What is Vacuum Forming ?
Vacuum forming is a manufacturing process used to shape thermoplastic sheets into three-dimensional forms or products. The process involves heating a plastic sheet until it becomes soft and pliable, then placing it over a mold or a forming tool. A vacuum is then applied to remove the air between the sheet and the mold, causing the plastic to be drawn tightly against the mold's surface by atmospheric pressure. This results in the plastic sheet conforming to the shape of the mold, creating a detailed and accurate reproduction of the mold's design.
Once the plastic sheet has taken the desired shape, it is cooled to solidify and retain the formed shape. After cooling, the formed plastic part is removed from the mold, and any excess material is trimmed off to create the final product.
Vacuum forming is a versatile and cost-effective manufacturing technique that is widely used in various industries. It is particularly suitable for producing low to medium volume production of custom-shaped plastic products, such as packaging trays, containers, automotive parts, signage, display items, and consumer goods. The process allows for quick prototyping and efficient production of complex shapes without the need for expensive tooling, making it an attractive option for many applications.
What is Vacuum Forming Sheets ?
Vacuum forming PET sheets is a manufacturing process where a heated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic sheet is stretched over a mold, and vacuum pressure pulls it into shape. The steps include:
Heating – The PET sheet is softened using infrared heaters.
Forming – The pliable sheet is placed over a mold, and vacuum suction forces it to conform.
Cooling & Trimming – The shaped plastic hardens and is cut to size.
PET is ideal for food packaging, trays, and displays due to its clarity, strength, and recyclability. This method is cost-effective for medium-volume production with quick prototyping.
for more details, you can download the pdf below:
data sheet of clear plastic for vacuum forming.pdf
Why choose us for Vacuum Forming Sheets ?
Premium Vacuum Forming Sheets (PET)
Clear, Strong, and Versatile Polyester Sheets for Precision Molding
Our PET vacuum forming sheets are crafted to deliver exceptional clarity, strength, and formability—ideal for creating high‑quality, detailed molded products that perform beautifully and last.
✅ Why Choose Our PET Vacuum Forming Sheets?
✔ Excellent Formability – Specifically designed for vacuum forming, providing deep draws, smooth flow, and sharp detail reproduction.
✔ Superior Strength & Impact Resistance – Rigid yet tough, ensuring molded parts withstand repeated use and mechanical stress without cracking or deforming.
✔ Brilliant Optical Quality – High light transmission with minimal haze delivers crystal‑clear, premium results for displays and packaging.
✔ Thermal & Dimensional Stability – Retains shape and accuracy under heat, maintaining precise dimensions throughout the forming process.
✔ Protective Barrier & Chemical Resistance – Shields against moisture, UV, oils, oxygen, and chemicals, ensuring reliability in food, medical, industrial, and outdoor environments.
✔ Customizable & Eco‑Friendly – Available in a range of thicknesses and widths, with finishes including matte, gloss, anti‑fog, anti‑static, UV‑stable, and more. Fully recyclable, with both virgin and recycled PET options.
Ideal Applications:
Blister packs, thermoformed trays, clamshells, face shields, signage, display panels, decorative molded parts, and protective covers.
We offer bulk sheets, custom cuts, protective films, CNC processing, and fast global delivery. Choose our PET vacuum forming sheets for unmatched clarity, strength, and precision in every project.
What is the main application of Vacuum Forming Sheets ?
When it comes to applications, unlike the translucent nature of conventional plastics, PET sheets provide adjustable transparency based on specific requirements. Their excellent ductility and plasticity also make them suitable for decorative purposes in homes or offices. Moreover, even at the end of their lifespan, PET sheets can be recycled by burning without emitting any polluting gases, resulting in minimal harm to the environment.
Jiangsu Selexible rigid PET plastic sheets find primary usage in various packaging applications such as fresh meat, processed meat, poultry, fish, cheese, pasta, medical supplies, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), vacuum packaging, electronic product trays, and folding boxes, among others.
Are you a trader or a Vacuum Forming Sheets manufacturer ?
We are the manufacturer located in Jiangsu, China, and we have been specialized in this area for more than 18 years with SGS and TUV certificate.
The factory covers an area of more than 1,0000 square meters and 6 co-extruded production lines. Using international advanced equipment and production technology, we can produce pet sheets with a thickness between 0.15~8.0 mm.
