【Thermoforming Applications】Vacuum Forming V.S. Pressure Forming: What's the Difference? Find Out Here!
Both vacuum forming and pressure forming are thermoforming technologies. However, there are significant differences in "finished product effects," "technical principles," "common materials," and "application scope." In the video, the founder of Mayku compares the two. This article also provides a consolidated comparison chart for practical applications to help you make a more comprehensive evaluation!
【Finished Product Effects】
【Technical Principles】
- Vacuum forming is the most traditional thermoforming method, which uses vacuum to remove air between heated plastic sheets and the mold. The vacuum forces the plastic sheet to conform perfectly to the mold, capturing details, shapes, and other features.
First, the plastic sheet or roll of plastic sheet is loaded onto the material carrier of the vacuum forming machine and heated from above. Once sufficiently softened, the vacuum forming tool is brought close to the template to form a seal. Then, a vacuum pump creates a vacuum, pulling the plastic sheet onto the mold of the vacuum forming tool. After the formed plastic shell cools and solidifies, it is removed by hand or with air. The resulting plastic shell can be trimmed or otherwise modified to meet specific specifications.
Pressure forming uses air pressure on a heated plastic sheet to create molds or parts. This process can produce parts or tools with high levels of detail and texture.
First, the plastic sheet is inserted into the pressure forming machine, positioned above the mold. It is heated from above. Once the appropriate temperature is reached, pressurized air pushes the plastic sheet onto the mold. Vents expel any incoming air. Once sufficiently cooled and hardened, the plastic sheet is removed from the mold, and the resulting plastic shell can be modified and adjusted according to specific specifications.
【Common Materials】
Thermoforming Plastic SheetsVacuum forming and pressure forming use the same plastic sheets, although pressure forming can typically use thicker plastic sheets than vacuum forming, allowing for thicker parts.
．High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS): Stable, low-cost, and impact-resistant.
．EVA: Features low-temperature toughness and UV resistance.
．PETG: Good hardness, chemical resistance, impact resistance, transparency, and ductility, suitable for food-grade tools or parts.
．Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Can withstand high temperatures, chemical corrosion, is soft and elastic.
Other materials used for pressure forming and vacuum forming include:
．Acrylic (PMMA)
．Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
．Polycarbonate (PC)
．Polyethylene (PE)
．Polypropylene (PP)
．Polystyrene (PS)
．Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
．And other plastic sheets.
Thermoforming Molds
．Vacuum Forming Molds
Male molds are most common in vacuum forming, typically using thinner materials, and the expected level of detail is not as high in applications like packaging.
．Pressure Forming Molds
Female molds are most common in pressure forming, usually used to create molds or parts with a high level of detail, texture, or other aesthetic appearances.
【Applications】
Comparison of Advantages of the Two Technologies
Mayku 3D Forming Machines
Mayku FormBox: Vacuum 3D Forming Machine
The Mayku FormBox is a desktop vacuum-powered 3D forming machine, part of the Mayku 3D Forming Machine series. 3D models are supported by technologies like thermoforming and are as easy to use as a desktop 3D printer.
The Mayku FormBox is compatible with a variety of materials, including flexible and resin-resistant materials. It uses a 1000W ceramic heater to heat plastic sheets that can be replicated onto a mold. Once the plastic sheet is heated and placed over the mold, air is drawn out to make the heated plastic sheet conform to all the details of the mold, tool, or object.
Mayku Multiplier: Pressure Forming Machine
The Mayku Multiplier is a desktop 3D forming machine that uses industrial pressure forming technology. It is compatible with a variety of plastic types and thicknesses, capable of producing highly detailed final parts and molds. When filled with compressed air, the Multiplier's dome is pressurized to four atmospheres. This pressure forces air into the heated plastic sheet, making it conform more closely to every crevice of the mold, and capable of capturing details smaller than <1 micron, such as EVA.
Did you enjoy this sharing? You can choose the appropriate 3D forming machine based on your usage needs! 3DMart offers more than just 3D printing; contact us now to learn more about vacuum forming application cases.
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References