Thermoforming

What is Thermoforming?

Thermoforming is a process that involves taking a flat sheet of heated pliable plastic and conforming it to a mold. Sometimes referred to as vacuum forming, it is an efficient and cost-effective way to produce many different plastic parts depending on the size, shape, and quantity.

Thermoforming is an efficient way to produce plastic parts with lower upfront tooling cost and faster lead times than injection molding. It is a strong fit for larger panels and housings, and for short to medium production runs where design changes are still likely. Cosmetics can be excellent with textures, paint, or graphics, although tolerances are typically moderate. By contrast, injection molding suits very high volumes and small or highly intricate parts that require tight tolerances, but it involves higher tooling costs and longer setup.

With our 2 thermoforming machines, the experts here at PDI can produce and supply all the plastic parts your business needs.

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Example Parts made at PDI

How does Thermoforming Work?

1

A flat sheet of plastic is heated until it is soft and pliable.

2

The mold is raised up into the sheet.

3

The air is vacuumed out of the voids and the sheet conforms to the mold.

4

The mold cools the material until it “freezes”.

5

The mold is lowered from the cooled part.

6

The excess material is trimmed using a secondary process.