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Accuracy and Precision with CNC Trimming
To finish a thermoformed part, a variety of trimming processes can be used. The process selection depends on the quantity being produced, part specifications, and the tolerances needed. Options include hand trimming, die cutting, air router, and for the greatest precision, axis computer-numerical-controlled trimming, also known as CNC trimming. When it comes to CNC trimming,…
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What to Look for in a Thermoformer
When you’re selecting a thermoformer, consider looking for a partner that offers turn-key services to optimize your efficiencies and savings. Among the key processes a full-service thermoformer can offer are: In House Molding: Your thermoformer should have the pre-production experience to take your idea from prototype to production. Machining: Precise manufacturing is critical so look…
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Can Foam Be Thermoformed? Yep.
A variety of plastic materials can be used in thermoforming, including foams such as those made from polystyrene, polyethylene and polyurethane. In fact, since it’s durable, absorbs sound and impact well, and is relatively inexpensive, foam is a popular material choice. Thermoformers can form both open and closed cell foam: Open Cell: This foam, which…
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Why Choose Thermoforming?
For OEMs looking for solutions to their part needs, thermoforming offers a number of benefits over other processes. With the right thermoforming partner, you’ll realize: Design Flexibility: A wide variety of materials, available in a range of colors and textures, allows you to obtain the look you want for your final part, even without paint.…
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Hot and Cold: The Role of Heat Transfer in Thermoforming
With thermoforming, a plastic sheet is heated to its forming temperature, then shaped by a mold, but just what is “forming temperature?” Most materials have a range of forming temperatures. For example, polystyrene has a lower forming temperature—the temperature at which it can be bent from its flat shape—of 260 degrees Fahrenheit and an upper…
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Does plastic need to be prestretched?
With thermoforming, a plastic sheet is heated until it’s pliable, then stretched into or onto a mold to form a part. But the sheet gets thinner as it stretches deeper onto the mold, which is why prestretching of the hot plastic is sometimes useful. Prestretching is the process of stretching the plastic once it’s at…
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Thin and Thick Gauge Thermoforming: What’s the Difference?
The thermoforming process involves heating a plastic sheet until it’s pliable, then placing it into or onto a mold to be formed with vacuum or pressure. But within this general description of the process, there is one key issue that can impact your part production: gauge. With thermoforming, you can choose between thin gauge or…
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Info is Instrumental to Successful Parts
One often overlooked but critical step in the production of a successful part is the initial information exchange between thermoformer and customer. During this fact-finding phase, several important aspects of the job should be addressed, including: The expected volume Any stressful environments like chemicals, impact and temperature A part’s relationship with mating parts The material…
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Trimming to Part Perfection
A lot of time goes into designing your component part and selecting just the right plastic material. But there’s one often-overlooked manufacturing step that’s critical to part perfection: trimming. This crucial process removes all excess plastic after a part is produced, delivering a number of benefits, including: Part consistency Proper functioning Correct fit and placement…
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Get practical tips and updates from the team at Tru-Form Plastics. Our posts cover everything from medical tray packaging to industrial thermoforming solutions that support high-performance builds across regulated markets.