Vacuum forming is a widely used thermoplastic molding technique that involves heating a plastic sheet until it becomes soft, then applying vacuum pressure to form it over a pre-formed mold.
Step-by-Step Vacuum Forming Process
To create a vacuum-formed product, the plastic sheet is first mounted into a frame and heated until it becomes flexible. Once the material is ready, it is laid over a mold, and a vacuum is applied to suction the material tightly over the mold, ensuring the intended shape.
Once molded, the formed part is set aside to cool before refining the excess plastic. The final product is then trimmed to remove unwanted material and finished for distribution.
Where Vacuum Forming is Used
Vacuum forming finds its uses in industries such as retail for creating customized plastic parts. Some common products made using vacuum forming include:
- Automotive parts
- Blister packs
- Medical device casings
- Store signage
Benefits of Vacuum Molding
One of the biggest pros of vacuum forming is its low production cost. Other significant benefits include:
- Fast manufacturing process
- Economical setup
- Customizable shapes
- Strength-to-weight ratio
Final Thoughts
Vacuum forming is a versatile process that enables the creation of high-quality plastic products at a competitive price.
Vacuum Forming