Thermoforming is a major aspect of fabrication. So, we’ve put together a guide that tells you all about it – what it is, how the entire process works, and the pros of thermoforming.
What is thermoforming?
Thermoforming has been around since the 1950s and it continues to be an important tool in today’s world of manufacturing. It’s a process that produces plastic parts from sheets or slabs of thermoplastic material.
What materials are used for thermoforming?
Common materials used for thermoforming include the following:
- PP
- HDPE
- HIPS
- ABS
- Polycarbonate
These plastics are known to be of higher durability and quality than the plastics used in other plastic moulding processes.
What are the benefits of thermoforming?
While there are countless benefits of choosing thermoforming over injection or rotational moulding, here are some of the top advantages of the thermoforming procedure.
- Low costs
- Significantly quick turnaround times – you may be able to see the finished products between 4 to 6 weeks
- Easier to make bigger parts, allowing for a wider design scope
- The materials and moulding process can be optimised to make it very cost-effective
- Prototype is developed quickly
- Adaptable and flexible to suit the needs of every customer
- You can choose from paintable and self-coloured plastics
- A wide selection of options for patterns, finishing, and textures
Thermoforming applications
Thermoforming can be used by a range of industries for trays, automotive parts, packaging, and building signs. In fact, the list could go on forever as there are so many applications that have been thermoformed. You’ll be pleased to know that there is also a lot of research going into eco-friendly packaging options using biodegradable polymers.
If you’re interested in the different ways thermoforming could benefit your boat or marine vessel on the coast, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our professional and friendly team at Hampshire Plastics today. We are always more than ready to answer any questions and respond to all your queries as soon as possible. Drop us an email at sales@hspplastics.co.uk for additional information about our fabrication, engineering, and manufacturing processes.
