The process involves heating plastic sheets of material to a specific forming temperature. The material is then formed into the mold by vacuum, removing the air between the mold and the material. Parts are then trimmed to drawing specifications and details
Custom parts for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
A master pattern is generally made of wood CNC milled to print specifications. This pattern can serve as a mold to form prototypes to review the part's fit and function. If changes are needed, they are easily done to the wood pattern. After approval of the prototypes, the master pattern is used in the aluminum casting process to make the production mold.
For tooling and prototypes, a master pattern can generally be made in just a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the design. Prototypes can soon follow after the pattern is mounted on a mold base.
With the thermoforming process, large molds and parts can be produced at a reasonable cost to relative size. Small parts are made cost-effectively by mounting multiple molds on one base and forming many parts simultaneously.
A master pattern is generally made of wood CNC milled to print specifications. This pattern can serve as a mold to form prototypes to review the part's fit and function. If changes are needed, they are easily done to the wood pattern. After approval of the prototypes, the master pattern is used in the aluminum casting process to make the production mold.