Top Industries Benefiting from Vacuum Forming

When it comes to manufacturing, many industries require parts that can be reproduced with precision. When traditional productions fall short, our team turns to industrial vacuum forming. This process is not only accurate and cost-effective but also ideal for a variety of projects, including prototypes, short-runs, and full-scale production.

If you’re new to vacuum forming, here’s how it works, how it can benefit your operation, and how it’s already helping our clients achieve incredible results.

What Is Industrial Vacuum Forming?

Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that rely on machining, vacuum-forming manufacturing heats sheets of plastic until they become pliable, then uses vacuum pressure to form them into the mold.

The results? Precise, detailed parts that replicate the mold perfectly. While we use industrial vacuum-forming processes on many projects, it's an ideal method for:

• Reproducing complex shapes that other processes can’t
• Maintaining consistent thickness
• Capturing fine surface details
• Managing deep molds where plastic thinning is an issue
• Overcoming challenging undercuts and reverse angles that traditional methods can't handle

Why Vacuum-Forming Manufacturing Is Superior

While traditional manufacturing methods certainly have their place, vacuum forming offers many advantages:

Cheaper Molds

Unlike, say, injection molds, which require hardened steel to withstand high pressure, vacuum-forming molds can be made from cost-effective materials like aluminum or even wood.

Flexibility

Because industrial vacuum-forming molds can be made cheaply, you’re not locked into massive minimum orders just to break even on the tooling investment. Whether you need a prototype, small run, or full production, vacuum forming is an ideal solution.

Quick Turnaround

When in the right hands, the vacuum-forming manufacturing process is relatively straightforward, which means we can turn around projects quickly—often weeks ahead of our competitors.

Attention to Detail

The vacuum-forming manufacturing process ensures plastic covers every nook and cranny of the mold. Other manufacturers struggle to achieve this level of precision.

Industries Benefitting From Industrial Vacuum Forming

Over the last 25 years, we’ve forged partnerships across many industries, including:

Transportation

Mass transit organizations rely on us for sturdy, lightweight parts that meet industry standards. Whether it’s an interior panel for a bus or exterior components for golf carts, our vacuum-forming process delivers the quality manufacturers demand.

Theme Parks

Our work in the entertainment industry has involved creating everything from theme park signs and ride cars to custom lighting, props, and point-of-purchase displays. And it was all possible because we’ve mastered vacuum-forming manufacturing.

Industrial Equipment Manufacturers

We’re trusted by industrial manufacturers who need heavy-duty, high-performing parts. Whether we’re making water troughs, ATM cabinets, or street lights for the LAX Airport, vacuum forming is an integral piece of the puzzle.

Medical

The medical industry demands precision. Our industrial vacuum-forming process allows us to deliver. We’ve used it to create everything from MRI and imaging equipment housing to medical furniture components, rehab equipment, and treatment room fixtures.

Let Us Give Shape To Your Next Success!

Have a project that requires intricate detail and precision? Painted Rhino can help. Whether you need a hand with the concept and design or are ready for a short-run or full-scale production, our vacuum-forming company can help. Contact us today!