Thermoformed products have been used in a variety of industries including the packaging, transportation, appliance industry, horticulture, recreation, photographic equipment and funeral industries. It is a common goal among thermoforming manufacturers to produce useful and desirable products that are salable.
What is an example of thermoforming?
PET Plastic One of the most common thermoformed plastics, PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is commonly used for synthetic fibers and bottle production. Once molded into a shape during thermoforming, PET plastic must be dried to increase its resistance.
What are examples of thermoforming plastics?
- ABS Plastic. A common thermoformed plastic, ABS is comprised of acrylonitrile, styrene and butadiene.
- HIPS Plastic. HIPS plastic, or polystyrene, can be used for foamed or rigid plastic.
- HDPE Plastic.
- PVC Plastic.
- PET Plastic.
- PETG Plastic.
What products are made by thermoforming?
Thermoforming products used in the transportation industry [12–14]. Appliances Today, all refrigerators and freezer door liners are thermoformed. Some dishwashers and clothes dryers, window air conditioners, humidifiers, computers and television cabinets are made by thermoforming (Fig.
What are the types of thermoforming?
There are two main types of thermoforming: vacuum forming and pressure forming. Vacuum forming uses heat and pressure to draw plastic sheets into its final configuration. Once a sheet is heated and placed over a mold, a vacuum is used to manipulate it into its desired shape.
What type of plastic is thermoformed?
High impact polystyrene, or HIPS, is the most common plastics used in thermoforming for several reasons. HIPS is a low cost material that has a high melting point and, because rubber additives are mixed in, it is very pliable, meaning it's easy to shape and form.
What do you mean by thermoforming?
Thermoforming is a plastic molding technique that results in a variety of highly usable products. During this manufacturing process, thin plastic sheets are heated in order to make them easy to manipulate. Once a sheet reaches a pliable temperature, it is formed over a male or female mold.
What is thermoforming plastic used for?
One of the most common thermoformed plastics, PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is commonly used for synthetic fibers and bottle production. Once molded into a shape during thermoforming, PET plastic must be dried to increase its resistance.
Where is thermoforming used?
Thermoforming is commonly used for food packaging, but has many applications from plastic toys to aircraft windscreens to cafeteria trays.
What products is vacuum forming used for?
Vacuum forming is often used for food packaging because it is compatible with food-grade plastic and can produce parts that are easy to sanitize. These ornate chocolates were produced in vacuum formed molds and are resting in a clear vacuum formed tray.
What plastic products are made from vacuum forming?