Thickness
0.2-3 mm
SME Plastic is your trusted supplier for high-quality thin gauge vacuum forming solutions. We specialize in manufacturing custom plastic parts for diverse industries using advanced techniques and a variety of materials. Contact [email protected] today to discuss your project needs!
0.2-3 mm
180 mm
Easy to mold and paint, great for making small, detailed parts that look nice.
Flexible and fire-resistant, good for thin sheets that need to bend without breaking.
Tough and chemical-resistant, perfect for making thin food containers that don’t leak.
Clear and strong, ideal for thin see-through covers that don’t crack easily.
Weather-resistant and keeps its color, great for thin outdoor signs that don’t fade.
Cheap and easy to shape, good for making lots of thin, disposable items quickly.
Very clear and shiny, perfect for thin display cases that look fancy.
Light and doesn’t break easily, great for thin lids or packaging that needs to open and close a lot.
Can handle hot and cold, ideal for thin food trays that go from freezer to oven.
Made from recycled plastic, good for eco-friendly thin packaging that’s still strong.
Easy to form and tough, great for thin signs or packaging that needs to be clear and durable.
Plant-based and breaks down naturally, perfect for thin, eco-friendly items that don’t last forever.
There are many reasons why choosing vacuum formed thin gauge plastic products could be the right solution for your needs! Here are a few key benefits:
Cost-effectiveness: Vacuum forming is a very efficient manufacturing process, especially for larger production runs. This can translate to significant cost savings compared to other methods like injection molding.
Design flexibility: This technique allows for creating complex shapes and intricate details, giving you more freedom in your product design.
Lightweight yet durable: Thin gauge plastic provides a great balance between weight and strength, making it ideal for applications where both are important.
Fast turnaround times: Vacuum forming generally has shorter lead times compared to other methods, allowing you to get your products to market quicker.
Versatility of materials: You can choose from a wide range of plastics with various properties like clarity, flexibility, and impact resistance to match your specific requirements.
Prototyping options: Vacuum forming is perfect for creating prototypes quickly and affordably, allowing you to test and refine your design before mass production.
What is vacuum forming thin gauge plastic?
Vacuum forming thin gauge plastic is a manufacturing process where a thin sheet of plastic is heated and then stretched over a mold using vacuum suction. This allows the plastic to take the shape of the mold, creating a 3D object. It’s like shrink-wrapping, but instead of heat shrinking a material onto something, you’re using suction to pull it into a specific shape.
Can you produce clear plastic components through thin gauge plastic vacuum forming?
Absolutely! We can definitely produce clear plastic components using thin gauge vacuum forming. In fact, it’s a popular choice for creating transparent parts like:
Packaging blisters and clamshells: These allow customers to see the product inside while keeping it protected.
Point-of-purchase displays: Clear displays can showcase products effectively and attractively.
Lighting fixtures and lenses: Thin, clear plastic is ideal for creating lightweight and durable light covers or lenses.
Medical device components: Clear plastic allows for easy visualization in medical applications.
We offer a variety of clear plastic materials suitable for vacuum forming, including PETG, polycarbonate, and acrylic. Each material has its own unique properties, and we can help you choose the best one for your specific needs.
Is vacuum formed thin gauge plastic recyclable?
The recyclability of vacuum formed thin gauge plastic depends primarily on the type of plastic material used. Here’s a breakdown of some common options:
Recyclable plastics:
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Widely recycled and often used in bottles and food packaging.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Commonly recycled and found in milk jugs, detergent bottles, and some plastic bags.
PP (Polypropylene): Increasingly accepted in recycling programs and used for items like yogurt containers and bottle caps.
Less commonly recycled plastics:
PS (Polystyrene): Recycling options are more limited, but some facilities accept it.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Recycling is less common due to its chemical composition.
We can help you choose a recyclable plastic material for your project and provide information on proper disposal or recycling options. We are also committed to using sustainable practices in our manufacturing processes.
Custom solutions tailored to your needs. Request now for precision quote.