---
title: Vacuum Forming vs Pressure Forming
description: Pressure forming is a type of vacuum forming, where a plastic part is formed using vacuum pressure around a mold.
image: https://industrialcustom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/AdobeStock_169672745.jpeg
---
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# Vacuum Forming vs Pressure Forming
December 13, 2022
[Vacuum forming](https://industrialcustom.com/thermo-and-vacuum-forming/) is an efficient, accurate, and cost-effective method of creating plastic fabricated parts. One question we often get about vacuum forming is: what’s the difference between vacuum forming and pressure forming? The two are very similar, but there are a few key differences.
### ⇨ Read Now: [How Thermoforming and Vacuum Forming Introduce Flexibility Into Your Production](https://industrialcustom.com/blogs/vacuum-forming/vacuum-forming-production/)
## What is Vacuum Forming?
Vacuum forming is the process of heating up a sheet until it is pliable and using vacuum pressure to form a plastic part around a mold. In a nutshell, the plastic is heated and then sucked down onto the mold to allow for better detail and consistent thickness.
### ⇨ Read Now: [Troubleshooting the Vacuum Forming Process](https://industrialcustom.com/blogs/troubleshooting-the-vacuum-forming-process/)
## What is Pressure Forming?
Pressure forming is “the next step” in the vacuum forming process when more detail or tighter tolerances are required. Pressure forming is similar to vacuum forming with added air pressure above the plastic sheet. This additional air pressure above the sheet helps achieve greater detail and tighter tolerances that are generally only achieved with injection molding.
## How to Choose Between Vacuum Forming and Pressure Forming
Because pressure forming is a subset of vacuum forming, the two services are often offered together. Which process is “better” depends on your part – the best way to choose between these processes is to partner with a plastic parts fabrication expert who can advise.
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