Custom PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Vacuum Forming & Thermoforming Service

At SME Plastic, we specialize in transforming your ideas into tangible products using advanced vacuum forming and thermoforming techniques. One material we excel in working with is PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), a versatile thermoplastic polymer renowned for its exceptional properties.

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What is PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)?

PET, short for Polyethylene Terephthalate, is a strong, lightweight plastic that has been a cornerstone in various industries since the late 1950s. You likely encounter PET daily, whether it’s the bottle holding your favorite beverage or the clear clamshell packaging protecting electronics. Its popularity stems from its impressive combination of transparency, durability, and recyclability.

What is PET Vacuum Forming?

Vacuum forming, also known as thermoforming, is a cost-effective manufacturing process ideal for creating various plastic components. It involves heating a sheet of plastic, in this case, PET, until it becomes pliable. The softened sheet is then draped over a mold and a vacuum is applied, pulling the material tightly against the mold’s contours. Once cooled, the PET sheet retains the shape of the mold, resulting in a custom-formed plastic product.

Vacuum Forming & Thermoforming Grade PET Sheet

Not all PET is created equal. For vacuum forming and thermoforming, specific grades of PET sheets are used. These grades are formulated to offer optimal flexibility and heat stability during the forming process, ensuring high-quality results.

Comparing PET Material Properties for Vacuum Forming

To help you choose the right PET material for your project, let’s compare the properties of different grades:

Feature	PETG (Glycol-Modified PET)	APET (Amorphous PET)	RPET (Recycled PET)
Transparency	Excellent	Excellent	Good to Excellent (depending on the recycling process)
Impact Resistance	Very Good	Good	Good
Heat Resistance	Up to 75C (167°F)	Up to 70℃ (158°F)	Similar to virgin PET
Barrier Properties (Moisture, Gas)		Good	Good
Food Contact Safety	Generally safe	Generally safe	Check for appropriate certifications
Recyclability	Recyclable	Recyclable	Highly recyclable

Note: This table provides a general comparison. Specific properties can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and additives.

Key Benefits of PET Vacuum Forming

Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to injection molding, vacuum forming utilizes less expensive tooling and has shorter lead times, making it ideal for both prototyping and medium-volume production runs.

Design Flexibility

Vacuum forming accommodates a wide range of shapes and sizes, allowing for intricate designs and complex geometries.

High-Quality Finish

PET vacuum forming produces parts with excellent surface finishes, often eliminating the need for secondary operations like painting.

Material Versatility

The availability of various PET grades, including recycled options, caters to diverse project requirements and sustainability goals.

Applications of PET Vacuum Forming

The versatility of ABS vacuum forming makes it suitable for a wide range of industries and applications, including:

Packaging

Food trays, clamshell packaging, blister packs, point-of-sale displays

Medical

Medical device trays, equipment covers, pharmaceutical packaging

Electronics

Electronic enclosures, housings, battery covers

Automotive

Interior trim components, dashboards, door panels

Consumer Goods

Cosmetic displays, toys, signage

SME’s PET Vacuum Forming Product Gallery

Custom Vacuum-Formed Plastic Container for Medical Devices

Custom Vacuum-Formed Strawberry Packing Containers and Trays for Transport

Customizable PS PET PVC Anti-static Electronic Turnover Suction Tray

Reinforced PET/PVC Disposable Vacuum Formed Egg Trays – Custom Sizes & Cavities

Get a Custom PET Vacuum Forming Quote

Ready to bring your product idea to life? Contact SME Plastic today for a custom quote. Our team of experts is ready to discuss your project requirements and provide tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. We’re committed to delivering high-quality ABS vacuum forming service at competitive prices.