Vacuum Forming
Vacuum Forming
Serving the aircraft, Custom Painting, and commercial industries since 1971, FMS specializes in vacuum forming, thermoforming and pressure forming from small parts with intricate detail to large parts such as medical panels In addition, we perform many secondary processes and complete both small and large assemblies. We can design, build tooling, and make the part with attention to detail, competitive pricing and customer service that sets us apart from our competitors
Processes
Pressure Forming
Pressure forming is very similar to
thermoforming with additional tooling
required. Upper and lower tooling is needed to
create a pressure box to form the extreme
detail needed for some designs.
Tooling cost are considerably higher for this
type or forming.
Once the desired shape has been achieved, the air pressure is released and the plastic cools and hardens. Pressure forming is often used to create complex shapes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve using other methods. It is also an efficient way to produce large quantities of parts with consistent quality.
Vacuum Forming
The vacuum forming process is a
viable option for molding large or small plastic
parts. This process can be done with a lower
tooling cost compared to traditional injection
molding.
Vacuum forming starts with loading an
extruded plastic sheet into a clamping frame,
heating the plastic, drawing the heated plastic
over a mold then applying a vacuum to form
the final mold configuration.
After the plastic has cooled and hardened, it is released from the mold and the finished form is ready for trimming. Vacuum forming is often used to create packaging, signage, and other products that require complex shapes or curves.
The process is relatively quick and simple, making it an affordable option for small-scale production runs. Additionally, vacuum forming can be easily customized to create unique products that stand out from the competition.
Precision CNC Routing
5-axis CNC routing is a machining process that uses a computer-controlled router to precisely cut, shape and drill plastic materials that produces parts with high precision, tight tolerances and repeatable uniform quality.
A digital design file guides the cutting tool that follows a set path for removing excess material from a thermal formed plastic sheet.
CNC routing of plastic parts offers a level of precision not available
with injection molding or 3D printed parts. CNC routed plastic parts are free from 3D printed layering lines or seams and flash from injection molded parts that effect appearance in the final product.
Custom Painting
All of our solutions can be custom-painted to any desired color or combination of colors. This helps ensure that your packaging and materials solutions are consistent with your intended aesthetic or brand requirements.
Markets Served
We can duplicate any part’s design to fabricate even stylish plastic parts. One of the greatest advantages is that it involves fewer parts and less tooling than injection molding and therefore is more cost-effective. It is an economical choice that can be used for small and medium production runs. The detail that can be reproduced by the mold makes this method superior to other forms of production. We service many markets and are always looking for new ways to use our processes and to service our customers.
- Aircraft
- Medical
- Industrial
- Boating Industry
- Office Products
- Automobile
Products / Applications
- Seat backings
- Door inner liners
- Fold-down trays
- Instrument panels
- Interior linings
- Window louvers
- Seats Shrouds
- Head liners
- Fuel Tanks
- Bins / Trays
- Drawer dividers
- Electrical housing
- Pencil trays
- Planters / seed trays
- Contoured tables
- Skylights / Shutters
- Equipment housing
- Refrigerator door liners
- Prostheses
- Cat litter trays
- Boat hulls, canoes
- Food containers
- Display cases
- Hot tubs
Case Studies
Engine Plug cover
This is an engine plug cover used by ground crews to place over the engine while doing repairs on the aircraft. This piece shows all of the various assemblies we can perform for you. We can provide a turn key service for you, making your job as simple as possible with a guarantee of quality and on time delivery.
Air control valve
The control valve here is shown disassembled so you can see the intricacy of the assemblies required. For this part, all areas of fabrication are visited, from the metal fabricated mesh cover, die cut foam and plastic fabrication, to the complete assembly so that the part is ready for service. Our attention to detail is unsurpassed.
Air duct cover
Vacuum formed pieces are all around us. Take this air duct cover that gets imbedded in the interior of an airplane as an example. You can see the complexity of what is involved to produce this part, from the placement of the butterfly valve to control and restrict airflow, to the way the mold is designed with the drilled holes for air passage and ribbed face to disperse the air. You put a lot into the design of your part. Let us help you meet your design requirements.
Aircraft interior parts
As with some of the other parts featured here, you will be surprised where our parts show up. We build various covers for electrical applications, recessed telephone boxes, control boxes and large items that use the fiberglass / epoxy molds.
Another assembly shows our ability to handle any graphic capabilities to complete your part. This can range from simply marking the part for identification, to labeling your part so once shipped, it is ready for use.
Center console
When sharp precise detail is desired, vacuum formed parts make an attractive alternative to other molding processes. This center console requires several assemblies. These can range from custom painting, numbering, inserting clips and installing doors to complete the part. We are truly a one stop shop when it comes to turn key projects.
Get the Components You Need with Vacuum Molding and Forming in California
Many industries require custom-made components to meet their specifications. Foam Molders & Specialties in California offers custom vacuum-forming solutions to create precise elements that give you the parts you need. We use all types of processes to create custom-made parts for various industries, including aviation, Custom Painting, commercial, and industrial. Whether you need vacuum molding plastic sheets or other types of thermal vacuum forming, we offer the solutions you need.
Vast Array of Services
We give clients the best options for creating custom components through vacuum molding and forming in California. You can trust our team to produce parts to your specifications using:
- Thermoplastic Vacuum Molding
- Custom Pressure Thermoforming
- Custom Foam Forming
- Thermal Vacuum Forming
Work with Our Team Today
If you need custom foam forming, thermal vacuum forming, thermoplastic vacuum molding, or other related services in California, you can trust our team to give you the desired results. We work closely with you to find the perfect solutions to supply you with everything you need. Our team uses high-quality materials and processes to generate the best results. We invite you to contact us today to discuss your unique needs and learn how we can help you achieve your goals.
FAQs
Our team is happy to provide you with a comprehensive quote regarding your next thermoforming project. To learn more about our range of products and services, or to receive your quote, reach out to our team at (800) 217-7041.