Thermoforming

Overview
Thermoforming has close similarities with Vacuum Forming except that greater use is made of air pressure and plug assisted forming of the softened sheet. The process is invariably automated and faster cycle times are achieved than in the Vacuum Forming process. Only thermoplastics sheet can be processed by this method.

Vacuum Forming 

Overview
Thermoforming is one of the oldest and most common methods of processing plastic materials. Vacuum formed products are all around us and play a major part in our daily lives. The process involves heating a plastic sheet until soft and then draping it over a mould. A vacuum is applied sucking the sheet into the mould. The sheet is then ejected from the mould. In its advanced form, the vacuum forming process utilizes sophisticated pneumatic, hydraulic and heat controls thus enabling higher production speeds and more detailed vacuum formed applications.

Other Extrusion Processes

Extrusion of Cast Film
Description: From a silt die melt is fed onto a roll or band to produce thin film.
Notable Points: High gloss finish on very thin film.

Calendering of Thin Sheet/Film
Description: Production of precision thin sheet/film by passing through a series of rolls.
Applications: Decorative sheet for flooring. Protective sheet. Stretch wrap film.
Notable Points: Exclusively for long runs.

Coextrusion/Laminating
Description: Production of sheet with layers of different materials.
Applications: Packaging, refrigerator door liners, outdoor applications.
Notable Points: Sheet has improved balance of properties.