The Thermoforming Process

Thermoforming is a process where thermoplastic sheets are heated to a pliable temperature, formed to a specific shape using a mold, and trimmed to create a finished product.

Vacuum Forming takes it one step further. When the part is formed to the mold, vacuum pressure is added to assist with the molding of the part. In a nutshell, the plastic is sucked down onto the mold to allow for better detail and consistent thickness. Thermoforming and vacuum forming are used synonymously in the industry.

ICP also offers Large Part Thermoforming. How large is large? ICP can thermoform parts that are 8’ x 10’ with a 40” draw. We can also form plastic that is up to .437” thick. Now that’s a big piece of plastic!

ICP has broad capabilities beyond just the thermoforming itself. We also work with OEMs to assist in design, materials selection, rapid part prototyping, and manufacturing process efficiency. With our holistic expertise in vacuum forming services, we help our OEM partners meet and exceed their speed-to-market objectives. Read more about our product development services, or contact one of our new product professionals today.

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.

Will Thermoforming Produce Cosmetic Parts?
Thermoforming and vacuum forming can be used to create a cosmetic or decorative look. As a vacuum thermoformer with years of experience, we can achieve the high-quality aesthetic of other processes but at a lower cost to you than other processing methods.

Can My Part Be Thermoformed? 
Send us an email with your drawing or CAD attached for our review. We will discuss the manufacturability of the part and whether any changes need to be made to make it formable. We’ve got the real-world experience to analyze designs on a screen and determine how they’ll translate to the manufacturing floor and demands of the market.

• Lower tooling costs
• Much shorter tooling lead times
• Faster product development (rapid prototypes)

Add this all up, and you’re well-equipped to meet or exceed your speed-to-market objectives. Spend more time selling your product and less time waiting for it when you choose thermoforming.

 

ICP’s Heavy Gauge Thermoforming Capabilities

High-Quality Tooling
ICP offers a broad range of tooling options to meet your needs and budget. From wood tooling to water-cooled aluminum tooling for highly cosmetic parts, we have you covered.

Materials for Thermoforming and Vacuum Forming
ICP’s innovative Materials Center offers a wide variety of thermoplastics, and we’re always staying on the cutting edge of new material developments. Current options include:

 

Ask one of our Materials Experts to ensure the right material is selected for your application.

 

Equipment

ICP houses the latest machines with computer-controlled heat technology. This means faster cycles, consistent material thickness, and higher quality parts.

ICP uses both shuttle and rotary formers to cover size and quantity demands.

Our thermoforming equipment can form parts up to 8’ x 10’ with a 40” draw and .437” thick.

 

ICP serves the following markets for vacuum thermoforming parts and products

 

So What Kinds of Parts Have We Made?

We’ve done heavy gauge thermoforming for a wide variety of industries and applications. Don’t see yours below? Not a problem. We’re a custom manufacturer. Just let us know what you need, and we can make it happen.

 

Frustrated with Your Thermoforming or Vacuum Forming Suppliers? 
ICP takes on projects where other vacuum forming companies struggle to deliver quality parts on time. We’ve handled these before, and we’ll do it again for you. Get in touch with us and get your project back on the right track.

Problem Thermoformed Products or Vacuum-Formed Parts? 
Our heavy gauge thermoforming expertise can be used to either re-design the part or optimize the manufacturing process to eliminate defects. If you currently have a vacuum-formed part that is giving you problems, contact us for a free evaluation.

See ICP Expertise and Experience

• Quality and On-Time-Delivery Awards and Quality Report Card
• ICP Product Gallery – Thermoformed and vacuum-formed parts we have manufactured.

ISO 9001:2015 registered. ICP can perform PPAP, CPK, First Article Inspections, and Gage R&R Studies. This means you get what you want, when you want it.