---
title: Troubleshooting the Vacuum Forming Process
description: Troubleshoot the vacuum forming process by avoiding webbing. Follow these tips to prevent webbing in your final product.
image: https://industrialcustom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/shutterstock_1881981949.jpg
---
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# Troubleshooting the Vacuum Forming Process
November 17, 2022
It’s incredibly frustrating when the [vacuum forming process](https://industrialcustom.com/thermo-and-vacuum-forming/) ends in a warped or wrinkled part. It wastes your materials, time, and effort.
The best way to avoid disaster is to know the warning signs, and how to fix them.
### ⇨ Read Now: [How Thermoforming and Vacuum Forming Introduce Flexibility Into Your Production](https://industrialcustom.com/blogs/vacuum-forming/vacuum-forming-production/)
## Preventing Webbing During the Vacuum Forming Process
One very common vacuum forming issue is **webbing**. Webbing is the presence of unwanted wrinkles or pleats in the finished product. They often appear between the tool and the base area and look the webbing of a duck’s feet (hence the name).
## Causes of Webbing
**There are a few common causes for webbing:**
- The mold or tool is too high in relation to the base area
- Sharp vertical corners with minimal draught angles
- Deep male (positive) molds in close proximity to each other
- Too much material
Regardless of the cause, there are some best practice steps to take to troubleshoot these errors.
## How to Prevent Webbing
1. **Smaller sheet size –** In this case, less is more. Reduce the amount of material used for a tighter fit.
2. **Angled blocks around the mold –** Place angled blocks around the corners of your mold, to gather any excess material. These can then be removed along with the base area.
3. **Extra frames in clamping frame** – Adding extra frames to your clamping frame can also reduce the likelihood of webbing. You can use wires or steel blades for this purpose.
4. **Extra frame on the plug-assist –** Attach a frame to the plug-assist. This helps force the material down.
5. **Add radius corners –** Add draught angle/radius corners to allow the material to flow over the tool and mold.
6. **Use female (negative) molds** – Using a female mold will reduce or prevent the number of webbing between molds.
7. **Reduce speed of vacuum –** Sometimes a high vacuum speed can cause webbing issues, and simply reducing the speed will resolve them.
8. **Increase the mold height** – Add a 45-degree apron to the base of your tool. This pulls excess material away from your mold, so it can be easily removed.
Here is an example of a vacuum formed part created using some of the above troubleshooting methods:
Some vacuum forming issues involve webbing, and a majority of webbing issues can be resolved by following the above tips. Still encountering issues you don’t see here? [For expert assistance with your vacuum formed part](https://industrialcustom.com/thermo-and-vacuum-forming/), contact Industrial Custom Products. Our engineers and materials experts are well-equipped to troubleshoot problem parts and processes.
Contact us and speak with an engineer about your project at (612) 781-2255, or [request a quote online](https://industrialcustom.com/request-a-quote/). You will receive a prompt response.
---
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