Thermoforming is efficient and very cost-effective for the production of many plastic parts depending on size, shape, and quantity. Unlike other processes, thermoforming has a much shorter lead time, initial project costs are much lower, there is a large freedom of design, small details can be added, pre-colored plastic is available with extensive choice of patterns, textures, and finishes, and thermoforming provides an excellent part price/quality ratio.
Forming and CNC trimming equipment:
| Material |
Properties |
Typical application |
| ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) |
Strong, rigid, light, shock absorbent |
Automotive body parts, enclosures, protective headgear, toys |
| HMWPE (high molecular weight polyethylene) |
High impact strength, chemical resistant, puncture resistant,tough even at low temperatures |
Medical joint replacement, recreational skis, bottlesHDPE (high-density polyethylene) |
| HDPE (high-density polyethylene) |
Strong, solvent and corrosion resistant, easily recyclable |
Truck-bed liners, ducts, hoods, cutting boards, containers |
| HIS (high impact styrene) |
Stiff, low impact, inexpensive |
Food containers, point-of-purchase displays |
| PVC (polyvinyl chloride) |
Flexible, chemical resistant, flame resistant, highly versatile |
Packaging, cling film, bottles, credit cards, audio records, medical packaging |
| TPO (thermoplastic olefin) |
Very tough, excellent cold resistance, low thermal expansion, excellent UV resistance |
Automotive skirts and fenders |
| Pennite (glass filled nylon) |
Strong, stiff, cost effective replacement for metal |
Automotive air ducts, radiator shrouds, fuel cell covers |
| Kydex {T, 100, 1900, 6185, 6565} |
High impact strength, high and low temperature performance, flame resistant |
Air ducts, galley parts, paneling, shrouds, tray tables, bulkhead laminates lighting housings |
| Royalite {R12, R20, R57} |
Durable, high impact strength, high tensile strength, high and low temperature performance |
Automotive and aerospace applications, instrument panels, food trays, motorcycle fairings, luggage |
| LEXAN {9600, 9604, 9605, F60011, F60012, F60025 F60029, F6006} |
Great variability, flame resistant, weatherable, tough, scratch resistant |
Eye wear and protection, food containers, healthcare applications |
| PEI (polyetherimide) |
Heat resistant, flame resistant, solvent resistant |
Medical components, manifolds electrical insulation parts, semiconductor equipment components |
| Acrylic |
Strong and resists weathering, flexible, resistant to most chemicals and industrial fumes, good insulator |
Consumer displays, signs, kitchen cutting boards, panel assemblies, casings |
| PETG |
Lightweight, excellent transparency, high gloss surface, high impact resistance, recyclable |
Food and liquid containers, gas and moisture barrier, soft drink bottles |
| Vinyl |
Durable, flame resistant, good electrical conductor |
Window frames, flooring, cable insulation, household and construction applications |