What materials are used for thermoforming and vacuum forming?

Materials commonly used for thermoforming and vacuum forming include:

• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): A tough, impact-resistant plastic that is easy to form. Offering a good balance of strength and rigidity, ABS is widely used for enclosures, housings, and automotive components.
• Acrylic: Known for its excellent clarity and UV resistance, acrylic is often used for displays, signage, and skylights.
• High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS): A lightweight, low-cost material with good impact resistance and ease of forming. HIPS is commonly used for packaging, trays, and disposable products.
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Lightweight but strong with good chemical resistance, PET is frequently used in food packaging and containers.
• Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG): A modified version of PET that offers improved impact resistance and easier forming. It is ideal for medical packaging and displays.
• Polycarbonate: A high-performance plastic known for its exceptional impact resistance and clarity. Polycarbonate is a popular choice for safety equipment, machine guards, and aerospace components.
• Polyethylene: This flexible, chemical-resistant material is available in various densities, such as HDPE and LDPE. Tanks, liners, and industrial containers are often made from polyethylene.
• Polypropylene (PP): A durable, fatigue-resistant plastic that performs well in applications that require repeated flexing. PP is commonly used for living hinges, packaging, and automotive parts.
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): This versatile plastic can be rigid or flexible, and features strong resilience to flames and chemicals. Applications such as signage, medical devices, and construction components often use PVC.
• Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO): A blend of polypropylene and rubber that provides excellent impact resistance and weatherability. For automotive parts and outdoor applications that require high durability, TPO is an ideal material.