Thermoforming as a method of plastics processing

When looking at the methods of processing plastics, it is impossible not to get the impression that the two main ones are primarily injection molding and thermoforming. What is the characteristic of the second method? Will it replace injection molding soon? What is it and what are its advantages and disadvantages? Many questions arise, but it is worth knowing the answers to them.

 

Jak przebiega proces termoformowania?

Thermoforming is one of the methods of obtaining plastic products. The production of an element begins with the uniform heating of the plate or plastic film. These products are mounted in a special tensioning frame, where they are then formed under the influence of vacuum activity. They take the shape of the molded products.

Jak wspomniano wyżej, podczas formowania elementu, pod wpływem wysokich temperatur, zadane tworzywo się odkształca. Aby zachowało kształt formy, w kolejnym etapie należy je schłodzić. Warto podkreślić, że do tego rodzaju produkcji należy wybierać tworzywa o określonej wytrzymałości na rozciąganie oraz wydłużanie podczas formowania. Tylko znając parametry tworzywa, producent jest w stanie określić, czy będzie mógł wykorzystać je w procesie termoformowania. 

The discussed process is used alternately or in conjuction with injection molded technology. However, does it have a chance to fully replace it? The answer to this question is difficult. It is good to bear in mind that thanks to thermoforming it is possible to produce both small and large parts, the walls of which are only a few millimeters thick. It is also good to bear in mind that the cost of producing molds for the mentioned process is relatively low.