How To Thermoforming Polystyrene Plastic Sheets

Recommended uses for styrene thermoform plastic sheets.

How to thermoforming polystyrene plastic sheets.

Prototypes packaging soap and candle molds scale models theater props abs thermoform plastic sheets due to its low cost and superior physical properties abs acrylonitrile butadine styrene is one of the most popular thermoform plastics used for vacuum forming. Many plastic sheet materials can be shaped by thermoforming. It is sheet temperature that dictates the process the end result being not just a better product but also decreased cycle time less scrap less floor space and reduced energy and labor costs. Styrene is commonly used in prototypes as it is dimensionally stable and easy to fabricate paint and glue.

Styrene is also nontoxic and odorless with excellent forming properties. Some plastics like hdpe and pp have narrower processing windows and lower melt strength which make them more difficult but not impossible to thermoform. When the plastic is pressed against the cool mold we freeze this orientation. While it is the most basic method of thermoforming it s also quick and affordable.

Simply put our plastic part is now oriented. Amorphous plastics like abs and polycarbonate generally have wide processing windows and good melt strength making them easy to thermoform. When we stretch a plastic in the forming press we orient the molecules. Sheet temperature is one of the most critical elements of the thermoforming process.

Polystyrene is available in three primary forms including a hard impact resistant plastic a lightweight foam and a thin film. Most thermoforming companies recycle their scrap and waste plastic either by compressing in a baling machine or by feeding into a granulator grinder and producing ground flake for sale to reprocessing companies or re use in their own facility. This gives polystyrene almost the same amount of versatility as polyethylene. Polystyrene is a thermoplastic that s solid at room temperature but will begin to melt at 210 c.

The level of orientation is a function of the extent of stretching needed to push the part into various corners of the part 3. Importantly here is that the nature of the orientation of a polymer is affected by the rate of cooling of the plastic against the mold surface. Vacuum forming is used for large plastic pieces that don t need high levels of detail or sharp corners or edges. To do this large sheets of hips are heated and fitted over a custom tool.