Vacuum forming in California is a type of mold manufacturing that uses heat and pressure to shape plastic and other materials. The technique has many applications in manufacturing, including automotive, aerospace, marine, construction, and product packaging. Vacuum forming can produce parts with complex shapes or details not possible with other manufacturing techniques. The finished products range from small functional prototypes to large architectural pieces used in buildings or public spaces.
Various Materials
Many materials can be vacuum formed. Some of the common ones include:
- Plastics: This includes polyethylene, polystyrene, and ABS plastics.
- Foam: These include urethanes, polyurethane foams, memory foam, and other open-cell foam types.
- Rubber: This includes neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, and silicone rubber.
- Metal: This includes aluminum and mild steel sheet metal with a thickness of 0.020″.
Multiple Types of Vacuum Forming
There are two main types of vacuum forming: wet and dry.
Wet vacuum forming is the most common, combining heat and pressure to form a thin sheet over a mold. The process requires liquid resin that is heated until it becomes soft and pliable enough to be stretched around a mold before being cooled under pressure to form a rigid part. The clear parts made by this method are used primarily in the automotive industry.
Wet vacuum forming is also known as the pull-warping or draw-in technique because the material being formed stretches over its edges, which makes them appear warped or pulled away from the side walls during manufacturing.
Experienced Team
You can expect to work with a team of experienced engineers, designers, and manufacturers who bring your product idea from concept to reality in the most efficient way possible. They should be backed by a team of experienced project managers who help you stay on track throughout every step.
In-House Design Capabilities
It is not uncommon for vacuum forming in California to include in-house design services. However, not all vacuum-forming companies have the same capabilities. Some are better at designing complex parts and products than others.
Some companies will take your idea and make it happen regardless of whether they have the necessary experience, while others will guide you through every step and ensure you are happy with the result.
If you need vacuum forming in California, visit the Foam Molders and Specialists website to learn more.
