Technical Capability & RFQ
Thermoforming and Vacuum Forming Services for Custom Plastic Parts
Discuss This PartCapability decision data
Technical fit for Vacuum thermoforming
Use this capability summary to decide whether the process fits the part before discussing tooling, lead time or price.
- Best fit
- Open trays, covers, packaging and large lightweight shells made from thermoplastic sheet.
- Design focus
- Draft, draw ratio, corner radii, plug assistance, trim allowance and wall thinning limit the geometry.
- Material direction
- ABS, HIPS, PETG, PET, PVC, acrylic, PC, HDPE and PP are considered according to forming and service needs.
- Volume and cost logic
- Relatively simple tooling is attractive for prototypes through medium volume; sheet and trimming affect part cost.
- Inspection focus
- Check thickness distribution, webbing, surface marks, trim position, flange distortion and fit to mating parts.
- Compare against
- Compare with pressure forming for sharper detail and injection molding for high-volume, feature-rich parts.
Product Description
Our thermoforming and vacuum forming service produces custom plastic trays, covers, panels, packaging inserts and formed plastic shells from heated plastic sheets.
Thermoforming is suitable for larger thin-wall parts, protective covers, trays and packaging components when tooling cost and development speed are important.
Manufacturing Capabilities
| Processes | Vacuum forming, pressure forming, plug-assisted forming and trimming |
| Materials | ABS, HIPS, PETG, PP, PVC, PC, PMMA and selected sheet plastics |
| Products | Trays, covers, housings, panels, packaging inserts and formed shells |
| Secondary work | CNC trimming, drilling, cutting, polishing, printing and assembly |
Materials and Options
- ABS for durable formed covers and shells.
- PETG for clear packaging and display components.
- HIPS for economical trays and packaging inserts.
- PC and PMMA for transparent covers and panels.
Typical Applications
Thermoformed parts are used in packaging, medical trays, equipment covers, machine guards, automotive interior panels, display parts, appliance covers and custom plastic housings.
Example Project
A customer needed a PETG tray with clean cavities and consistent fit for packaged components. We reviewed draft angles, sheet thickness, cavity depth and trimming edges, then supplied samples for packing tests.
Quality Control
- Drawing and requirement review before production.
- First article inspection before batch work.
- Dimensional checks for critical features and assembly areas.
- Appearance inspection for surface defects, color variation and processing marks.
- Protective packaging and final confirmation before shipment.
What We Need for a Quote
Please send 3D files, 2D drawings, material requirements, quantity, target tolerance, surface finish, color, application environment and any inspection standard. If the design is still early, we can help compare process options before production.
FAQ
What is the difference between vacuum forming and thermoforming?
Vacuum forming is one type of thermoforming that uses vacuum to pull heated sheet onto a mold. Pressure forming adds pressure for sharper detail.
Is thermoforming suitable for thick parts?
It is mainly used for sheet-based parts. Very thick or high-precision structural parts may be better suited for CNC machining or molding.
Can you trim formed parts after production?
Yes. CNC trimming, drilling and cutting can be used to finish openings and edges.
Related Services
Technical Parameters
| Model | TF-1000 | TF-1200 | TF-1500 | TF-2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -------------------------- | ------------------ | ------------------ | ------------------ | ------------------ |
| Heating Method | Infrared / Quartz | Infrared / Quartz | Infrared / Quartz | Infrared / Quartz |
| Max Sheet Width | 1000 mm | 1200 mm | 1500 mm | 2000 mm |
| Max Sheet Thickness | 3 mm | 4 mm | 6 mm | 8 mm |
| Heating Temperature | 200-350 °C | 200-350 °C | 200-360 °C | 200-360 °C |
| Forming Area | 1000×800 mm | 1200×1000 mm | 1500×1200 mm | 2000×1500 mm |
| Forming Speed | 5-30 cycles/min | 5-25 cycles/min | 3-20 cycles/min | 2-15 cycles/min |
| Cooling Method | Air / Water | Air / Water | Air / Water | Air / Water |
| Motor Power | 15 kW | 20 kW | 30 kW | 50 kW |
| Machine Dimensions (L×W×H) | 4×2×2.5 m | 5×2.5×2.8 m | 6×3×3 m | 7×3.5×3.2 m |
| Total Weight | 4 T | 6 T | 10 T | 15 T |
| Control System | PLC + Touch Screen | PLC + Touch Screen | PLC + Touch Screen | PLC + Touch Screen |
Samples
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Is this process a fit for your part?
Send your drawing, material, quantity, finish and application requirements for a manufacturing review.