Vacuum forming is a process that involves heating a sheet of plastic until it becomes pliable, and then using a vacuum to form it over a mold. The most commonly used materials for vacuum forming include:
- Acrylic (also known as polymethyl methacrylate or PMMA)
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
- Acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate(ASA)
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polystyrene (PS)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- High-impact polystyrene (HIPS)
- Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs)
- Fluoropolymers (such as PTFE and FEP)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
It is worth noting that vacuum forming is generally used for thermoforming thermoplastic materials, rather than thermosetting materials like epoxies or polyurethanes. These materials do not become pliable when heated and cannot be formed using the vacuum forming process.
In the last two articles, we talked about the front 8 kinds of plastic materials for vacuum forming, here is the link:
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs)
TPEs (Thermoplastic Elastomers) are a type of plastic that can be used in vacuum forming. Vacuum forming is a process in which a sheet of plastic is heated until it is pliable, and then a vacuum is used to suck the heated plastic onto a mold. TPEs are a good choice for vacuum forming because they are strong, flexible, and have good dimensional stability. They are also resistant to UV light and chemicals, which makes them suitable for outdoor use. However, TPEs have a relatively low melting point, so they may require higher heating temperatures and longer heating times to make them pliable enough for vacuum forming. They are also not as optically clear as other plastics such as acrylic, so they may not be suitable for applications where clarity is important.
There are several advantages to using TPEs for vacuum forming, including:
- Strength and flexibility: TPEs are strong and flexible materials that can withstand a wide range of temperatures and conditions. They are also resistant to impact and stress, making them suitable for use in a variety of applications.
- Dimensional stability: TPEs have good dimensional stability, meaning that they do not shrink or expand significantly when exposed to changes in temperature or humidity. This makes them ideal for applications where precise dimensions and tolerances are required.
- Resistance to UV light and chemicals: TPEs are resistant to UV light and chemicals, making them suitable for outdoor use. They are also resistant to a wide range of acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, which makes them suitable for use in harsh environments or applications where the finished product will be exposed to chemicals.
- Versatility: TPEs are versatile materials that can be used for a wide range of applications, including prototypes, custom parts, and large-scale production runs. They are also suitable for use in a variety of industries, including medical, retail, automotive, and more.
- Good machinability: TPEs can be machined using a variety of methods, including milling, turning, and grinding. This makes them suitable for applications where precise dimensions and tolerances are required.
- Low cost: TPEs are generally less expensive than other plastics such as acrylic or PVC, which makes them a good choice for cost-sensitive applications.
Despite these advantages, there are also some potential drawbacks to using TPEs for vacuum forming. One potential disadvantage is that they have a relatively low melting point, which may require higher heating temperatures and longer heating times to make them pliable enough for vacuum forming. They are also not as optically clear as other plastics such as acrylic, so they may not be suitable for applications where clarity is important. Another potential drawback is that TPEs may not be as strong as some other plastics such as PVC or ABS, so they may not be suitable for applications where high strength is required. Additionally, TPEs may not be as resistant to high temperatures as some other plastics, so they may not be suitable for use in applications where they will be exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time.
Fluoropolymers (such as PTFE and FEP)
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) and FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) are types of plastic that can be used in vacuum forming. Vacuum forming is a process in which a sheet of plastic is heated until it is pliable, and then a vacuum is used to suck the heated plastic onto a mold. PTFE and FEP are good choices for vacuum forming because they are strong, durable materials that can be easily molded into various shapes and sizes. They are also resistant to UV light and chemicals, which makes them suitable for outdoor use. However, PTFE and FEP have relatively low melting points, so they may require higher heating temperatures and longer heating times to make them pliable enough for vacuum forming. They are also not as optically clear as other plastics such as acrylic, so they may not be suitable for applications where clarity is important.
There are several advantages to using PTFE and FEP for vacuum forming, including:
- Strength and durability: PTFE and FEP are strong and durable materials that are resistant to impact and stress. They are also resistant to UV light and chemicals, making them suitable for outdoor use.
- Chemical resistance: PTFE and FEP have excellent chemical resistance and are resistant to a wide range of acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. This makes them suitable for use in harsh environments or applications where the finished product will be exposed to chemicals.
- Low friction: PTFE and FEP have low friction surfaces, which makes them ideal for use in applications where low friction is desired, such as bearings and seals.
- Non-stick properties: PTFE and FEP have non-stick properties, which makes them ideal for use in applications where the finished product needs to be easily released from the mold, such as baking pans and cooking utensils.
- Versatility: PTFE and FEP are versatile materials that can be used for a wide range of applications, including prototypes, custom parts, and large-scale production runs. They are also suitable for use in a variety of industries, including medical, retail, automotive, and more.
- Good machinability: PTFE and FEP can be machined using a variety of methods, including milling, turning, and grinding. This makes them suitable for applications where precise dimensions and tolerances are required.
- Low cost: PTFE and FEP are generally less expensive than other plastics such as acrylic or PVC, which makes them a good choice for cost-sensitive applications.
