready, it is laid over a pattern, and a vacuum is applied to pull the material tightly over the mold, creating the desired shape.
After forming, the material is solidified to retain its shape. The final product is then trimmed to remove unwanted material and prepared for use.
Applications of Vacuum Forming
Vacuum forming finds its applications in industries such as automotive for creating lightweight plastic parts. Some common products made using vacuum forming include:
- Vehicle interior panels
- Clamshell containers
- Medical device casings
- Store signage
Why Choose Vacuum Forming?
Vacuum forming is a fast method for producing reliable plastic parts with minimal setup expenses. Other notable benefits include:
- Fast manufacturing process
- Low-cost tooling
- Customizable shapes
- Strength-to-weight ratio
Final Thoughts
For businesses looking for an scalable plastic manufacturing solution, vacuum forming offers a highly adaptable option.