What Are the Applications for Vacuum Thermoforming?

Thermoforming has a much-simplified version which is most commonly known as vacuum thermoforming. It can be explained as a technique in which the plastic sheet is heated into a forming temperature where it is stretched in a single mold surface. It is forced against the surface with the help of a vacuum.

Vacuum thermoforming is used in the formation of plastic that is changed into permanent objects that include turnpike signs along with other protective signs. The draft designs are present in the mold designs that make removal of formed plastic part of the mold easier.

Generally, the relatively deep parts are formed if the formable sheet is stretched before in order to bring in contact with the mold surface while applying the vacuum. Let’s know more about their applications.

Vacuum Thermoforming

Materials That Are Used During the Process of Vacuum Thermoforming

The materials that are used in the process of vacuum thermoforming are primarily thermoplastics. The most common and the easiest thermoplastic to use is high impact polystyrene sheeting that is often referred to as HIPS. This is molded around the wood, structural foam or castnor machined aluminum mold. This can be formed to almost any type of shape.

The biggest advantage of this process is that the high impact material is hygienic in nature. It is capable of retaining heat along with its shape when the warm water is applied to it. It is commonly used for packaging taste and odor sensitive products.

Vacuum thermoforming is also appropriate in case of transparent materials that include acrylic. It is widely used for the applications for aerospace such as passenger cabin window canopies, for military fixed-wing aircraft and compartments for the rotary wing aircrafts. The technology is often used in the case of low-level technology classes for an easy way to mold.

Applications of Vacuum Thermoforming

• Plastic Product Designing: Plastic has become an integral part of our daily life. Making the plastic parts from vacuum forming has a lot of advantages apart from other processing techniques, that include a shorter lead times, low tooling costs, flexible designs and a wide range of cost-effective plastic materials.
• Agriculture: The agricultural industry uses a vacuum that is formed for multiple uses. It is used as components of vehicles that are used completely for transportation purposes. It is even used in large parts for heavy duty agricultural machinery. These plastic parts are used for a wide variety of outdoor purposes. It is therefore ensured that it is rigid, resistant and high proper protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
• Transportation: The plastics serve a lot of value to the automobile and transportation industries. Majority of the car cabins use this. The main reason behind this is the lightweight nature of the plastic which reduces the fuel consumption. It is present in a wide list of transportation of cars, vans, boats etc.
• Machinery: The constructing sector depends on a strong road. Therefore, the materials used have low maintenance with the best of quality. It can be said that the construction sector depends directly on the strength and hardiness of road cars and vehicles. So, there is the requirement of good quality materials which need very low maintenance and have good strength. The materials should be versatile, durable and resistant to corrosion.

It feels like that the list of applications of vacuum thermoforming is very long which it fulfills. However, the plastic formed under vacuum is economical and effective. These plastic parts are used for making various construction machines, as they are durable and strong as compared to most other materials.