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Vacuum forming, so called as “Thermoforming” as well, it is one method of plastic processing and forming. Instead of explaining what is vacuum forming, we are going to let you know more the steps of Customizing Vacuum Forming Products.
(If you want to catch up what is what is vacuum forming, you can check another article in our website)
Simply, we can separate the process into six steps show as below,
step1:3D file design,
step2.:plastic material sheet making/extruding,
Step3.:vacuum forming mould making
Step4:products vacuum forming
Step5:CNC cutting products into final shape
Step6:Assembly(if needed) &Packing
Step1:3D file design
3D file design is the very first step which it will need designer to gather the ideas and information of shape, size, thickness, material, surface finish and so on. Mean while designer need to consider the factors like toughness, flatness, strength, flexibility and so on. Sure this may need a team or group of people to discuss and evaluate, then they can finally come out with the final decision and use 3D making software to make 3D files for the product people want to make. So that we can have a 3D file which the product you want to make is digitized and purchaser and supplier can have better communication on the products. And it’s very common that 3D files may need to get modified several time in order to get to the status that the product can be produced feasibly and easily for vacuum forming technology.
Here is some common points need be noticed while designing the 3D file:
-Drafting angle:
A draft angle is a slant that is applied to sidewalls most features of products. The angle, which is positioned to run toward the direction of a mold’s pull and parting line, helps with releasing the part from the mold.
Without draft angle or skimpy/not enough draft angle will cause the damage of the surface in both plastic parts and mold. While plastic parts is parting from the mold, the friction between the two surfaces will result with scratches and comes out with dissatisfied surface appearance for clients.
Usually, draft angle of 1-3° will work for most of the product. For special cases with large height or crispy material, that’s better be with larger number of draft angle. In conclusion, for preventing the damage and getting easier production, the communication between clients and production team on draft angle is important.
AS a 15-year old company, Ditai with our experienced engineers can help with your designed products for vacuum forming technology with problems like uncertain draft angle and so on. Feel free to contact us and let us know if you need suggestions or helps.
Today, pause from here, we will continue and start with another point need to be noticed-ratio of height to width and length.
