Thermoforming
Because of its versatility, efficiency and cost-effectiveness, thermoforming is the preferred process to manufacture returnable packaging, and small to large-scale plastic parts. Thermoforming allows our customers to create products, similar to injection molding, but with less expense allocated to tooling.
Thin Gauge Thermoforming
Thin gauge is used primarily in the packaging industry.
Material up to .080” usually delivered to the forming machine on rolls. Thin gauge is used primarily in the packaging industry. The most common products are clamshells, blisters, tri-folds, point of purchase displays, and material handling trays.
The Process
A roll fed sheet taken from the oven is first formed, then trimmed. Thin gauge thermoforming is more automated than thick gauge thermoforming.
Thick Gauge Thermoforming
Thick gauge has seen a steady increase in use throughout all industries due to higher sheet quality and better thermoforming machinery.
From .080” up to .50” usually delivered to the forming machine in precut sheets. In the past, thick or “heavy” gauge thermoformed parts were mainly used in the material handling and dunnage industry but recently thick gauge has seen a steady increase in use throughout all industries, due to higher sheet quality and better thermoforming machinery.
The Process
A machine feeds the sheets to one or more heating stations and then to the forming station. A secondary process is used to trim off the excess sheet. Trimming can include routing, die cut, sawing and drilling to create the finished part.
What Is Thermoforming?
1) A plastic sheet is heated to soften it. 2) The heated sheet of plastic is placed tightly over a mold using mechanical assists, direct pressure or vacuum pressure to mold the plastic into the desired shape. 3) The molded plastic cools and is then ready for any other fabrication that is required to finish the project.
Features & Benefits
- Sharp detail capability
- Large size parts capability
- Design flexibility
- Low tooling costs
- Quick set-up time
- Seamless construction
- Short lead times
Industry Applications
- Avionic equipment
- Computer enclosures
- Electronic testing and monitoring equipment
- Military and law enforcement instrumentation
- Medical testing and apparatus equipment
- Portable marine instrumentation
- Portable communications equipment
- Portable computer networks and systems
- Telecommunications test equipment
Common Materials
- PP (Polypropylene)
- PS (Polystyrene)
- HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)
- HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
- PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
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Precision Package & Design
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Crescent Springs, Ky 41017
859-426-1002 fax
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