One of the versatile plastic fabrication methods, Vacuum Forming Vacuum forming is used to produce numerous products by using heat and vacuum suction to shape thermoplastic materials over molds.
Vacuum Forming Procedure
To mold 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 positioned over a pattern, and a vacuum is applied to suction the material tightly over the mold, ensuring the required shape.
Once molded, the formed part is allowed to cool before refining the excess plastic. The final product is then refined to remove unwanted material and finished for assembly.
Applications of Vacuum Forming
Vacuum forming finds its benefits in markets such as aerospace for creating durable plastic parts. Some typical products made using vacuum forming include:
- Automotive parts
- Clamshell containers
- Medical device casings
- Store signage
Advantages of Vacuum Forming
Vacuum forming is a fast method for producing custom plastic parts with minimal tooling costs. Other notable benefits include:
- Quick turnaround
- Affordable molds
- Customizable shapes
- Strength-to-weight ratio
Summary
For businesses looking for an scalable plastic manufacturing solution, vacuum forming provides a valuable option.