Thermoforming Vs. Injection Molding
The Process
The Process
Tooling: A single 3D form is
created out of aluminum.
Tooling: A double-sided 3D mold is created out of steel,
aluminum or a beryllium-copper alloy
Materials:Flat sheets of Thermoplastic, available in a
variety of materials, finishes, colors, thickness
Materials:Thermoplastic pellets, available in a wide variety of
materials and colors
Production:A Flat sheet of plastic is heated then molded to
the tool's shape using either suction from A vacuum, or both suction and pressure
Production:The plastic pellets are heated to a liquid state Then
injected into the mold.
Finishing:The final pieces are trimmed robotically,
then can be used uncoated, painted or have specialty coatings
Finishing:The final pieces are removed from the mold,
Then often need to be painted and can be silk-screened Or have specialty coatings
Thermoforming Injection Molding
The Costs
Creating a single sided thermoforming tool is much cheaper than creating a double sided mold to be used in injection molding. However, the cost of each individual part is generally cheaper
with injection molding.
The Costs
Lead Time
Other Considerations
What It's Best For?
Our Process & Capabilities
Pressure FormingPressure forming provides parts that are visually identical to injection molded parts at a fraction of the tooling cost.
Vacuum FormingVacuum forming produces a one-sided part whereby the sheet color and texture provide finished part aesthetics.
Large Part Vacuum FormingReduce the number of overall components by combining multiple parts within a 10’ x 18’ sheet size.
About Ray Plastics
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