Many have heard the term vacuum forming, but they do not know what it really means, and they don’t know what it does or how it can help them in their business. Vacuum forming is a procedure that can shape plastic into many different forms, and it is one of the best ways to make a host of different plastic products.
How Does it Work?
A type of thermoforming, vacuum forming is a process by which a sheet of plastic, a PVC sheet, heats up so that it becomes malleable. The heating process includes the use of aluminum plates and infrared heaters. The heat application will come from the top and the bottom so that it is uniform and will provide the best results.
Once the heat finally reaches the proper temperature (which can differ based on the thickness of the sheets in use) the vacuum will mold the sheets to form the product. The vacuum is able to provide an airtight environment, which is going to be better for the overall molding process.
As the plastic cools, it is going to shrink slightly, and this is something that you will have to consider when you are setting up the process. Different types of vacuum formable plastic sheet are available, in different thicknesses, so it’s important to understand how the different sheets work so you can get the product just right. You may also have to do some trimming to finished product. It can take some time to become proficient at the vacuum forming process, but the results are well worth it. It is also possible to find companies that will perform the process for you, which is a good idea for many.
Products from Vacuum Forming
With this type of thermoforming, one could create countless types of products, and you may find that your company could benefit greatly from the process. One of the most common products using vacuum forming today are children’s plastic toys, but that’s just one of the possibilities. Product packaging is another option, and it is one most companies that create, manufacture, package and sell products could use. Most of the plastic items that you see around the polythene sheeting home and office have gone through some type of thermoforming, and it’s often the vacuum process.
The Many Benefits of Vacuum Forming
One of the first benefits that you will notice when you start vacuum forming is that you will be able to make multiple products from the mold that you use. The speed at which you will be able to make your products is quite astounding as well. Once you have the molds set up and the proper training, making the products will proceed much more quickly. When you have a number of the same mold available, you will be able to increase your output exponentially.