Four Applications of Vacuum Moulding.

 Vacuum moulding is a type of thermoforming.

Thermoforming processes use heat to allow the shape of items, plastic in particular be altered. Vacuum moulding, also called vacuum forming is one example of a thermoforming process.

Vacuum moulding is done by taking a flat sheet of plastic and then heating it The heat makes it pliable and this is what makes it possible to form it to the shape of a mould. An air vacuum is then created to actually press the heated material to the mould. The heated material can be formed around a mould or pressed into one, as would be done if the original mould were a bowl.

Problems can arise with the vacuum moulding process. These, however, can be overcome by anticipating them and making a plan to deal with them. For example, if moisture is trapped in the plastic while it is being heated bubbles may form in the finished product, marring its appearance and appeal. This can be remedied by drying the plastic by heating it, but not to the point of melting, prior to beginning the actual moulding process. Problems can also arise if strict attention to detail is lacking. It is important, for example, to be sure the temperature is correct throughout the process. Negative issues can likewise occur if care is not taken to be sure the size of the plastic sheet will be large enough to fit the mold for which it is intended.

 Vacuum moulding is used for a variety of purposes.

 1) OEM or original equipment manufacturers often use vacuum moulding. OEM companies are businesses which make and sell components of a finished product to other businesses which sell the finished version. Vacuum moulding is used to make multiple plastic forms which can be used, in turn, to make the finished component the company is manufacturing.

 2) Vacuum moulding is commonly used to make packaging materials.

 3) The vacuum moulding process can be used to make a base mould which can in turn be used as a mould for other materials. This is similar to the way the procedure is used by OEM businesses but the applications are virtually limitless.

 4) Many products that are an integral part of our modern world are made by use of vacuum moulding. Car dashboards are made in this manner. So too are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and other medical equipment. ATM machines are made by a vacuum forming process.

 Vacuum moulding is used in various industries in a variety of ways. However, the process can also be used by the small business person or workshop hobby enthusiast. Would be inventors and any one who likes to fix or make things can make use of vacuum moulding techniques. Equipment for the process is relatively inexpensive as well, often costing well under $200. In some cases the companies that sell the equipment also sell moulds for various common household items.

 There are many different ways in which vacuum moulding is used by businesses and industry today. The potential for its use by the do it my self crowd, garage entrepreneurs and artistic souls looking for the right medium to express themselves are endless. It is a process simple to learn and easy to master.