Understanding Plastic Thermoforming in Utah

Ever since plastics were first developed, they have played an evolving role in manufacturing and product design. This material is malleable and versatile, making it suitable for numerous different applications. One of the processes that is used to turn raw plastic materials into specific shapes and designs is thermoforming. Thermoforming is a process that involves heating a plastic component and then shaping it into a three-dimensional object that can be used for many different applications. Once it has been molded into the designated shape, the plastic is trimmed and finished. Learning a little bit more about this process can help give you more insight into thermoforming and the importance of choosing the right company to provide you with plastic thermoforming in Utah:

• Design and modeling: Before thermoforming is done, a design must be created as the basis for the product. Oftentimes, someone who is requesting thermoforming services may have a model or design in the form of a computer-aided design (CAD) file. The provider of thermoforming service will usually be able to work with their customers to adapt the contents of this CAD file into a workable model.
• Component selection: There are many different kinds of plastics to choose from, and selecting the right plastic components and materials is an essential part of the thermoforming process. Different plastics have different aesthetics and properties, so it’s important to take the function of the plastic form into account when making your selection.
• Mold creation: Molding, or tooling, is a process in which a mold is made that the plastic material will be heated and formed to. This mold is typically made from aluminum, and a single mold can be used to manufacture a number of different parts under the right circumstances.
• Plastic forming: Now that the materials have been selected and the mold has been made, it’s time to begin the thermoforming process. First, the plastic material is heated to make it pliable. Then, through the use of vacuum and air pressure, the plastic is formed to the aluminum mold. Finally, the formed plastic cools against the mold completely before it is removed.
• Finishing and finalizing: There are usually portions of the plastic material that must be trimmed or shaped after the part has cooled. Depending on the specific provider of plastic thermoforming in Utah, this trimming might be done with highly accurate robotic trimmers for the best possible results. After trimming, the part can be painted and treated so that it is ready to be used for its intended application.

For quality thermoforming services that you can depend on, give D&D Plastics a call. We have been providing a range of plastic products and services, including plastic thermoforming in Utah, for nearly 40 years. We are dedicated to our customers and we are proud of our track record for exceptional quality and customer service. Regardless of the size or scope of your project, we have the tools, knowledge and expertise necessary to help you out. You can find out more by taking a look at our website or reaching out to us by phone today.

Categorised in: Plastic Thermoforming

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