Custom Vacuum Forming & Thermoforming Process and Service

Vacuum Forming & Thermoforming Service and Process

Welcome to SME Plastic, your vacuum forming & thermoforming partner for high-quality vacuum-formed products in China. With 9 years of experience, we provide custom solutions at competitive prices, ensuring your ideas come to life with ease and precision. Below is an overview of our comprehensive vacuum forming and thermoforming process

Vacuum Forming Service & Process

1. Design & Consultation

Start by providing us with your 3D drawings ( IGS, STP or STEP format file ) or physical samples. If you don’t have these, don’t worry – our skilled design team can work with you to create a design that perfectly matches your needs and vision.

2. Selecting the Ideal Material & Thickness

We help you choose the best materials and thickness based on your product’s intended use. Our team will suggest the right options and confirm all details, ensuring you receive the best possible pricing without sacrificing quality. We offer a wide range of thermoplastics, including: ABS, HDPE, PETG, Acrylic, PC, Decorative Laminated Foil, PS, UV Resistant ABS，ASA etc.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
A versatile, impact-resistant, and cost-effective option suitable for various applications.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Known for its strength, durability, and resistance to chemicals and moisture.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Offers excellent clarity, impact resistance, easily formable, ideal for displays and packaging.

PMMA (Acrylic)
Provides exceptional optical clarity, UV resistance, and scratch resistance, often used for lenses and signage.

PC (Polycarbonate)
Highly impact-resistant, transparent, and temperature-resistant, making it suitable for demanding applications.

PVC
Flexible and fire-resistant, good for outdoor use. It’s also affordable and can be made in various colors and textures.

PS (Polystyrene)
A lightweight and cost-effective option commonly used for disposable products and packaging.

RPET
Recycled and eco-friendly, good for sustainable products. It helps reduce plastic waste and can be used to make a wide range of items.

3. Precision Mold Making

We primarily use high-quality aluminum to create molds, but can also use wood or other materials if necessary. Our mold production process leverages advanced CNC machining technology to guarantee accuracy and repeatability:

3D Design Conversion: Your product’s 3D design is meticulously translated into a 3D mold design, ensuring every detail is faithfully captured.

CNC Machining: Our state-of-the-art CNC machines precisely carve the mold from the chosen material, adhering to the tightest tolerances for exceptional part consistency.

4. Vacuum Forming Steps

First, we install the aluminum mold in the vacuum forming machine and heat it to the correct temperature. Next, we load and secure the material sheet onto the machine. The material is heated until it becomes pliable, ready for shaping. We then use vacuum pressure to form the material tightly against the mold, capturing all the fine details.

Finally, we cool the product using water sprays and fans before carefully removing it from the mold.

Vacuum forming pet tray

Vacuum forming logistic tray

5. CNC Milling and Drilling

After forming, each product is trimmed to remove excess plastic using our CNC machines. These machines allow us to achieve precise shapes and intricate details, ensuring high-quality results for every piece.accuracy and increased efficiency.

CNC milling

CNC drilling

6. Deburring & Polishing

Once machining is complete, we polish and clean each product. This step removes any rough edges and ensures a smooth, professional finish, preparing your product for any additional treatments.

7. Additional Treatments: Gluing, Painting, and Screen Printing

To further enhance your product, we offer additional services such as gluing, painting, and screen printing. These treatments can add both function and style, tailored to your specific requirements.

Painting

Screen Printing

8. Quality Inspection

Our experienced team conducts thorough quality inspections on every product. We check for accurate dimensions, consistent color, and overall quality to ensure each item meets or exceeds your expectations.

Color Inspection

Resistance detection

9. Packaging and Delivery

We use sturdy packaging methods, such as cartons, wooden crates, or pallets, to protect your products during shipping. We can also handle delivery arrangements to save you time and ensure your products arrive safely.

Carton Package

Wood Pallets

Custom Quote

Choose SME Plastic for trusted and high-quality vacuum forming services. Contact us today to turn your ideas into reality with precision and care, backed by our commitment to excellence.