What is Vacuum Forming?

Vacuum forming, also known as thermoforming, is a technique to shape a variety of plastics to a mold called a buck. In school it is used to form/shape thin plastic, usually plastics such as; polythene and Perspex. Vacuum molding is used when an unusual shape like a ‘dish’ or a box-like shape is needed.

Thermoforming is among the oldest of plastic shaping techniques. Most of the plastic products we see in our daily life are produced using this technique. Common plastics shaped using this technique include polystyrene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, and acrylic. First-time users often use the inexpensive plastic styrene. In more expensive machines used in industrial process settings or for specialized purposes, a variety of fine-tuned pneumatic, hydraulic, and thermal controls are used.