Bellow is the pictures of our production line:
high quality raw material of PET sheet and film
How's your packaging and shipping of Vacuum Forming Sheets to abroad ?
* Export standard package or as clients' request to pack(usually in wooden or plastic pallets)
* We can deliver the goods to port or to door(customer's address) through sea shipping, air shipping or express.
Can I have a basic idea of Vacuum Forming Sheets purchasing ?
Sure, bellow is the some generally notice for you.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
| 500kgs
|
Payment Method
| Bank T/T transfer(USD, EUR and RMB), L/C at sight, Paypal, USDT, ВТБ
|
| Monthly Production | 3000~5000 tons
|
Delivery Time
| 3~15 days |
| Loading Port | Shanghai/Ningbo port, China |
For an accurate quotation and more details please contact our Jiangsu Selexible sales team for help !
What is best plastic for vacuum forming ?
The best plastic for vacuum forming depends on the specific requirements of the intended application. Several thermoplastic materials are commonly used in vacuum forming, each offering unique properties that make them suitable for different purposes. Some of the best plastics for vacuum forming include:
1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene):
ABS is a popular choice for vacuum forming due to its excellent impact resistance, durability, and ability to maintain shape in a wide range of temperatures. It is commonly used for automotive parts, consumer goods, and industrial applications.
2. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol):
PETG offers good clarity, impact resistance, and ease of forming. It is commonly used for transparent packaging, point-of-purchase displays, and medical equipment components.
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):
PVC is known for its flame-retardant properties, chemical resistance, and flexibility. It is widely used for automotive parts, electrical enclosures, and industrial applications.
4. HIPS (High-Impact Polystyrene):
HIPS is cost-effective, easy to form, and offers good impact resistance. It is commonly used for packaging, signage, and display items.
5. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene):
HDPE provides excellent chemical resistance and is often used for industrial applications, such as chemical tanks and containers.
6. PP (Polypropylene):
PP is lightweight, has good chemical resistance, and is suitable for various industrial and consumer products.
The choice of the best plastic for vacuum forming will depend on factors like the product's design, desired properties (e.g., rigidity, transparency, impact resistance), budget constraints, and the intended application. Manufacturers and designers should carefully consider these factors to select the most appropriate plastic material for their specific vacuum forming needs.
What is the difference between pvc and pet for thermoforming ?
The primary differences between PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) for thermoforming lie in their chemical composition, properties, and applications:
1. Chemical Composition:
- PET: PET is a thermoplastic polymer that belongs to the polyester family. It is derived from petroleum-based raw materials and is commonly used for making plastic bottles for beverages, food containers, and textiles.
- PVC: PVC is also a thermoplastic polymer, but it is made from vinyl chloride monomers. It contains chlorine atoms, which give it unique properties, such as flame resistance and chemical resistance. PVC is widely used for pipes, fittings, vinyl flooring, and other construction materials, as well as in various other applications.
2. Thermoforming Properties:
- PET: PET has good clarity, toughness, and excellent mechanical properties. It is known for its high strength, rigidity, and resistance to impact, making it suitable for applications requiring durability and dimensional stability. PET is often used in thermoforming to create clear and rigid packaging for food and consumer goods.
- PVC: PVC is also thermoformable and offers good impact resistance, but it is generally less rigid than PET. It has the advantage of being flame-retardant and resistant to chemicals, making it suitable for thermoformed products that require fire resistance or exposure to certain chemicals.
3. Clarity and Transparency:
- PET: PET is known for its excellent clarity, which is desirable for packaging applications where product visibility is essential.
- PVC: PVC can be transparent, but it may not have the same level of clarity as PET. However, PVC can be easily formulated to be opaque or colored, making it suitable for non-transparent applications.
4. Recycling:
- PET: PET is widely recycled and has a well-established recycling infrastructure, making it a popular choice for environmentally conscious applications.
- PVC: PVC recycling is also possible, but it can be more challenging due to issues related to the presence of additives and contamination. However, recycling technologies for PVC are continuously improving.
In summary, both PET and PVC are thermoformable plastics with unique properties that make them suitable for specific applications. PET is often chosen for clear and rigid packaging, while PVC's flame resistance and chemical resistance make it valuable in various industrial and construction uses. The selection between PET and PVC for thermoforming depends on the specific requirements and intended applications of the products being manufactured.
