Strong Adaptability

Plastic thermoforming offers exceptional flexibility in manufacturing products of various sizes, thicknesses, and shapes. The raw material, typically sheets or films, can be as thin as 1–2 mm, or even thinner, while the final products can vary significantly in size. For instance, the surface area of thermoformed items can range from just a few square millimeters to over 10 square meters, accommodating both ultra-small and extremely large structures. Wall thicknesses also vary, reaching up to 20 mm or as thin as 0.1 mm, such as the thin-walled packaging used for individual tablets. Most thermoformed items are semi-shell structures, often featuring concave or convex shapes, with certain depth limitations. Typically, the raw material has a thickness of 0.5–2 mm, and the final product is even thinner, with special thin-walled products having a thickness of only 0.05 mm.

Broad Application Range

The versatility of thermoforming extends its application to a wide variety of industries and products. From pharmaceutical packaging like blister packs to large-scale items such as refrigerator liners and even aircraft canopies, thermoforming proves to be a practical and effective method. Common thermoformed products include cups, plates, household items, medical equipment, electronic accessories, radio and television casings, advertising boards, bathtubs, toys, helmets, and packaging containers. Furthermore, it is utilized in manufacturing automotive components, construction materials, chemical equipment, radar domes, and aerospace canopies, showcasing its diverse potential across multiple sectors.

 Cost-Effective Equipment and Molds

Thermoforming stands out for its low investment costs. The equipment is relatively simple and operates at low pressure, reducing the overall expenses for pressure systems. Additionally, thermoforming molds are straightforward and economical to manufacture. They can be made from inexpensive materials such as steel, aluminum, plastic, or composite materials like plaster. These molds are easy to produce and modify, with costs estimated at only 10% of injection mold costs. The quick adaptability of mold designs also makes thermoforming ideal for small-batch production, significantly enhancing its cost-efficiency.

High Production Efficiency and Waste Utilization

Thermoforming enables high production efficiency, particularly when using multi-cavity molds, achieving outputs of hundreds of units per minute. Moreover, it promotes resource conservation through the reuse of scrap materials. Most thermoforming methods generate excess material during production, such as 50% or more scrap from circular products or around 25% from rectangular items. These scraps can be recycled and blended with new materials to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency, further adding to the economic and environmental benefits of the process.