Sticking
Sticking, or adhesive bonding, is a common method of attaching vacuum formed parts to other components or to themselves in order to create a final product. There are several types of adhesives that can be used to stick vacuum formed parts, including epoxy, cyanoacrylate, and polyurethane.
Epoxy adhesives are strong and durable, and they are suitable for a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, and composites. Epoxy adhesives are often used to bond vacuum formed parts that will be subjected to high loads or stresses.
Cyanoacrylate adhesives, also known as “super glue,” are fast-setting adhesives that are suitable for bonding plastics and other materials. They are often used for small volume production runs or for parts that require a quick turnaround time.
Polyurethane adhesives are strong and flexible, and they are suitable for bonding a variety of materials, including plastics, metals, and composites. They are often used for parts that will be subjected to dynamic loads or for applications where a flexible bond is required.
Before sticking vacuum formed parts, it is important to ensure that the surfaces to be bonded are clean and dry. Any dirt, dust, or moisture on the surfaces can affect the adhesion of the adhesive. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the adhesive, including any recommended curing times or temperature requirements.
After sticking, the parts may need to be clamped or held in place while the adhesive sets. This helps to ensure that the bond is strong and that the parts are held securely in place.
Sticking is just one method of attaching vacuum formed parts in the finish and post-processing stage. Other methods include mechanical fasteners, such as screws or snap fits, and welding methods, such as plastic welding or ultrasonic welding. These methods help to give the parts a finished appearance and prepare them for their intended use.
Drilling
Drilling is a common method of creating holes in vacuum formed parts in the finish and post-processing stage. Holes may be required for a variety of purposes, including attaching the parts to other components, creating openings for fasteners or connectors, or creating pass-throughs for wiring or other components.
There are several types of drilling methods that can be used to create holes in vacuum formed parts, including hand drilling, machine drilling, and laser drilling.
Hand drilling is done using a hand-held drill and a drill bit. This method is suitable for small volume production runs or for parts with small or intricate details that require a high level of control. Hand drilling can be done using a variety of drill bits, including twist drill bits, spade drill bits, and hole saws.
Machine drilling is done using a machine-mounted drill and a drill bit. This method is suitable for large volume production runs or for parts with large or deep holes. Machine drilling can be done using a variety of drill bits, including twist drill bits, spade drill bits, and hole saws.
Laser drilling is a non-contact method of creating holes in vacuum formed parts. It involves using a laser to vaporize the material and create a hole. Laser drilling is suitable for small volume production runs or for parts with small or intricate details that require a high level of precision.
Before drilling, it is important to select the appropriate drill bit for the material and the size of the hole to be created. It is also important to ensure that the vacuum formed parts are properly secured and aligned during the drilling process to prevent them from slipping or moving.
After drilling, the holes may need to be deburred to remove any burrs or sharp edges that were formed during the drilling process. Deburring can be done by hand with a file or deburring tool, or it can be done automatically with deburring equipment.
Drilling is just one method of creating holes in vacuum formed parts in the finish and post-processing stage. Other methods include punching, stamping, and laser cutting. These methods help to give the parts a finished appearance and prepare them for their intended use.
Assembly
Assembly is a common step in the finish and post-processing of vacuum formed parts. It involves attaching the parts to other components or to themselves in order to create a final product. There are several methods of assembling vacuum formed parts, including adhesive bonding, mechanical fasteners, and welding.
Adhesive bonding, also known as sticking, involves using an adhesive to attach the parts to other components or to themselves. There are several types of adhesives that can be used for this purpose, including epoxy, cyanoacrylate, and polyurethane. Adhesive bonding is suitable for a wide range of materials and applications, and it is often used for parts that will be subjected to high loads or stresses.
Mechanical fasteners, such as screws, bolts, or snap fits, are used to mechanically attach the parts to other components or to themselves. Mechanical fasteners are suitable for a wide range of materials and applications, and they are often used for parts that will be subjected to dynamic loads or that need to be easily disassembled and reassembled.
Welding is a method of attaching vacuum formed parts by melting and fusing the parts together. There are several types of welding methods that can be used for this purpose, including plastic welding, ultrasonic welding, and laser welding. Welding is suitable for a wide range of materials and applications, and it is often used for parts that will be subjected to high loads or stresses.
Before assembling vacuum formed parts, it is important to ensure that the parts are properly aligned and secured. This can be done using fixtures or clamps to hold the parts in place during the assembly process. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembling the parts, including any recommended curing times or temperature requirements.
After assembly, the parts may need to be tested to ensure that they are fit for their intended use. Testing can be done using a variety of methods, including visual inspection, dimensional inspection, and functional testing.
Assembly is just one step in the finish and post-processing of vacuum formed parts. Other common post-processing steps include trimming, sanding, painting, and packaging. These steps help to give the parts a finished appearance and prepare them for their intended use.
Silk screening
Silk screening, also known as screen printing, is a method of applying a decorative or functional layer to the surface of vacuum formed parts in the finish and post-processing stage. Silk screening involves using a screen, or stencil, to apply a layer of ink or other material to the parts in a predetermined pattern. Silk screening is suitable for a wide range of materials and applications, and it is often used to add decorative elements or functional layers to vacuum formed parts.
The silk screening process involves several steps, including preparing the screen, applying the ink, and drying the ink.
- Preparing the screen: The first step in silk screening is to prepare the screen. This involves creating a stencil, or mask, that will be used to apply the ink to the parts. The stencil is typically made from a fine mesh material, such as nylon or polyester, and it is coated with a photosensitive emulsion. The emulsion is exposed to light through a film positive, which creates a stencil of the desired design on the screen. The stencil is then washed off, leaving a negative image of the design on the screen.
- Applying the ink: Once the screen is prepared, the ink is applied to the screen using a squeegee or blade. The ink is forced through the open areas of the screen, onto the surface of the vacuum formed parts. The ink is then allowed to dry.
- Drying the ink: The ink is allowed to dry, either by air drying or by curing in an oven. The drying time will depend on the type of ink and the desired finish.
Silk screening is a popular method of decorating vacuum formed parts because it allows for precise control over the placement and thickness of the ink. It is also suitable for high volume production runs because it can be done quickly and efficiently.
About Ditaiplastic
Ditaiplastic has been working in the field of vacuum forming since 1997 and today has more than 60 large production machines, more than 40 product patents, 80 employees, and a factory covering 12,000 square meters! It is one of the largest suppliers of vacuum forming in China! Kindly visit us at https://www.ditaiplastic.com contact us at amy@dgdtxs.com.cn or WhatsApp: +86 13825780422
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