Thermoforming is a manufacturing process that uses heat and pressure to form a part from a sheet of plastic. The thermoforming process gives designers an abundance of flexibility when designing or optimizing the manufacturing process for a low-volume part program.
In sectors like aerospace, mass transit, and medical device manufacturing, designers often have to overcome challenges with the aesthetics, feasibility, and viability of a plastic part. Flexible thermoforming practices can provide better manufacturing results when designing complex parts for lower-volume production runs.
A flexible thermoforming manufacturing partner can help designers navigate these challenges while achieving the right balance between the appearance, cost, and repeatability of the part.
In this guide, designers will learn more about the thermoforming process and what design factors to consider when engaging with a manufacturing partner.