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.
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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.
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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.
Vacuum Forming and Pressure Forming with Industrial Custom Products
Everything we do is custom. We aren’t making run-of-the-mill and off-the-shelf parts. We manufacture custom parts specific to your needs each and every time. Let us know exactly what you want and need, and we will deliver.
ICP Serves the Following Markets for Vacuum Thermoforming Parts and Products:
Recreation
Medical
Fitness
Lawn & Garden
Agriculture
Heavy Truck
Electronics
Retail Merchandising
Consumer Products
Commercial Equipment
Filtration
Energy
Automotive
Telecommunications
Contact us and speak with an engineer about your project at (612) 781-2255, or request a quote online. You will receive a prompt response.
Industrial Custom Products is a one-stop-shop for custom manufacturing and plastic fabrication, including: prototyping and product development, die cutting and dieless knife cutting, thermoforming and vacuum forming, large part thermoforming, CNC plastic routing, fabrication and assembly and drape forming.
