THERMOFORMING / VACUUM FORMING

Hill Plastics, Inc. has eight thermoforming machines ranging in size from 2’x3′ to 5’x9′. Our latest addition to our thermoforming line is a 4′x7′ rotary thermoforming machine for high-volume production.

Materials Used

(ABS) Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene

(HDPE) High-Density Polyethylene

(PETG) Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol

High Temperature ABS

UV Resistant ASA/ABS

Decorative Foil Laminated

(PS) Polystyrene

KYDEX

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Processes

The process involves heating plastic sheets of material to a specific forming temperature. The material is then formed into the mold by vacuum, removing the air between the mold and the material. Parts are then trimmed to drawing specifications and details

Vacuum Forming (Thermoforming)

Sheet Bending (Heat Bending)

Drape Forming

Products & Applications

Our plastic thermoforming solution is used in various products and industries, including:

Enclosures

Displays

Custom OEM Parts

Industrial Applications

Automotive

Medical

Telecommunications (Radomes)

Material Handling (Trays Etc.)

OEMs

Custom parts for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)

Advantages of Thermoformed Plastic Parts

Low-Cost Tooling

A master pattern is generally made of wood CNC milled to print specifications. This pattern can serve as a mold to form prototypes to review the part's fit and function. If changes are needed, they are easily done to the wood pattern. After approval of the prototypes, the master pattern is used in the aluminum casting process to make the production mold.

Short Lead Times

For tooling and prototypes, a master pattern can generally be made in just a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the design. Prototypes can soon follow after the pattern is mounted on a mold base.

Part Cost

With the thermoforming process, large molds and parts can be produced at a reasonable cost to relative size. Small parts are made cost-effectively by mounting multiple molds on one base and forming many parts simultaneously.