Can Different Colors Be Used In Thermoforming?

Can Different Colors Be Used In Thermoforming?

Thermoforming is a manufacturing process that pre-heats plastic sheets to a pliable temperature and then shapes them into a desired shape. Different colors can be used in thermoforming to deliver a unique look and feel to your product!

Colors

Color is a critical element to the product design and brand of any product. It helps convey a sense of what the product is, and can even be used as an emotional trigger for people. There are a variety of different colors that can be used in thermoforming processes. They can be molded right into the plastic sheets that are used for production. They can also be printed onto, using a digital printing process. This is a faster and more cost-effective way to create branded products with custom designs. UV curable inkjet inks are specially formulated to withstand heat, pressure, and stretching when applied during deep-draw thermoforming. They also maintain their opacity and color qualities after the forming process.

Gloss

If you’re looking to enhance product design and branding through color and gloss, the thermoforming process is a great choice. Thermoformed plastics are available in a wide range of integral colors and patterns that can add visual appeal to your products. Thermoformed polymers can be formed with a variety of coatings and clearcoats to achieve a glossy finish. High gloss is a mirror-like look that can make dark and light colors pop. It can also be used to highlight details and create a sense of depth in parts. This type of finishing is commonly found on automotive components like dashboards, bumpers and air ducts. To avoid gloss problems, control the mold and melt temperatures during the extrusion process. This is the most effective way to reduce gloss levels and maintain a good, smooth surface finish.

Texture

Texture is an important consideration when designing a thermoformed product. Unlike fiberglass, injection molding, rotational molding and blow molding processes, thermoformed products do not pick up the texture from the mold surface when molded. However, some materials can transfer the textured layer from the tool surface to the part when the sheet is heated and molded. This can result in an unsatisfactory surface finish or cause the formed part to be difficult to de-mold.

Finishing

Whether you’re looking for a bright finish, high resistance to UV and exposure or simply a more aesthetic look, you can add a color layer to your thermoformed parts. Unlike other molding, forming and stamping processes that lack this capability, we can include colors in the part shaping process to create the desired effect. When it comes to choosing a color for a new project, our team here at D&D Plastics works with our clients to help select the perfect match. Contact us today to learn more!

Categorised in: Plastic Thermoforming

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