What Is Vacuum Forming?
Thin-Gauge vs. Thick-Gauge Vacuum Forming
Vacuum forming is generally divided into two categories: thin-gauge (sheet thickness typically below 1.5 mm) and thick-gauge (above 1.5 mm, up to 10 mm or more).
Thin-gauge vacuum forming is commonly used for:
- Yogurt pots
- Fruit boxes and clamshells
- Fast-food trays and lids
- Chocolate and candy packaging
Thick-gauge vacuum forming is ideal for larger, load-bearing, or structural parts, such as:
- Bus interior panels (dashboards, side panels)
- Electric boat hull frames
- Bathtubs and shower trays
- Pickup truck bed liners
- Medical device enclosures
- Display stands and advertising props
Due to higher material strength and heating requirements, thick-gauge forming demands more powerful equipment and precise temperature control – an area where we excel.
Our Vacuum Forming Capabilities
Jiangsu Compound operates two large-scale vacuum forming machines, offering comprehensive custom forming services. Our key specifications include:
- Maximum forming depth: 900 mm
- Maximum forming area: 2500 mm × 2300 mm
- Specialty: We are particularly skilled in thick-gauge vacuum forming, delivering industrial-grade strength and accuracy for large, deep-drawn plastic parts.
From small prototyping runs to mass production, we provide end-to-end support – including mold design advice, material selection, and forming operations. Our machines feature uniform heating systems and high-capacity vacuum pumps to ensure sharp detail, even wall distribution, and repeatable quality.
Vacuum Forming Process Flow for Trays
Our standard production process follows these steps:
Sheet preparation – Cut an extruded sheet to size and clamp it in the forming machine.
Heating – The sheet is uniformly heated (quartz or ceramic heaters) until it sags to the ideal forming temperature.
Mold positioning – The heated sheet is lowered onto the mold, or the mold is raised into the sheet.
Vacuum application – Vacuum draws the sheet tightly against the mold surface through small vent holes.
Cooling – Air or water mist cools the formed part until it stiffens.
Demolding – The formed tray is carefully removed from the mold.
Trimming & finishing – Excess flange is trimmed by routing, die‑cutting, or CNC; holes or edge finishes are added if required.
Quality inspection – Dimensions, wall thickness distribution, and surface appearance are checked.
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