Thin and thick gauge thermoforming

Thin and thick gauge thermoforming., There are two universal thermoforming procedures categories. Sheet thickness less than 1.5 mm (0.060 inches) is more often than not delivered to the thermoforming machine from rolls or from a sheet extruder. Thin gauge roll fed or inline extruded thermoforming applications are subjugated by rigid or semi rigid disposable packaging. Sheet thicknesses greater than 3 mm (0.120 inches) is typically delivered to the forming machine by hand or an auto feed method previously cut to final dimensions. Heavy or thick gauge, cut sheet thermoforming applications are mostly used as permanent structural components. There is a growing medium gauge market that forms sheet 1.5 mm to 3 mm in thickness.

Heavy gauge thermoforming function the same basic process as continuous thin gauge sheet forming, characteristically draping the heated plastic sheet over a mold. Many heavy gauge forming applications use two halves of mating form tooling and include air pressure to help form. Aircraft windscreens and machine gun turret windows spurred the advance of heavy gauge forming technology during WWII.

Heavy gauge parts are used as cosmetic surfaces on permanent structures such as automobiles, refrigerators, spas, and shower enclosures, and electrical and electronic equipment. Unlike most thin gauge thermoformed parts, heavy gauge parts are often hand worked after forming for trimming to final shape or for additional drilling, cutting, or finishing, depending on the product. Heavy gauge products typically are of a “permanent” end use nature, while thin-gauge parts are more often designed to be disposable or recyclable and are primarily used to package or contain a food item or product.

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