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What is Thermoforming?

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Thermoforming can be described as a process where a thermoplastic sheet is formed into a three-dimensional shape. This is done by clamping the sheet into a frame, heating it in such a way to make it soft and pliable, then applying different amounts of pressure to mold the sheet into the shape of the die that is housed beneath the frame. If this pressure is applied by using a vacuum instead, it is called vacuum forming. Other methods of thermoforming include:

• Air pressure: This is where air pressure is applied to help preform the sheet can get it ready for the vacuum process.
• Mechanical pressure: This is where mechanical pressure is applied to a plug where it preforms the sheet (just like when using air pressure). The only difference is that the process is done by mechanical methods not by air pressure.
• Drape forming: This is the sheet is softened and lowered to drape over the high points of a make mold before the vacuum is used.
• Plug-and-ring: This is where a plug is used as the male mold and a ring matching the outside contour of the finished article is used.
• Ridge forming: This is where the plug is replaced with a skeleton frame and the whole process is done with this frame in place.

All these processes above do one thing – it uses thermoforming technology and procedures to get the plastic formed in the mold it is required.

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