Vacuum forming

16.02.2010

Process description

The principle of the technology is heating a sheet of plastic to a forming temperature. The sheet is held on a special table against the mold and with the use of vacuum it is stretched on to the mould. Next, the preformed semi finished part is trimmed in 5-axis CNC machines. Accuracy and repeatability is ensured by using specific fixtures. Often, complete modules are built by employing post treatment processes such us ultrasonic welding or gluing. The tools used for vacuforming are typically made of aluminium blocks or cast alloy. This depends on the shape and size of the part.

Promens can combine vacuum forming with other technologies. A good example is vacuforming and spraying with PUR foam.

There are basically 2 product segments:

• - soft parts such dashboard - vacuformed dashboard + soft PU foam + reinforcement
  - rigid construction parts – vacuformed ABS, PC + hard PU foam. These parts can be produced ether as two components sandwich or as three component sandwich.

Product examples: