Thermoforming
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Definition:
The process of forming a thermoplastic sheet into a three-dimensional shape by clamping the sheet in a frame, heating it to render it soft and pliable, then applying differential pressure to make the sheet conform to the shape of a mold or die positioned below the frame. When the pressure is applied entirely by vacuum, the process is called vacuum forming. When air pressure is employed to partially preform the sheet prior to application of vacuum the process becomes air-assist vacuum forming. In another variation, mechanical pressure is applied to a plug to partially preform the sheet (plug assist forming). In the drape forming modification, the softened sheet is lowered to drape over the high points of a male mold prior to application of vacuum. Still other modifications are: plug-and-ring forming—using a plug as the male mold and a ring matching the outside contour of the finished article, ridge forming-the plug is replaced with a skeleton frame, slip forming or air slip forming—the sheet is held in pressure pads which permit it to slip as forming progresses, bubble forming—the sheet is blown by air into a blister and then pushed into a mold by means of a plug. The term thermo-forming also includes methods employing only mechanical pressure, such as matched mold forming, in which the hot sheet is formed between registered male and female molds.
Definition Copyright ©1989 CRC Press LLC. All rights
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