What is the difference between polyethylene and pet for thermoforming ?
The primary differences between PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and polyethylene for thermoforming lie in their chemical composition, properties, and applications:
1. Chemical Composition:
- PET: PET is a polyester thermoplastic polymer that is derived from petroleum-based raw materials. It is commonly used for making plastic bottles for beverages, food containers, textiles, and thermoformed packaging.
- Polyethylene: Polyethylene is a family of thermoplastic polymers made from ethylene monomers. It is one of the most widely used plastics in the world and is available in various forms, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
2. Thermoforming Properties:
- PET: PET has good clarity, high strength, and excellent mechanical properties, making it suitable for thermoforming applications that require rigidity and transparency. It can be easily formed into clear and rigid packaging for various consumer goods.
- Polyethylene: Polyethylene, particularly HDPE, has good impact resistance and toughness. It is often used in thermoforming for more flexible and durable applications, such as packaging for industrial products, containers, and various molded parts.
3. Clarity and Transparency:
- PET: PET is known for its excellent clarity and transparency, making it a preferred choice for applications where product visibility is important.
- Polyethylene: Polyethylene, especially HDPE, may not offer the same level of clarity as PET, and it is often used in applications where transparency is not a critical requirement.
4. Recyclability:
- PET: PET is widely recycled and has a well-established recycling infrastructure, making it a popular choice for environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
- Polyethylene: Polyethylene is also recyclable, with recycling programs available for various forms of polyethylene, but its recycling process may differ from PET recycling.
5. Specific Applications:
- PET: Thermoformed PET is commonly used for food and beverage packaging, cosmetic containers, and clear blister packs.
- Polyethylene: Thermoformed polyethylene, especially HDPE, is used for various applications, including industrial containers, automotive components, and general-purpose packaging.
In summary, both PET and polyethylene are thermoplastic materials used for thermoforming, but they have distinct properties that make them suitable for different applications. PET is often chosen for its clarity and rigidity in consumer packaging, while polyethylene, particularly HDPE, offers excellent impact resistance and flexibility, making it ideal for a broader range of industrial and general-purpose applications. The selection between PET and polyethylene for thermoforming depends on the specific requirements and intended use of the final product.
Thermoforming vs vacuum forming
Thermoforming and vacuum forming are both plastic forming processes used to shape thermoplastic sheets into three-dimensional products, but they differ in their specific techniques and applications:``
Thermoforming:
- Thermoforming is a broad term that encompasses various plastic forming processes, including vacuum forming.
- In thermoforming, the plastic sheet is heated until it becomes soft and pliable.
- Once heated, the plastic sheet is formed into the desired shape using a mold or forming tool.
- The forming can be achieved through various methods, such as vacuum forming, pressure forming, or mechanical forming, depending on the specific requirements.
- Thermoforming can produce products with different levels of complexity, from simple shapes to more intricate designs.
- It is used for a wide range of applications, including packaging, automotive parts, trays, and consumer goods.
Vacuum Forming:
- Vacuum forming is a specific type of thermoforming process.
- In vacuum forming, the heated plastic sheet is placed over a mold, and a vacuum is applied to remove the air between the sheet and the mold.
- The vacuum force pulls the plastic sheet tightly against the mold's surface, conforming the sheet to the mold's shape.
- After the plastic cools and solidifies, it retains the formed shape, and the final product is removed from the mold.
- Vacuum forming is often used for producing shallow or moderately deep parts with relatively simple geometries.
- It is commonly used for applications such as packaging trays, displays, and low-cost prototypes.
In summary,
the main difference between thermoforming and vacuum forming is that vacuum forming is a specific subset of thermoforming, where the forming process relies on the use of a vacuum to shape the heated plastic sheet against a mold. Thermoforming, on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of plastic forming processes, which may include vacuum forming as one of its techniques.
How to find Vacuum Forming Sheets suppliers ?
Please feel free to contact Jiangsu Selexible sales team, we will try our best to offer you a best solution.
FAQ
What are the uses of Vacuum Forming Sheets ?
PET sheets are used for various applications across different industries. Some common uses of PET sheets include:
Packaging:
PET sheets are widely used in packaging applications. They are commonly used for creating transparent blister packs, clamshell packaging, trays, and containers for food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other consumer goods. PET's clarity allows products to be showcased effectively, and its durability ensures protection during transportation and storage.
