Thermoforming A process similar to vacuum forming, this processes uses heat to make plastic pliable enough to mould

Process
1. plastic heated to just above its softening point
2. the mould halves close and a vacuum is applied through the lower half - the upper half ensures the level of detail
3. plastic is cooled, removed from the mould and trimmed

Advantages

low cost

good for smooth shapes with additional detail e.g. letters, symbols

Disadvantages

deep mould result in a thinner wall when the plastic has been stretched

limited to simple designs

trimming is usually needed

	Created by Niamh Walsh almost 11 years ago

Notes on Elastomers, Thermoforming and Line Bending