moulding-additive-manufacture > Pressure Thermoforming

Pressure Thermoforming is a similar process to Vacuum Thermoforming. It is very simple process and is cost effective. It is easily adapted and can be used to make prototype components as well as high volumes. Moulds can be made from wood, metal or even plastic.

Like Vacuum Thermoforming, a sheet of plastic is clamped in a pressure chamber, it is then heated until the desired pliability is achieved. A vacuum is than applied to suck the sheet round the contours of the mould, simultaneously air pressure is added from above the sheet. Once cooled, the pressure is released, and a burst of back pressure releases the formed sheet.

The main advantage of this process over Vacuum Thermoforming, is more complex parts can be formed, easy to create vents and louvres and the overall dimensional tolerances are better.