Marketplace Pulse: Thermoforming RFQs

Thermoforming is a process of heating a thermoplastic sheet to its softening point and using a vacuum, pressure, or mechanical force to form the material onto a mold surface. The forming force is maintained on the part until the material cools and solidifies. The excess material is then trimmed away and the formed part is released from the mold.

In vacuum forming, a vacuum is formed between the mold cavity and the thermoplastic sheet. The vacuum pressure forces the sheet to conform to the mold and form the part shape.

In pressure forming, in addition to utilizing a vacuum underneath the sheet, air pressure is applied on the back of the sheet to help force it onto the mold. The additional force allows the forming of thicker sheets and creating finer details, textures, sharp corners, and undercuts.

In mechanical forming, the thermoplastic sheet is mechanically forced into or around the mold by direct contact from a core “plug”. The core plug is a supplemental mold component which pushes the sheet onto the mold cavity and forms it into the desired shape.