Sensitivity of operating conditions and material properties for thermoforming process

Abstract

The thermoforming process involves three stages: sheet reheat; forming; and solidification. A polymeric sheet is heated in an oven to the desired forming temperature distribution. The sheet is then deformed to take the shape of the mould cavity and subsequently solidified. The deformation of the sheet is assisted by the application of a pressure differential and/or the use of a moving plug.