What is Vacuum forming?
Vacuum forming or thermoforming is the process of heating a sheet of plastic before stretching it over or into a single surface mould. The heated sheet is held against the mould by applying a vacuum between the mould and the plastic sheet.
Vacuum forming is one of the most common methods of processing plastic materials. Vacuum formed products can be found everywhere and play a major part in our daily lives.
What is the process?
- A flat sheet of plastic is heated until pliable
- The mould or tool is introduced with the desired profile
- The plastic is forced over the mould
- A cooling process takes place
- The mould is retracted to leave the formed product
What can be made using the vacuum forming process?
The list is endless with regard to the type of product that can be produced in vacuum formed plastic and it is always worth a call to Benchmark Plastics to discuss your specific needs.
Examples:
- Automotive
Trim, exterior and under bonnet applications - Transfer/Courier trays
For security when your cargo is delicate or valuable - Caravan Components
Panels, Shower trays etc - Point of Sale
Mouldings for signage and POS and promotional products
What types of plastic are used in vacuum forming?
What is ABS plastic?
ABS or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a terpolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. It has a wide range of features and can be used for many applications.
- Flame retardant
- High heat resistance
- High impact resistance
- High gloss
- Protective head gear (hard hats)
- Toys (Lego™)
- Luggage & carry cases
- Automotive trim
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What is HIPS plastic?
HIPS or High Impact Polystyrene is versatile and impact resistant plastic often used for prototypes as it has excellent dimensional stability and is easy to form, paint and glue.
- Maintains strength in high Impact applications
- Can be painted
- Easy moldable
- Good dimensional stability
- Hot & cold beverage cups
- Computer housings
- Instrument panels & housings
- Toys
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What is PVC plastic?
PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride is a hihgly durable and extremly versatile; either rigid or flexible;available in black, white or many other colours.
- Flame retardent
- High heat resistance
- High impact resistance
- High gloss
- Windows & doors
- Pipes & fittings
- Flooring
- Wall coverings
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What is HDPE plastic?
HDPE or High Density Polyethylene is a polyethylene thermoplastic derived from petroleum. It has a good strength to density ratio and can withstand reasonably high temperatures (110°C Continuously).
- Good strength to density ratio
- Good heat resistance
- Good tensile strength
- Good solvent resistance
- Bottle bottles & caps
- Chemical resistant piping
- Fireworks
- Geomemebrane (such as canals and bank reinforcements)
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What is PETG plastic?
PETG or Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol is a thermoplastic co-polymer that offers excellent clarity and excellent strength.
- Transparent with a high gloss finish
- High impact resistance
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Can be sterile
- Medical applications
- Food applications
- Electronic devices
- Credit & gift cards
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Contact us today and let one of our design team guide you through the vacuum forming process and advise on the best plastic for your vacuum formed product.