|
|
|
Understanding the Process:
Thermoforming is a process in which a flat plastic sheet is held in a heating station until it becomes formable. It is then moved to a molding station where it is placed over a mold. Vacuum is applied to draw the softened plastic sheet in contact with the mold surfaces. The part is held in place until the sheet has cooled, the vacuum is released and the part is removed from the mold.
A wide variety of Thermoforming technologies can be applied to a wide range of finished products.
Pro’s
- Lower equipment costs
- Low mold costs
- Short lead time
- Thin wall parts – good for very high volume requirements
- Thick wall parts – good for low volume requirements
- Broad range of materials
- Good for lower volume requirements
Con’s
- High part cost
- Moderate to long cycle time
- Secondary operations required
- Limited part geometry
|