• Automotive Interior Trim
  • Products
    • U-SKIN™ Surface Technology
    • Load Floors
    • Rear Window Trim
    • Cargo Management
    • Seatbacks
    • Door Trim | Bolsters
    • Water Shields
    • Baypreg
  • Processes
    • Compression Molding
    • Plastic Thermoforming
    • Twin Sheet Molding
    • Vacuum Forming
    • Other Processes
  • Materials
  • Services
  • Certifications
  • Locations / Contact
• Profile Extrusion
  • Products
    • Sealing
    • Seating
    • Safety
    • Electrical
    • Other Applications
  • Processes
    • Single & Co-extrusion
    • In-House Tooling Design & Build
    • In-line Processing
    • Secondary Operations
    • Material Testing Laboratory
  • Materials
  • Certifications / Services
  • Locations / Contact
  • FAQs
• Technical Blow Molding
  • Products
    • Truck Cargo Box
    • Air Intake Assemblies
    • Construction & Agriculture
    • DEF Tanks
    • Fluid Reservoirs
    • HVAC Ducts
    • Lawn & Garden
    • Seat Belt Boot & Sleeves
  • Processes
    • Extrusion Blow Molding
    • Design & Engineering
    • In House Tooling
    • In-Process Testing
    • Simulation Software
    • Welding & Assembly
  • Materials
  • Certifications / Services
  • Locations / Contact
• Two-Shot Injection Molding
  • Products
  • Processes
    • Design & Engineering
    • In House Tooling Design
    • Two-Shot / Multi-Shot
    • Insert/Over Molding
    • Secondary Operations
    • Testing Laboratory
  • Materials
  • Certifications / Services
  • Location / Contact
  • FAQs

Vacuum Forming

The Vacuum Forming Process bonds sheet products such as vinyl and soft touch plastics to injection molded substrates for automotive interior trim products such as seatbacks and door bolsters.

During the vacuum forming process, a heated sheet of plastic material is placed over a mold which is then moved towards the sheet and presses against it to create a seal. Next, the application of a vacuum draws out the air between the mold and the sheet so the plastic conforms to the mold exactly. The mold contains an integrated water cooling system which brings the temperature of the plastic to the required curing temperature. Once the curing temperature is reached and the piece is formed, air is blown back into the mold separating the new part from the mold.

Advantages of Vacuum Forming

Low Tooling Costs│ because of the low forming pressure used in the vacuum forming process, tools can be made from relatively inexpensive material

Ideal for Large Parts │ because tooling costs are low, vacuum forming is an ideal process for small to medium production runs of large parts

Efficient Prototyping │ low tooling cost also allows prototyping to be accomplished very quickly and inexpensively – we can create a prototype tool for you in less than 24 hours if needed

Molding Process Selection

Though Vacuum Forming has many advantages over other molding processes, there are restrictions. For more information on choosing the ideal process for your parts, download a free copy of Avoiding the Undisclosed Pitfalls of Plastic Process & Material Selection. Or you can contact us directly at 248-435-7271 or plasticsales@geminigroup.net.