vacuum forming

• vacuum forming Process

  • A mould of the shape required is placed in a vacuum forming machine then a thin sheet of plastic is clamped above it.
  • The sheet is then heated and the mould is forced into the heated sheet.
  • The air is vacuumed out of the space between the plastic and the mould, allowing the plastic to take the shape of the mould.
  • Once cooled, a small burst of air is pumped into the space to help release the mould from the plastic.

  
• Why use vacuum forming?

  • Products can be produced relatively quickly.
  • Flexibility of the design possibilities.
  • Tooling costs are less compared to other plastic processes.
• Disadvantages of vacuum forming

  • Only one product can be made in the machine at a time.
  • Plastic can warp during the heating process.
• Uses of vacuum forming

  • Trays
  • Dishes
  • Containers
  • Lighting panels
• dentifying vacuum formed products

  • Thin sheet plastic
  • Surface pips
  • Pronounced tapers