Vacuum forming is a widely used plastic molding method that involves heating a thermoplastic sheet until it becomes pliable, then applying vacuum pressure to form it over a custom mold.
Vacuum Forming Procedure
To produce a vacuum-formed product, the plastic sheet is first positioned into a frame and heated until it becomes pliable. Once the material is ready, it is positioned over a template, and a vacuum is applied to pull the material tightly over the mold, achieving the intended shape.
Once molded, the formed part is left to cool before trimming the excess plastic. The final product is then trimmed to remove unwanted material and processed for use.
Applications of Vacuum Forming
Vacuum forming finds its uses in industries such as aerospace for creating durable plastic parts. Some frequent products made using vacuum forming include:
- Car dashboards
- Plastic packaging
- Medical device casings
- Retail displays
Advantages of Vacuum Forming
One of the biggest benefits of vacuum forming is its low production cost. Other notable benefits include:
- Quick turnaround
- Affordable molds
- Versatile applications
- Durability
Final Thoughts
Vacuum forming is a reliable process that enables the creation of high-quality plastic products at a competitive price.
Vacuum Forming