Printing and Graphics:
PET sheets are used in the printing industry for creating signage, display boards, advertising materials, and promotional items. The transparency and smooth surface of PET sheets make them suitable for high-quality printing, enabling vibrant and visually appealing graphics.
Electronics:
PET sheets find applications in the electronics industry for producing components such as flexible circuit boards, membrane switches, touchscreens, and display panels. Their flexibility, chemical resistance, and dielectric properties make them ideal for electronic applications.
Automotive:
PET sheets are used in the automotive industry for various purposes, including interior trims, door panels, and protective covers. They provide durability, impact resistance, and resistance to chemicals and UV radiation.
Construction:
PET sheets are utilized in the construction industry for applications like transparent roofing sheets, skylights, and architectural glazing. Their transparency, strength, and weather resistance make them suitable for these applications.
Medical:
PET sheets are used in the medical industry for manufacturing medical packaging, lab equipment, face shields, and protective barriers. PET's chemical resistance and clarity make it suitable for medical-grade applications.
Art and Crafts:
PET sheets are popular among artists and craft enthusiasts for various DIY projects. They can be easily cut, shaped, and molded to create artwork, models, and other creative designs.
Overall, PET sheets have a wide range of applications due to their transparency, strength, durability, chemical resistance, and versatility.
What are the characteristics of Vacuum Forming Sheets ?
• PET sheets can withstand continuous use temperatures of up to 230°F.
• They possess high strength and stiffness.
• PET sheets exhibit excellent wear resistance.
• They are resistant to chlorine and caustic/acidic cleaning agents.
• PET sheets offer improved UV resistance compared to acetal or nylon.
• They have very low moisture absorption.
• PET sheets are easily machined and fabricated.
• They comply with FDA, USDA, and 3-A Dairy standards.
• PET sheets provide a high "value to cost" ratio.
What are the properties of Vacuum Forming Sheets ?
The material exhibits exceptional transparency and brightness.
It demonstrates high resistance to chemical substances.
It possesses remarkable impact strength and resistance to breakage.
It is thermoformable and does not require pre-drying.
It has excellent fire resistance and produces minimal non-toxic smoke.
It is recyclable, environmentally friendly, completely combustible, and does not release toxic substances that pollute landfills.
It is an excellent choice for manufacturing Medical Face Shields and PPE Face Shields.
Can I know more application of the Vacuum Forming Materials ?
Pistons
Valves
Manifolds
Food product forming dies
Timing screws
Scraper blades
Glazing
Face Shields PPE
Signs and signals
Machinery protection
Lighting
Bathroom applications
Dispensing and recreational machines
Displays and other publicity elements
Urban furniture (anti-vandal)
Construction elements
What industries are Vacuum Forming Sheets used in ?
•Food and dairy processing
•Material handling equipment
•Fluid handling
•Electronic manufacturing
•Automotive
What are the properties of Vacuum Forming Sheets ?
Polyester is a synthetic polymer material with several notable properties:
1. Strength:
Polyester exhibits excellent tensile strength, making it resistant to stretching and breaking. This strength contributes to its durability and ability to withstand wear and tear.
2. Flexibility:
Polyester is a flexible material that can be easily molded and shaped into various forms. This flexibility allows for its use in a wide range of applications.
3. Chemical Resistance:
Polyester shows good resistance to many chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents. This property makes it suitable for applications where exposure to chemical substances is a concern.
4. Moisture Resistance:
Polyester has low moisture absorption, meaning it is less prone to absorbing water or moisture from the environment. This characteristic contributes to its dimensional stability and resistance to degradation caused by moisture.
5. Heat Resistance:
Polyester exhibits good resistance to heat and can withstand moderate temperatures without melting or deforming. It retains its strength and stability under high-temperature conditions.
6. UV Resistance:
Polyester shows good resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, making it suitable for outdoor applications. It is less prone to degradation and discoloration when exposed to sunlight.
7. Dyeability:
Polyester has excellent dyeing properties, allowing it to be easily colored with a wide range of dyes. This property contributes to its versatility in the textile and fashion industries.
8. Easy Care:
Polyester is relatively easy to care for, as it is resistant to wrinkles, shrinking, and stretching. It can often be machine-washed and requires minimal ironing.
These properties make polyester a popular material for various applications, including textiles, packaging, automotive components, electrical insulation, and more.