Despite these advantages, there are also some potential drawbacks to using PTFE and FEP for vacuum forming. One potential disadvantage is that they have relatively low melting points, which may require higher heating temperatures and longer heating times to make them pliable enough for vacuum forming. They are also not as optically clear as other plastics such as acrylic, so they may not be suitable for applications where clarity is important. Another potential drawback is that PTFE and FEP may not be as strong as some other plastics such as PVC or ABS, so they may not be suitable for applications where high strength is required. Additionally, PTFE and FEP may not be as resistant to high temperatures as some other plastics, so they may not be suitable for use in applications where they will be exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time.
Polycarbonate (PC)
PC (Polycarbonate) is a type of plastic that can be used in vacuum forming. Vacuum forming is a process in which a sheet of plastic is heated until it is pliable, and then a vacuum is used to suck the heated plastic onto a mold. PC is a good choice for vacuum forming because it is a strong, durable material that can be easily molded into various shapes and sizes. It is also resistant to UV light and chemicals, which makes it suitable for outdoor use. However, PC has a relatively low melting point, so it may require higher heating temperatures and longer heating times to make it pliable enough for vacuum forming. It is also not as optically clear as other plastics such as acrylic, so it may not be suitable for applications where clarity is important.
There are several advantages to using PC for vacuum forming, including:
- Strength and durability: PC is a strong and durable plastic that is resistant to impact and stress. It is also resistant to UV light and chemicals, making it suitable for outdoor use.
- Easy to work with: PC is easy to cut, drill, and shape, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. It can also be easily glued or solvent welded, allowing for the creation of seamless joints and finishes.
- Wide range of color options: PC is easy to dye or paint, which allows for a wide range of color options. It can also be produced in a variety of different shades and tints, including clear, frosted, and opaque.
- Versatility: PC is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of applications, including prototypes, custom parts, and large-scale production runs. It is also suitable for use in a variety of industries, including medical, retail, automotive, and more.
- Good machinability: PC can be machined using a variety of methods, including milling, turning, and grinding. This makes it suitable for applications where precise dimensions and tolerances are required.
- Low cost: PC is generally less expensive than other plastics such as acrylic or PVC, which makes it a good choice for cost-sensitive applications.
- Chemical resistance: PC has good chemical resistance and is resistant to a wide range of acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. This makes it suitable for use in harsh environments or applications where the finished product will be exposed to chemicals.
Despite these advantages, there are also some potential drawbacks to using PC for vacuum forming. One potential disadvantage is that it has a relatively low melting point, which may require higher heating temperatures and longer heating times to make it pliable enough for vacuum forming. It is also not as optically clear as other plastics such as acrylic, so it may not be suitable for applications where clarity is important. Additionally, PC may not be as resistant to high temperatures as some other plastics, so it may not be suitable for use in applications where it will be exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a type of plastic that can be used in vacuum forming. Vacuum forming is a process in which a sheet of plastic is heated until it is pliable, and then a vacuum is used to suck the heated plastic onto a mold. PET is a good choice for vacuum forming because it is a strong, durable material that can be easily molded into various shapes and sizes. It is also resistant to UV light and chemicals, which makes it suitable for outdoor use. However, PET has a relatively low melting point, so it may require higher heating temperatures and longer heating times to make it pliable enough for vacuum forming. It is also not as optically clear as other plastics such as acrylic, so it may not be suitable for applications where clarity is important.
There are several advantages to using PET for vacuum forming, including:
- Strength and durability: PET is a strong and durable plastic that is resistant to impact and stress. It is also resistant to UV light and chemicals, making it suitable for outdoor use.
- Easy to work with: PET is easy to cut, drill, and shape, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. It can also be easily glued or solvent welded, allowing for the creation of seamless joints and finishes.
- Wide range of color options: PET is easy to dye or paint, which allows for a wide range of color options. It can also be produced in a variety of different shades and tints, including clear, frosted, and opaque.
- Versatility: PET is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of applications, including prototypes, custom parts, and large-scale production runs. It is also suitable for use in a variety of industries, including medical, retail, automotive, and more.
- Good machinability: PET can be machined using a variety of methods, including milling, turning, and grinding. This makes it suitable for applications where precise dimensions and tolerances are required.
- Low cost: PET is generally less expensive than other plastics such as acrylic or PVC, which makes it a good choice for cost-sensitive applications.
- Chemical resistance: PET has good chemical resistance and is resistant to a wide range of acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. This makes it suitable for use in harsh environments or applications where the finished product will be exposed to chemicals.
- Recyclability: PET is a recyclable material, which makes it an environmentally-friendly choice for applications where sustainability is a concern.
Despite these advantages, there are also some potential drawbacks to using PET for vacuum forming. One potential disadvantage is that it has a relatively low melting point, which may require higher heating temperatures and longer heating times to make it pliable enough for vacuum forming. It is also not as optically clear as other plastics such as acrylic, so it may not be suitable for applications where clarity is important. Additionally, PET may not be as resistant to high temperatures as some other plastics, so it may not be suitable for use in applications where it will be exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time.
Now please allow me to do a brief introduction about our vacuum forming factory:
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
Ditaiplastic wish you a great day!
