【Thermoforming Applications】Vacuum Forming V.S. Pressure Forming: What's the Difference? Find Out Now!
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, and this article also provides a summarized comparison chart of practical applications for a more comprehensive evaluation!
【Finished Product Effects】
【Technical Principles】
- Vacuum forming is the most traditional thermoforming method, which uses vacuum to remove air between the heated plastic material and the mold. The vacuum ensures the plastic material conforms completely to the mold, capturing fine details, shapes, and other features.
First, a plastic sheet or roll of plastic is loaded onto the material carrier of the vacuum machine and heated from above. Once sufficiently softened, the vacuum forming tool is brought close to the template to form a seal. A vacuum pump then creates a vacuum, pulling the plastic sheet onto the mold of the vacuum forming tool. After the formed plastic shell cools and hardens, it is removed manually or with air. The resulting plastic shell can be trimmed or otherwise modified to meet specific specifications.
Pressure forming is the process of using air pressure on a heated plastic sheet to create molds or parts. It can create parts or tools with high levels of detail and texture.
First, a plastic sheet is inserted into a 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 allow any incoming air to escape. 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 generally allows for thicker plastic sheets than vacuum forming, it can be used for thicker parts.
．High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS): Stable, low-cost, and impact-resistant.
．EVA: Features low-temperature toughness and UV resistance.
．PETG: Offers good hardness, chemical resistance, impact resistance, transparency, and ductility, suitable for food-grade tools or parts.
．Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Can withstand high temperatures, is chemically resistant, soft, and flexible.
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, etc.
Thermoforming Templates
．Vacuum Forming Templates
In vacuum forming, male templates are most common, typically using thinner materials where a high level of detail is not expected, such as in packaging applications.
．Pressure Forming Templates
In pressure forming, female templates are most common. This process is typically used to create molds or parts with a high level of detail, texture, or other aesthetic features.
【Application Scope】
Comparison of the 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 desktop 3D printers.
The Mayku FormBox is compatible with a wide range of materials, including flexible and resin-resistant materials. It uses a 1000W ceramic heater to heat plastic sheets that can be replicated onto molds. Once the plastic sheet is heated and placed over the mold, air is extracted, causing the heated plastic sheet to conform to all the details of the mold, tool, or object.
Mayku Multiplier: Pressure Forming Machine
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, 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 tightly 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 applications.
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