Vacuum forming molds- How are they prepared

Author: reikopena | Posted: 22.02.2012

The other name given to vacuum forming is vacuuforming. It is considered to be a simplified form of thermoforming. In this process, a plastic sheet is heated at a certain temperature, it is then made to be stretched on a mould which can be single surface or BrE and then vacuum is applied in between the mould surface and the sheet. This process is used in several industries. Mostly it is used for:-

1. Product packaging

2. Speaker casings

3. Making car dashboards

The industry that first manufactured vacuum forming molds plastics in a commercial manner was Robinson Industries. It is located in Coleman, Michigan.

One of the important things while preparing the mould design is to draft angles on it in order to avoid improper release of the formed plastic. The recommended angle should be of 3 degrees. Deep parts are formed when the sheet is stretched before bringing it in contact with the mould surface and also prior to the supply of vacuum. Thermoplastics are the materials that are used in vacuum forming. One of the most common thermoplastic that is used worldwide is called High Impact Polystyrene Sheeting (HIPS). It is the easiest of all the thermoplastics available. This is used for making any kind of shape because of its flexibility. It can be molded around wood, structural foam or machined aluminum mold as well. Acrylic sheets are also made into different shapes by the use of vacuum forming molds. These products made out of Acrylic sheets are widely used in applications for aerospace. It is used for making passenger cabin crew canopies in military fixed wing aircraft and also in making bubbles in rotary wing aircraft. Others uses of vacuum forming moldsare:-

1. Turnpike signs

2. Protective covers

3. Pharmaceutical objects

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