Vacuum forming is a popular plastic molding method that involves heating a polymer sheet until it becomes soft, then applying vacuum pressure to form it over a custom mold.

Vacuum Forming Procedure

To produce a vacuum-formed product, the plastic sheet is first positioned into a frame and heated until it becomes pliable. Once the material is ready, it is positioned over a pattern, and a vacuum is applied to suction the material tightly over the mold, ensuring the required shape.

Once molded, the formed part is allowed to cool before cutting the excess plastic. The final product is then cut to remove unwanted material and prepared for assembly.

Industries Using Vacuum Forming

Vacuum forming finds its benefits in markets such as automotive for creating durable plastic parts. Some frequent products made using vacuum forming include:

• Automotive parts


• Plastic packaging


• Medical device casings


• Retail displays

 

Benefits of Vacuum Molding

One of the biggest benefits of vacuum forming is its affordability. Other notable benefits include:

• Fast manufacturing process


• Economical setup


• Customizable shapes


• Strength-to-weight ratio

 

Summary

For businesses looking for an scalable plastic manufacturing solution, vacuum forming offers a practical option.