Vacuum Former

What is vacuum forming?

Vacuum forming is a thermoforming manufacturing method used to shape plastic.

• A mold is placed on a surface that contains many small holes
• A sheet of plastic is clamped in a frame and heated until soft
• The hot plastic is pulled over the mold, and a vacuum sucks through the small holes and forms the plastic over the mold
• The result is a plastic impression of the mold’s contour

Vacuum forming can be used to mass produce functional items such as plastic packaging, and for creative works such as resin molds and costume pieces.