Thermoforming

There are numerous manufacturing processes to choose from when you are ready to bring your product to market; the tricky part is deciding on the appropriate method. The designers and engineers of frethot and can help you choose the best method of manufacturing based on your individual project. If you have any questions regarding the content of this blog or need assistance with the design, engineering, specifying for manufacturing, graphic design, packaging design, prototyping, or manufacturing of your product, please visit our website at www.frethot.com.


Thermoforming is a term that encompasses manufacturing processes that heat sheets of extruded plastic and then form them into a finished product. Included in thermoforming are the processes of drape, pressure, and vacuum forming. Vacuum forming is the most common thermoforming method and will be briefly detailed below.

Applications

While most commonly used for packaging it can be applied in many industries such as aerospace, consumer goods, agriculture, automotive, building and construction, electronics, furniture, and medical.

Some products include: food containers, prosthetics, bathtubs, boat hulls, lawn mower covers and more.

Vacuum Forming Process

Before production can begin the tool (or mold) must be designed, created, and prepared. A vacuum forming tool must be appropriately finished and it must have vent holes.

There are 5 basic steps in the vacuum forming process.

Afterwards the excess plastic is trimmed from the formed part. which can now be cut, drilled, polished, or decorated as needed.

If you have any questions regarding the content of this blog or would like to suggest a topic for a future post feel free to comment or contact us via our website www.frethot.com