Packaging is a necessary part of marketing your products. It’s the first thing that potential customers see—and it can make or break a sale.
That’s why it’s important to employ modern packaging techniques, like thermoformed mold, to make your products stand out to prospects.
Thermoformed mold is a versatile and cost-effective way to package your products and it’s used in many industries.
The process creates a plastic container that’s durable and attractive to your customers and can be used for a variety of products.
In this article, we’ll show you the basics of thermoformed molding and how it’s used in modern packaging techniques to elevate branding. If you’re interested in learning more about thermoformed mold, keep reading!
What is Thermoformed Mold?
Thermoformed mold is a process that’s commonly used in the packaging industry. It involves heating a plastic sheet until it becomes soft and pliable and then forming it around a mold. This method can create a wide variety of packaging products, including food containers, medical supplies, and more.
Thermoforming Packaging Techniques
Thermoforming is a manufacturing process that covers all of the various ways in which heated plastic sheets are formed.
Vacuum and pressure forming are common thermoforming methods utilized by packaging companies. But there are plenty of techniques that your company can use for your products.
Vacuum Forming
Vacuum forming is a popular and also the most common thermoforming technique. It’s often used to create basic, low-detail packaging.
A vacuum machine shapes a plastic sheet with heat to make it flexible. Then, the vacuum sucks out the air, which forces the sheet against a mold. The vacuum process is acknowledged for its cost-efficiency and quick manufacturing time.
Vacuum Forming Quick Facts:
- Quick production
- Cost-effective
- Versatile production volume
- Low-precision and accuracy
Pressure Forming
Pressure forming creates thick plastic products, such as appliance covers and vehicle interiors. It’s a great method for when product uniformity and durability are a must.
This thermoforming technique resembles vacuum forming. It includes heating the plastic sheet and drawing air away with a vacuum to compress it.
The key difference is that after the air is extracted to shape the plastic, a pressing tool ensures that it maintains its final form.
Pressure Forming Quick Facts:
- Cost-effective production
- Versatile production volume
- Increased levels of detail
- Creates durable, uniform products
Mechanical Forming
Mechanical forming is a precision-focused thermoforming technique. It’s used to create high-detail products like medical devices and electronic components.
A core plug compresses the plastic sheet and forces it to fill a gap between the mold and the core plug. The surface patterns are then imprinted onto the plastic sheet.
Mechanical Forming quick facts:
- Cost-effective production
- Medium to large production volume
- Increased levels of quality and detail
- Creates precise, high-quality products
Matched Mold Forming
Matched mold forming is a unique thermoforming technique. It’s used to create highly-accurate, two-sided products, such as covers, trimmings, and fixtures.
Matched molding uses a male and female mold to shape and heat plastic sheets. Then, force merges the two molds on the plastic sheet. This produces products that take the pattern or shape of the male and female molds.
The forming machine applies force to bring the molds together onto the plastic sheet. The sheet then takes the pattern or shape designed into the two molds.
Matched Mold Forming Quick Facts:
- Expensive production
- Medium to large production volume
- Increased levels of quality and detail
- Creates durable, two-sided products
Twin Sheet Forming
Twin sheet forming is a great thermoforming technique. It’s used to create products with two layers of different materials, such as plastic and foam. It’s ideal for producing hollowed items or products with double walls.
This procedure involves creating two layers and combining them to create one item. To produce the product, plastic sheets are heated simultaneously, molded, and joined together.
Twin Sheet Forming Quick Facts:
- Cost-effective
- Medium to large production volume
- Increased levels of quality and detail
- Creates hollowed or double-walled products
Thermoforming Packaging Materials
There are many different thermoforming packaging materials used to create attractive products for brands across many industries.
Some of the most popular thermoforming packaging materials include:
Polypropylene (PP)
PP is a highly popular, lightweight plastic material for thermoforming. It’s considered the most cost-efficient material in the packaging industry. And it also has excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and fatigue.
PP Packaging Uses:
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)
ABS is a rigid type of thermoplastic used in packaging. It’s durable, having the ability to withstand low temperatures and abrasion.
ABS Packaging Uses:
- Electronic packaging
- Food containers
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
PMMA is a type of high-strength acrylic plastic that has high elemental resistance. PMMA creates attractive, transparent packaging.
PMMA Packaging Uses:
- See-through packaging
- Water-resistant packaging
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is also a popular, water-resistant plastic used in packaging. This thermoplastic is also dense, durable, and can create rigid or flexible packaging.
PVC Packaging Uses:
- Unbendable packaging
- Water-resistant packaging
- Flexible packaging
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET is a chemical-resistant plastic often used in the food industry. It’s highly impact-resistant and has high tensile strength.
PET Packaging Uses:
- Chemical-resistant packaging
- Impact-resistant packaging
- Alcohol-resistant packaging
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is also a chemical-resistant thermoplastic often used for media products. It’s flexible, strong, and UV-resistant.
PET Packaging Uses:
- Chemical-resistant packaging
- Media packaging
- DVD packaging
Polystyrene (PS)
PP is a hydrocarbon polymer with transparent attributes. It’s used in various applications like CDs, food packaging, and jewelry.
PS Packaging Uses:
- Water-resistant packaging
- Air-resistant packaging
- Media packaging
- Food packaging
Polycarbonate (PC)
PC is a synthetic resin with high heat resistance. It’s popular for creating eye lenses, bulletproof glass, headlamps, and medical devices.
PS Packaging Uses:
- See-through packaging
- Impact-resistant packaging
- Heat-resistant packaging
Contact Plastiform to Learn More
Thermoformed mold is a great way to modernize your brand’s packaging. It’s cost-effective, attractive, and versatile for many different packaging needs.
With an array of different materials and techniques to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect packaging for your products and your customers.
Contact Plastiform Dallas to learn more about our thermoform packaging.