Thermoforming

Thermoforming is a family of processes used to form thin sheets or films of plastics over a mould, whilst heat and pressure are applied.

The process is simple; the required material piece is heated, once it has reached a pliable temperature it is formed over a male or female mould tool, it is then cooled and the final product is trimmed.

The two main types of Thermoforming are: Vacuum Forming and Pressure Forming.

As would be expected Vacuum Forming uses a Vacuum to draw the plastic over the mould. Pressure Forming applies pressure from above the plastic.

The mould tool geometry is flexible, however undercuts and draft angles must be considered, to ease mould tool removal.

• Vacuum Thermoforming

• Pressure Thermoforming

• Twin-Sheet Thermoforming

• Drape Thermoforming