Vacuum forming is a cost-effective plastic molding technique that involves heating a polymer sheet until it becomes soft, then applying vacuum pressure to form it over a pre-formed mold.
How Vacuum Forming Works
To create a vacuum-formed product, the plastic sheet is first placed into a frame and heated until it becomes pliable. Once the material is ready, it is positioned over a pattern, and a vacuum is applied to pull the material tightly over the mold, achieving the desired shape.
Once molded, the formed part is allowed to cool before cutting the excess plastic. The final product is then trimmed to remove unwanted material and finished for assembly.
Where Vacuum Forming is Used
Vacuum forming finds its benefits in industries such as retail for creating customized plastic parts. Some typical products made using vacuum forming include:
- Automotive parts
- Plastic packaging
- Hospital trays
- Point-of-sale stands
Benefits of Vacuum Molding
One of the biggest pros of vacuum forming is its low production cost. Other key benefits include:
- Quick turnaround
- Low-cost tooling
- Versatile applications
- Durability
Conclusion
For businesses looking for an efficient plastic manufacturing solution, vacuum forming delivers a valuable option.
Vacuum Forming