One of the most common plastic fabrication methods, Vacuum Forming Vacuum forming is used to manufacture numerous products by using heat and vacuum suction to shape plastic sheets over molds.
How Vacuum Forming Works
To create a vacuum-formed product, the plastic sheet is first positioned into a frame and heated until it becomes soft. Once the material is ready, it is laid over a mold, and a vacuum is applied to suction the material tightly over the mold, creating the required shape.
After forming, the material is solidified to retain its shape. The final product is then trimmed to remove unwanted material and finished for use.
Where Vacuum Forming is Used
Vacuum forming finds its benefits in markets such as aerospace for creating lightweight plastic parts. Some typical products made using vacuum forming include:
- Car dashboards
- Plastic packaging
- Healthcare packaging
- Point-of-sale stands
Benefits of Vacuum Molding
One of the biggest benefits of vacuum forming is its cost-effectiveness. Other key benefits include:
- Rapid production
- Low-cost tooling
- Flexibility in design
- Lightweight materials
Final Thoughts
Vacuum forming is a versatile process that facilitates the creation of high-quality plastic products at a budget-friendly rate.