Thermoforming Sheets and Applications
Sheets are available from 0.3mm to 10mm thicknesses and a width of upto 2500mm
Thermoforming is compatible with a variety of materials that can achieve a wide range of thermal, mechanical and chemical properties. Below, we’ve put together a little guide to the materials we commonly use for thermoforming and some of their ideal applications. The applications include but are not limited to the below mentioned examples. If you’d like more information about any of the materials listed below, reach out to us at sales@induthermoformers.com
It is a low cost, tough plastic that is easy to thermoform and fabricate.
Used for
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Point-of-purchase displays
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Packaging trays
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Printed graphics
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Thermoformed machine housings and parts
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Models and prototypes
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Shelves
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Kiosks
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Fixtures
Food-safe versions available
Medium cost plastic material with outstanding impact resistance, machinability, and thermoforming characteristics.
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Used for
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Machine housings, guards, and covers
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Instrument panels
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Models and prototypes
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Point-of-purchase displays
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Storage cases and display bases
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Thermoformed displays, trays, and tote bins
Can made be flame-retardant or UV-resistant by blending with other materials.
The top layer is made of impact-resistant PMMA, also known as "acrylic," which offers scratch resistance, defense against UV ray damage, excellent surface quality with a high gloss
Used for
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Automotive Parts: Dashboards, trim panels.
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Sanitary Ware: Shower trays, bathtubs.
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Home Appliances: Refrigerator and washing machine panels.
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Medical Devices: Housings, components.
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Signage: Outdoor displays.
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Consumer Electronics: TV, laptop casings.
Moderately expensive plastic with high stiffness, impact strength and temperature resistance, plus options for UV and scratch resistance.
Used for
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Indoor and outdoor signs
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Architectural glazing—medical facilities, retail and government buildings, and transportation
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POP displays and graphic holders
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Skylights
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Face shields
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Machine guards, sight glasses
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Semiconductor machinery components
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Transparent manifolds
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(Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Strong, stiff engineering plastic with excellent machining characteristics, chemical resistance, and bearing and wear properties.
PETG is often used for food processing machinery applications where low moisture absorption, low thermal expansion, resistance to staining, or resistance to cleaning chemicals is required.
Used for
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Signs
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Sign and graphic holders
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POP displays and store fixtures
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Product and table top displays
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Thermoformed trays
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Prototypes and models
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Orthotic and prosthetic devices
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Machine guards and housings
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(Polyvinyl Chloride)
Hard engineering plastic with strong mechanical properties and high chemical and electrical resistance. Can be rigid or flexible.
Used for
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Welded chemical tanks
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Manifolds
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Valve and pump housings
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Fittings
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Piping systems
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Cabinets and working surfaces
Polypropylene is a low cost, chemical resistant plastic with excellent aesthetic qualities. It is easy to weld using thermoplastic welding equipment and is often used in food packaging applications
Used for
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Flexible and rigid packaging
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Automotive industry
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Consumer products like housewares, furniture and luggage
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ASA
(Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)
ASA has high outdoor weatherability; it retains gloss, color, and mechanical properties in outdoor exposure. It has good chemical and heat resistance, high gloss, good antistatic properties, and is tough and rigid.
Used for
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Exterior Covers
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Automotive Housings
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Signage
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Marine Applications
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Consumer Electronics
Moderately hard, chemical and thermal durability makes it well-suited for chemical-resistant containers. Higher shrink rate than other materials, increases variability between parts.
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Used for
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Chemical tanks
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Material handling trays
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Pallets
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Cutting boards for food preparation
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Outdoor and indoor playground systems
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Marine construction (pile guards, bumpers, anti-skid surfaces)
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Orthotics and prosthetics
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Outdoor cabinetry and furniture
TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is a fatigue resistant sheet which is a combination of rubber and polypropylene. Because of its rubber content, TPE is more heat resistant requiring heating to a higher temperature than polypropylene for thermoforming. After forming, uniform cooling is required to minimize warpage and distortion. TPE provides more flexibility than polypropylene or co-polymer, but more rigidity than LDPE.
Used for
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Car mats
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Medical Device Equipment
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Automotive applications
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Made from renewable resources like corn starch, tapioca roots, or sugarcane. Its properties, however, are comparable to other plastics in the industry.
Used for
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Food Packaging
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Medical housings
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Signages
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Point of purchase displays
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Structural applications
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
TPU is a versatile polymer known for its excellent combination of flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance.
Used for
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Automotive Covers
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Sporting Goods
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Electronics
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Medical Devices
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Textiles