Vacuum forming is a popular plastic molding process that involves heating a plastic sheet until it becomes malleable, then using vacuum pressure to shape it over a custom 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 template, and a vacuum is applied to draw the material tightly over the mold, achieving the desired shape.
After forming, the material is cooled to retain its shape. The final product is then cut to remove unwanted material and processed for assembly.
Where Vacuum Forming is Used
This technique is widely used in various industries, including automotive, to produce custom components. Some typical products made using vacuum forming include:
- Automotive parts
- Plastic packaging
- Healthcare packaging
- Store signage
Why Choose Vacuum Forming?
One of the biggest pros of vacuum forming is its low production cost. Other significant benefits include:
- Rapid production
- Affordable molds
- Flexibility in design
- Durability
Conclusion
Vacuum forming is a reliable process that enables the creation of durable plastic products at a low cost.
Vacuum Forming