Click to ExpandPlastic is one of the most preferred manufacturing materials due to its durability and ductility, with different components used in the medical, automotive, electrical, aerospace, marine, and construction industries. In particular, the plastic thermoforming process has upsides over other plastic, metal, and FRP manufacturing techniques, including low tooling costs and faster product development. Establishing a significant supplier relationship with a qualified plastic products manufacturing company is essential to maintain a reliable partnership. However, with many companies available, finding one that employs advanced technologies and procedures can take time and effort. This article will help you make an informed decision in selecting the right thermoforming manufacturer as we highlight the key factors you want to consider. Important Considerations When Selecting a Plastic Thermoforming Manufacturer Each plastic thermoforming manufacturer offers a unique set of capabilities, so it is necessary to seek one that specializes in the crucial aspects of your project. The right company should not only produce quality products but can also deliver them on time. Additionally, they should promptly respond to your inquiries and optimize your experience. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a thermoforming partner: Material Availability and Expertise When manufacturing plastic products, different thermoforming companies specialize in and offer varying materials. Ensure that the thermoformer works with the materials you need and provides a selection of options. It is also important to check that the company is proficient in material selection. Most established and reliable companies have developed positive relationships with their raw materials suppliers. This will expedite the accomplishment of specified requirements, such as design tolerances, heat resistance, and permeability. To start, it helps if the company offers the following materials that are commonly used in the thermoforming process: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Medium-Density Polyethylene (MDPE), and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Amorphous Polyethylene Terephthalate (APET), Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (RPET), and Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) There are many other niche materials that can also be used in thermoforming, depending on the application for the final product. Your plastics manufacturing partner should be able to help you select the right material for your application. Equipment and Manufacturing Capabilities Ensure that the thermoforming company is equipped with cutting-edge machinery and equipment for manufacturing plastic products that are dependable and high performing. It would also be advantageous if they had optimized production methods and techniques for the material you require. Quality should always be a concern; therefore, you should inspect products and inquire about processes to guarantee they meet global standards and your requirements. The following are the manufacturing processes and techniques that most thermoforming companies offer: Vacuum forming Pressure forming Mechanical forming Drape forming Matched mold forming Twin sheet forming Billow forming Competence of Design and Engineering Team Inquire as to whether the company’s design and engineering teams have worked on similar projects in the past. This will help you determine whether they are qualified to handle your project. If they have yet to work on a project like yours but are still willing to collaborate, verify that they have the necessary skills and knowledge. Here are some of the manufacturing aspects in which the design and engineering team should be well-versed, regardless of the project: Production volume Part design Thermoforming temperature Thermoforming forces Mold design features Mold surface finish Production Capacity and Additional Services Whether you require prototypes, small-scale runs, or bulk production, the thermoforming company you select must be able to accommodate the scale of your project. For example, working with a manufacturer who offers extensive project development and implementation services — including trimming, bonding, and assembly solutions — would be ideal. Standards and Certifications When selecting a plastic products manufacturing partner, it is crucial to determine if the supplier adheres to acceptable standards. They should be familiar with ISO standards, metric requirements, MIL specifications, RoHS compliance, REACH compliance, Prop 65 compliance, and many others. Pricing Price is always a consideration when evaluating your projects. Many factors go into the final price of your product, including raw materials, manufacturing processes, and total volume produced. Also consider the expertise, responsiveness, and additional services provided by a manufacturer when looking at the total cost of a project. Finally, look at the solution provided by a manufacturer, as the finished product they recommend may actually provide a lower total cost of ownership when factoring in back-end labor and other savings. Partner With Jamestown Plastics for High-Quality Custom Plastic Products Jamestown Plastics is one of the world’s most diverse custom plastic companies. We are committed to providing our customers with exceptional quality products, which we can only accomplish through knowledge and technical expertise. We also have an ISO 9001:2015 certified Quality Assurance Program bolstered by cutting-edge equipment and an experienced team to ensure quality from design to production. In addition, all design and tooling work is done in-house, enabling us to establish tight control over all projects while reducing lead times. Our experts can help you achieve high-quality plastic products for your requirements! Get in touch with us to learn more about our services and solutions.
Why Thermoforming Could Be The Best Choice For Manufacturing Your Product Click to ExpandThis blog will cover the basics of thermoforming and how it helps different industries stay on top of the market with its practical and financial benefits. What Is Thermoforming? Thermoforming transforms plastic sheet into a 3-dimensional shape using heat, vacuum, and pressure. In this process, plastic is heated to its softening point and then [...]
Heavy Gauge vs. Light Gauge Thermoforming Thermoforming is a versatile and cost-effective manufacturing method to create plastic parts and products. One key consideration in the process is choosing between heavy gauge and light gauge materials, which refer to the plastic sheet’s thickness. Both options have distinct benefits, contingent upon the specific project application and requirements. In this blog article, we will examine [...]
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What Is Thermoforming? Thermoforming transforms thermoplastics through a series of processes, including heat, vacuum, and pressure, applied to a plastic sheet material. It utilizes a variety of machines to produce plastic products, including high-speed in-line thermoforming lines with robotic automation, light-gauge roll-fed machines, and larger sheet-fed machines for heavy-gauge products. This process allows parts to be produced with lower [...]
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Industries Leveraging Custom Plastic Thermoforming Plastic thermoforming has become increasingly popular as a top manufacturing process in various industries. Using heat and pressure to shape plastic sheet into proper forms provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for product manufacturing. Moreover, it presents numerous benefits over alternative manufacturing methods, including decreased tooling costs and improved material efficiency. Here are some of the [...]
Clamshells vs. Blisters Packaging is often the first point of contact between a customer and a product. As such, it can impact consumer perceptions. Therefore, choosing the most suitable type of packaging that protects the product and conveys the brand’s message effectively is essential. Clamshells and blisters are two popular packaging types that can provide various benefits, from [...]
Material Matters: Choosing the Right Medical Tray Plastic for Safety and Durability A medical tray serves a variety of purposes in healthcare settings, primarily in holding sterilized parts and equipment. It is also used for organizing and transporting medical instruments or facilitating efficient workflows during medical procedures. A medical tray plastic is a specialized material used to manufacture these trays. This blog discusses the types of plastic used [...]
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Medical Thermoforming Applications Thermoforming is a versatile manufacturing process that entails heating plastic sheets to a malleable state and then forming it with molds. Its significance in the medical field stems from its ability to produce cost-effective, lightweight, and disposable products that meet stringent quality requirements. Moreover, its accessibility, dependability, and efficacy make it indispensable for delivering safe [...]
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Understanding the Plastic Manufacturing Process Click to Expand Plastic is a versatile material that can be molded into a wide range of shapes and sizes, making it ideal for various applications. From food packaging and containers to medical equipment and car parts, plastic manufacturing plays a crucial role in the production of items. The process begins with the selection of raw [...]
Electronics Thermoforming Applications While the origin of thermoforming can be traced back to the 19th Century, it was the mid-20th century when it was first introduced to the electronics sector. The process entails heating plastic sheet and shaping it into a specific form to manufacture various electronic products or packaging for those products. This approach has revolutionized the [...]
