HOUSE OF PLASTICS UNLIMITED, INC

THERMOFORMING

One of the oldest and most common methods of processing plastic materials

What Is Vacuum Forming?

Vacuum forming is a plastic thermoforming process in which thermoplastic sheets are formed into 3-dimensional shapes through the application of heat and pressure. In general, the term refers to all sheet forming methods. Drape forming is one of the most commonly used processes. During vacuum forming, the plastic material is heated in automated vacuum forming equipment until it becomes pliable. Next, the sheet is then placed over a mold and drawn in by a vacuum. Once the material has cooled, the sheet takes the shape of the mold. Afterward, air blows back into the mold and separates the new part from it. A 5-axis CNC router or die cutting is then used to trim required detail into the product. Molds can be textured to impart different finishes using a female mold and positive air pressure. Here is a list of the most common materials used in vacuum forming:

  • ABS - Broad spectrum of resins used for a number of applications.
  • PC/ABS - Alloy provides UL approval as well as high impact performance.
  • HDPE – Cost effective material for industrial applications requiring high impact strength.
  • TPO – High impact material delivering performance in cold and high heat applications.
  • HIPS – Low cost resin used in a variety of POP applications requiring quality forming characteristics.

Advantages & Common Uses of Vacuum Forming

Vacuum thermoformed parts are frequently used to replace fabricated sheet metal components with complex shapes which require excessive welding, grinding, and finishing. Custom vacuum thermoformed parts are highly competitive with FRP (fiber-reinforced plastics) and RTM (resin transfer molded) parts in moderate annual production volumes (150-3,000). The following list represents possible examples of situations which benefits for selecting vacuum forming for the production of your plastic parts:
Ideal for repeated parts-aluminum castings can be made with virtually unlimited lifespan
Large parts can be produced at lower cost than with injection or rotational molding
Ability to create larger parts (60” - 96”)
Shorter prototyping and production times, often as quickly as 3 weeks
Lower start up costs-patterns and molds can be made from MDF, high density foams and epoxy
Good price point on small and medium runs

Completed Thermoforming Projects

Here is a brief list of a few of projects we had the pleasure to complete
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Our amazing clients

Here is a brief list of a few of our clients we work with

"Quality means doing it right when no one is looking."

- Henry Ford -

Why Choose House of Plastics Unlimited

We stand apart from the competitors by providing the below

Customer Service

We take pride into providing the best customer service on a daily basis. We do this through by consistently providing communication, being honest & taking pride in our work.

Competitive Pricing

We communicate with suppliers across the country, every day, in order to give you the most competitive price possible.

In-house Tooling

We are capable of expediting small run epoxy or fiberglass tooling as well as aluminum tooling for large production runs.

Design & Design Engineering Support

Our staff is comprised of over 125 years combined experience in the design and development of thermoplastic materials.

Our Brochure

Founded and run by engineers, technical capabilites and innovative engineering solutions are the heart of our business model. We specialize in fabricating and designing very large scale, high prescision products, tools and production parts.
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