Vacuum Thermoforming

Forte offers several styles of custom plastic thermoform molding: pressure forming, twin sheet pressure thermoforming, rigidized acrylics (fiberglass reinforced acrylics), and standard vacuum/thermoforming. Forte has been a leading supplier of thermoformed parts for decades. We offer turn-key, in-house tooling and machines capable of forming sheets as large as 132”x132”.

Thermoform Molding Materials

Some of the best-known thermoforming resins available today include standard commodity plastics such as ABS and HMPE. For the more advanced requirements there are TPO’s, Polycarbonate/ABS blends, and Impact Modified Acrylics. Forte is a unique ABS and HMPE thermoform molding manufacturer and we can assist in your projects from prototype to production.

ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is one of the most frequently used plastics employed on the market today. Typical Applications: Automotive parts, household items, ducting, medical products, and exercise equipment covers.

HMPE
High Molecular Weight Polyethylene is a very durable polyolefin material. This is another high volume plastic used for such items as pulley covers, battery trays, chain guards, fender flares, pump housings, playground equipment, and heavy construction components.

TPO
Thermo Plastic Olefin is a very durable plastic material that has been used in automotive applications for several years. TPO sheet products offer a lightweight alternative in vehicle components where weight is important. They also offer excellent weather resistance, have excellent cold weather impact performance, and exceptional durability. Further, they are highly resistant to common cleaning agents and can be fastened without the use of a screw. Typical applications include RV, bus, and truck roofs, fenders, doors and sidewalls, wheel wells, end caps, bumpers, fender skirts, agricultural row dividers, and end caps.

ABS/POLYCARBONATE BLENDS
This blend of material can be formed into some of the toughest parts available. This process often requires the part to be painted for UV protection and can be used for bus side doors, engine cowlings, protective covers, or any high impact application.

IMPACT MODIFIED ACRYLICS
This material has very high gloss capabilities increasing the part’s cosmetic value. Some parts achieve a class A automotive finish. Current applications include dash boards, ATV and UTV hoods, heavy construction door skins, marine, and RV products.

ABS Thermoform Molding

Forte is presently a unique ABS thermoform molding supplier. Our capabilities allow us to use the following styles of thermoform molding:

Forte is presently a unique ABS thermoform molding supplier. Our capabilities allow us to use the following styles of thermoform molding: 

• Pressure forming
• Twin sheet pressure thermoforming
• Rigidized acrylics (Fiberglass reinforced acrylics)
• Vacuum/Thermoforming

One of the most frequently used plastics employed on the market today, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is made from a combination of monomers made from propylene, ammonia, butane, and coal. The advantage is that it combines the strength and rigid properties, as well as the rubbery toughness (ABS can bend without snapping). ABS is by far the strongest plastic used for making figurines. So while PVC is soft and rubbery in resilience, ABS is tough and rigid.

APPLICATIONS OF ABS THERMOFORM MOLDING
• Automotive parts
• Household items
• Ducting
• Medical products
• Exercise equipment covers

QUALITY ASSURANCES & CAPABILITIES
Forte offers turn-key, in-house tooling and machines capable of forming sheets as large as 132”x132”. We are an ISO 9001:2008 certified facility and adhere strictly to these guidelines.

The team at Forte enjoys a reputation for quality and service, providing our customers with unparalleled solutions to challenging ABS thermoform molding problems. We implement the latest technology and assure that every product meets customer guidelines.

HMPE Thermoform Molding

Forte Products can provide unrivaled quality in manufacturing HMPE thermoform molding products. We can assist you from prototype to production

Forte Products can provide unrivaled quality in manufacturing HMPE thermoform molding products. We can assist you from prototype to production

One of the best known thermoforming resins available today is the standard commodity plastic, HMPE (highly molecular weight polyethylene). HMPE is a very durable polyolefin material. This high volume plastic is used in a variety of applications.

APPLICATIONS OF HMPE THERMOFORM MOLDING
• Pulley covers
• Battery trays
• Chain guards
• Fender flares
• Pump housings
• Playground equipment
• Heavy construction components

Forte is equipped with state of the art equipment and our machines are capable of forming sheets as large as 132” x 132”. Many years of knowledge and experience allows us to offer several different styles of thermoforming: pressure forming, twin sheet pressure thermoforming, rigidized acrylics (fiberglass reinforced acrylics), and standard vacuum/thermoforming.

We are deadline driven and assure all orders are processed with the fastest turnaround possible. Our capabilities allow us to accommodate small to large quantity orders.

Forte implements the latest technology and our highly trained engineers will work with your designs to ensure your specifications are correct for the production process.

Thermofold Molding Styles

Pressure Forming:
This process applies high pressure to the back side of the plastic sheet during the molding cycle. The plastic picks up every detail in the precisely machined or acid etched tool surface and transfers it to the face of the part. This process is typically used in place of injection molding projects where tooling costs and annual usages don’t line up properly to justify injection molding. Applications include but are not limited to: High-end medical covers, exercise equipment covers, engine cowlings, electrical housings, automotive, and recreational components.

Vacuum/Thermoforming:
It is the most commonly used and simplified version of thermoforming where a sheet of plastic is heated to a forming temperature, draped onto a single surface mold and forced against the mold by a vacuum, thus forming the part. Some applications include: engine covers, doors, protective shields, pulley covers, electrical boxes, marine and RV parts, ATV and motorcycle fenders, hoods, and mud flares.

Twin sheet pressure Thermoforming:
A very similar process to Pressure Forming, where hollow parts are created by combining two sheets of material that are sealed or fused during the molding process to create a full unit.    Applications include but are not limited to: High-end medical covers, engine cowlings, automotive components, air conditioner covers, compressor compartment doors, recreational components, air ducts, and fuel tanks.

Rigidized Acrylics:
This process includes thermoforming a thin acrylic sheet by applying fiberglass to the backside for reinforcement. It is mostly used for high volume products such as marine consoles, signage, and display fixtures.

Thermoforming Applications

Thermoforming is commonly used for food packaging, but it has many applications in many diverse industries.
Some common uses for this process include:

 Automotive (Dashboard Assemblies, interior door panels, bumpers, air ducts)
Business Machines & Equipment (printer and computer enclosures, bezels, office furniture
Aerospace & Aviation (aircraft interior paneling, galley components, window shades)
Medical Equipment (bins & trays, imaging enclosures, sterile packaging
Building & Construction (tool cases, skylights, machinery covers
Recreational Equipment (exercise & fitness, RV external panels)

Benefits of Thermoforming

○ Low tooling investment ○ Large single piece production ○
○ Corrosion and impact resistant ○ Textures and colors availability ○
○ Less maintenance due to resistant coating ○
○ Environmentally friendly ○

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