Thermoforming is a kind of plastic molding that’s especially popular among medical device manufacturers. If you are in charge of ordering supplies for the health care field, here’s what you should know about this alternative to plastic injection molding. 

A Brief History of Thermoforming 

During thermoforming, a large sheet of plastic is heated to the point of pliability and then placed in a mold to produce a three-dimensional part. In its early days, thermoforming relied on handmade molds or metal molds that were cast from fabricated patterns. As such, the process had considerable limitations and left the final products relatively imprecise. 

Over the years, plastic molding pioneers started using milling machines to ensure true, square edges on their thermoforming molds. While this increased accuracy, they weren’t able to achieve total precision until they harnessed the power of computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. 

Thermoforming Today 

In recent years, CAD/CAM technology has increased both the accuracy and versatility of thermoforming, and its capabilities are only advancing as the technology does. Today, for example, manufacturers can produce hemispheric molds that weren’t possible just five years ago. 

Advancements in technology also led to a second type of thermoforming. Vacuum forming was the original method, but today, pressure forming is possible, too.

During vacuum forming, the plastic sheet is draped over a male mold, and the air that’s captured is then vacuumed out. During pressure forming, on the other hand, pressurized air pushes the plastic sheet into the cavity of a female mold. This allows for intricate details on the molded component’s external surface. 

With lower costs and faster turnaround times than other applications, thermoforming is an incredibly popular way to produce all kinds of parts for the medical field. And unlike other processes, it can produce especially large components, like CT or MRI enclosures, hospital beds, and chairs. 

If you are in need of bulk medical devices, turn to Pacific Integrated Manufacturing. Located in Bonita, CA, this 50,000-square-foot manufacturing plant serves clients in the life science and medical fields. A one-stop-shop, they can assist with every stage of production, from initial design to final packaging. To learn more about their plastic molding services, including thermoforming, visit their website. Call (619) 921-3464 to talk about your order.