Vacuum forming is considered to be an easier form of thermoforming. The method consists of heating a sheet of plastic (usually thermoplastics) to what we call a ‘forming temperature’. Then, the thermoplastic sheet is stretched on the mold, then pressed in a vacuum and sucked into the mold.
This form of thermoforming is mainly popular because of its low cost, easy processing, and efficiency / speed in rapid turnover to create specific shapes and objects. This is also often used when you want to get a shape similar to a box and / or dish.
The working principle of the step-by-step vacuum forming process is as follows:
1. Clamp: A sheet of plastic is placed in an open frame and clamped into place.
2. Heating: The plastic sheet is softened with a heat source until it reaches the appropriate molding temperature and becomes flexible.
3. Vacuum: The framework containing the heated, pliable sheet of plastic is lowered over a mold and pulled into place via a vacuum on the other side of the mold. Female (or convex) molds need to have tiny holes drilled into crevices so that the vacuum can effectively pull the thermoplastic sheet into the appropriate form.
4. Cool: Once the plastic has been formed around/into the mold, it needs to cool. For larger pieces, fans and/or cool mist are sometimes used to speed up this step in the production cycle.
5. Release: After the plastic has cooled, it can be removed from the mold and released from the framework.
6. Trim: The completed part will need to be cut out of the excess material, and edges may need to be trimmed, sanded, or smoothed.
Vacuum forming is a relatively quick process with the heating and vacuuming steps typically taking only a few minutes. However, depending on the size and intricacy of the parts being manufactured, cooling, trimming, and creating molds can take considerably longer.
Vacuum Forming Machine With GTMSMART Designs
GTMSMART Designs are able to manufacture high quantity and cost-effective plastic containers( egg tray, fruit container, package containers, etc) with thermoplastic sheets, such as PS, PET, PVC, ABS,etc, using our computer controlled vacuum forming machines. We use all the thermoplastics available to produce components to our clients’ exacting standards, with the latest materials and advances in vacuum thermoforming to provide an outstanding result, time after time. Even in cases of completely custom vacuum forming machine, GTMSMART Designs can help you.
Post time: Mar-02-2022