Vacuum forming is a popular polymer-based molding process that involves heating a polymer sheet until it becomes soft, then applying vacuum pressure to shape it over a pre-formed mold.
How Vacuum Forming Works
To produce a vacuum-formed product, the plastic sheet is first mounted into a frame and heated until it becomes pliable. Once the material is ready, it is laid over a template, and a vacuum is applied to draw the material tightly over the mold, achieving the intended shape.
After forming, the material is cooled to retain its shape. The final product is then cut to remove unwanted material and prepared for distribution.
Applications of Vacuum Forming
Vacuum forming finds its applications in industries such as aerospace for creating customized plastic parts. Some frequent products made using vacuum forming include:
- Car dashboards
- Clamshell containers
- Hospital trays
- Store signage
Benefits of Vacuum Molding
Vacuum forming is a simple method for producing custom plastic parts with minimal initial investment. Other notable benefits include:
- Fast manufacturing process
- Economical setup
- Customizable shapes
- Strength-to-weight ratio
Summary
Vacuum forming is a reliable process that enables the creation of custom plastic products at a budget-friendly rate.
Vacuum Forming