Your Guide To Plastic Vacuum Forming

From the food you buy at the store to the car you drive, items created with plastic vacuum forming techniques are everywhere you look. Here's a quick guide to the manufacturing process that creates everyday items and so much more. 

About Vacuum Forming

Vacuum forming is a manufacturing technique where a sheet of plastic is heated to a temperature that makes it pliable. Then vacuum pressure is used to force the plastic into or over a form so it takes the shape of the mold.

The advantages of vacuum forming are that it’s cost-effective and the process has a quick turnaround time. For example, it’s a great way to create large quantities of lighter, durable parts at a reasonable cost.

Heavy Gauge Thermoforming

Heavy gauge thermoforming is a related process used for thicker materials. Here at Painted Rhino, we have plastic forming machines that cut large thermoplastic material and then move it through heating stations to prepare for molding. Any drilling or assembly (or other operations) for detail is performed during a secondary process. Vacuum forming, as well as pressure forming and drape forming, are techniques used in this process.

The advantages are that large plastic parts, even ones that are more intricate, can be made more quickly, and are more cost-effective to produce.

Some of the typical materials used in heavy gauge thermoforming include acrylic, ABS, FR, HIPS, HDPE, and polycarbonates.

Applications

You can find examples of vacuum forming and thermoforming pretty much wherever you look.

In vehicles, for example, the plastic door panels and dashboard are created using these techniques, as are truck beds and bumpers. 

When you go to the grocery store, you’ll see plenty of examples in food packaging. Vacuum forming is one of the best ways to keep food fresh, free of contamination, and prevent it from getting damaged before it reaches your refrigerator. It’s also used to package everything from beauty products to baby items.

There are also many uses in the medical field, such as packaging health items (like trays that hold medication) or creating hard enclosures around medical devices. 

And there are also many larger, industrial applications such as producing:

• Aircraft parts
• Construction equipment
• Heavy truck components
• Railcar/bus interiors (such as seats, paneling, and trim)
• Foodservice components
• Agricultural equipment and components

Have An Idea?

At Painted Rhino, we’re experts in bringing concepts to life, not only using plastic vacuum forming and thermoforming manufacturing techniques but in other areas such as fiberglass and composite parts manufacturing. Here’s what our customers have to say about our work:

Want to see how we can bring your concept to life? Tell us what you’re dreaming about and we’ll give you a quote. Contact Painted Rhino today!