A Guide to Vacuum Forming

A Guide to Vacuum Forming

Blog Article

One of the most common Vacuum Forming plastic fabrication methods, Vacuum forming is used to manufacture numerous products by using heat and vacuum suction to shape thermoplastic materials over molds.

Vacuum Forming Procedure

The process initiates with a plastic sheet being softened until it reaches the optimal forming temperature. Once the material is ready, it is draped over a template, and a vacuum is applied to draw the material tightly over the mold, achieving the required shape.

Once molded, the formed part is set aside to cool before trimming the excess plastic. The final product is then cut to remove unwanted material and prepared for use.

Industries Using Vacuum Forming

Vacuum forming finds its benefits in sectors such as aerospace for creating durable plastic parts. Some common products made using vacuum forming include:

• Vehicle interior panels


• Plastic packaging


• Healthcare packaging


• Point-of-sale stands

Benefits of Vacuum Molding

Vacuum forming is a fast method for producing reliable plastic parts with minimal initial investment. Other notable benefits include:

• Rapid production


• Low-cost tooling


• Versatile applications


• Durability

Conclusion

Vacuum forming is a versatile process that allows the creation of custom plastic products at a low cost.