What is Thermoforming?
Thermoforming involves the production of plastic parts from a sheet using temperature and pressure. Many products we see every day are thermoformed. They have replaced many parts previously manufactured from wood, metal and glass as well as injection moulded plastic.
The benefits?
Initial project costs are usually much lower.
Tooling costs are considerably less than injection moulding.
Lead times for tooling and production are generally much shorter than other processes.
Modifications to the design can often be achieved with the use of temporary tooling.
(This type of tooling is generally used as an inexpensive, short-term method of testing design and development issues).
Thermoforming is an efficient and cost effective means of production for both low and high volume runs.
What kind of products are Thermoforming?
Large panels, packaging trays, point of sale display units, 3D printed panels, impact proof cases, automotive panels, car roof-top storage, boat hulls, spa baths, kitchen sinks... the possibilities are endless.
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Materials |
Properties |
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ABS |
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene |
Chemical, heat, impact resistance. Tough, rigid. High clarity. |
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HDPE |
High Density Polyethylene |
Chemical resistant. Rigid, no water absorption, poor clarity. |
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HMWPE |
High Molecular Weight Polyethylene |
Good melt strength, better part toughness and higher stress crack resistance. |
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PETG |
Polyethylene Terephthalate modified |
Stiff, hard, tough, good clarity, good melt strength, food grade & sterilisable. |
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HIPS |
High Impact Polystyrene |
Impact & heat resistant. Tough, good thermal stability & can be flame retardant. |
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PVC |
Polyvinyl Chloride |
Chemical resistant. Good tensile strength, weatherability, rigidity. Food grade. |
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PMMA |
Acrylic |
Good clarity, weatherability, heat resistance, durability, stiffness. |
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PP |
Polypropylene |
Light, Rigid, heat and chemical resistance, high surface gloss |
