Vacuum forming by Imatex
Vacuum forming (thermoforming)
is a process in which a flat plastic sheet is completely heated by means of heating elements and then vacuum-formed over a mould.
Imatex has accumulated over 35 years of experience in this process so we know exactly what’s possible and what material is right for which application.
Polystyrene (PS), Polycarbonate (PC), PETG, Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), PVC, ABS and Acrylic are just a fraction of the materials which we can shape.
Polycarbonate and acrylic are always pre-dried in our drying ovens.
Imatex has 8 vacuum machines, both manual and fully automated, with a maximum dimensioning of 2500 x 1700 x 800. Smaller batches can also be taken into consideration. We use our 5-axis laser or milling machines which are fully controlled by our CAD/CAM system for the finishing work.
Imatex has also secured a reputation for excellence over the years in the development of vacuum moulds. We can produce your vacuum mould in our own workplace, either from our own design or the customer’s. This means we can produce your mould efficiently and at low cost and then proceed to prototyping and/or production. Depending on the plastic being moulded and the batch size, the mould can be manufactured in various materials; from MDF for very small batches or prototypes, epoxy and PU for small to medium batches, up to aluminium for larger batches. If desired, the customer can supply his own mould.
We also look after the storage of your mould.
Benefits of vacuum forming at Imatex:
From mould to final finishing, full production within a single company
Low mould costs
Short lead times
Small and large batches
We can also carry out assembling, glueing, ultrasound welding, labelling, laser engraving and marking on your behalf
Over 35 years of experience in vacuum forming
Some examples of vacuum forming
A few examples of the applications of vacuum forming.
Application of vacuum forming in the automotive industry.
Application of vacuum forming in the display & signs industry.
Small pieces are also formed with high accuracy.
Both small and large series can be formed.
