Vacuum Forming

Vacuum forming is a generic term nowadays and usually includes thermoforming , pressure forming and twin sheet forming to form a coverall type of generic molding. In pressure forming, the sheet is heated and positioned the same as in vacuum forming, but a second piece of tooling (or box as some call it) with positive pressure is used in addition to the vacuum to push the sheet into the shape. Secondary trimming and additional operations are the same as in vacuum forming. In vacuum forming, the pressures are lower and the overall costs of molds and set ups are usually lower. The process is ideal for larger parts and runs of less than 10,000 pieces.