Understanding the Vacuum Forming Process – Dexin Plastic Technology Shares Its Expertise

Vacuum forming is a widely used plastic processing technique that involves heating a flat, rigid plastic sheet until it becomes pliable, then using vacuum suction to shape it over a mold. Once cooled, the plastic retains the precise shape of the mold. This efficient and cost-effective method is commonly used in industries such as plastic packaging, lighting, advertising displays, and decorative components.

Wuxi Dexin Plastic Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading, technology-driven enterprise specializing in integrated plastic processing solutions. With vacuum forming at the core of its operations, the company also offers a range of complementary plastic processing technologies. Dexin provides end-to-end packaging product solutions, including customized design, mold development, and supply chain management services.

Dexin’s Vacuum Forming Production Process

The Dexin team has outlined the key steps involved in the vacuum forming process for custom plastic packaging:

1. Mold Design and Fabrication

Based on client requirements or sample references, a custom vacuum forming mold is created. Common mold materials include plaster, wood, or metal. Plaster molds are air-dried or oven-dried to ensure complete curing. To ensure smooth vacuum suction, small holes (1–2 mm in diameter) are drilled in recessed areas of the mold that do not affect the final appearance of the product.

2. Mold Setup and Plastic Sheet Heating

Once fully dried, the mold is securely mounted onto the upper plate of the vacuum forming machine. Plastic sheets are cut to match the mold’s dimensions and fixed into a frame. This assembly is then placed into a temperature-controlled oven, where the sheet is heated until it reaches the ideal forming temperature and becomes soft and malleable.

3. Vacuum Forming Process

The heated plastic sheet is transferred into the forming chamber. Once the vacuum is activated, air is evacuated from beneath the sheet, allowing it to tightly conform to the mold surface. After cooling, the plastic takes on the detailed shape of the mold, resulting in a precisely formed packaging component.

4. Trimming and Finishing

After forming, the shaped plastic is trimmed to remove excess material and achieve the desired final product dimensions. The finished parts are then inspected, packaged, and prepared for delivery.

Dexin Plastic Technology continues to innovate in vacuum forming and plastic packaging solutions, ensuring high-quality production and responsive customization services for global clients.

For more information or to request a custom packaging solution, please contact us at [your contact details or link to inquiry page