1) What is thermoforming and vacuum forming?
Thermoforming is the process of heating a sheet of plastic material, and using pressure to shape it using a mold. Vacuum forming refers to the use of vacuum to force the plastic into the shape of the mold
2)What are the benefits of thermoforming?
Thermoforming is efficient and very cost-effective for the production of many plastic parts depending on the part size, shape, and quantity. Up-front costs are usually much lower, and lead times to tooling and production are generally much shorter than other processes such as injection molding. Temporary tooling offers an inexpensive short-term test for design issues and product market acceptance.
3)What do you need from me to make a part?
We've started from a drawing on a UG, If you have a concept or Sample, then we can create a design, including CAD models, renderings, and detailed drawings. If, on the other hand, you already have a CAD (igs or stp)model or design, we can start from that and create molds and other tooling that will allow us to make the finished product. Our services include everything from design to prototypes to production, and we can do as much or as little as you need us to do.
4)What do you make molds from?
Production molds are typically cast or machined from aluminum. Deeper molds are usually cast, while shallower molds may be machined directly from a block of aluminum. Aluminum molds can be temperature controlled, which allows tight tolerances, better detail, and shorter cycle times (which translates into a lower cost part).
5)When thermoforming a part, why can only one side be controlled?
The mold defines the shape of the plastic, and tolerances can be controlled on the side of the plastic that contacts the mold. The opposite side, away from the mold, is predictable, but not controlled, because the plastic will stretch around the mold and produce varying thicknesses. There are a number of techniques that we use to minimize this effect, when it's important.