Most of us don't really think about the many industries involved in the production of all of the items we purchase and use. The thermoforming industry is one with which you might not be familiar, but it is a crucial industry for many different types of companies, from retail to agricultural to medical and much more. Here are some facts about thermoforming and why it is needed.
Basically, thermoforming is when a large flat plastic sheet is heated up enough so that it will become pliable enough to be placed into a specific type of mold. Once it is in the mold, the plastic is trimmed and then cooled. Obviously, there are millions of types of molds, just as there are millions of types of products that need plastic packaging. Generally, thermoforming falls into two categories: thin-gauge or thick-gauge.
If a sheet of plastic measures in at around 0.5 mm in thickness, this size falls into the category of thin gauge thermoforming. It is used for billions of products, from a package containing batteries to a plastic package that contains toys. There are many categories of thin-gauge thermoforming, including the creation of blister packaging, clamshell packages and a variety of different types of trays. Trays hold everything from medical products to cookies and often fit inside other packaging. Slightly thicker plastic, ranging from 1.5 mm up to 3 mm is called medium gauge, and while this is less common, it is used and these items typically aren't considered to be as disposable as your thin gauge items.
Thick or heavy gauge thermoforming is a whole other ballgame. While the actual thermoforming process is about the same, the purpose is different. Heavy gauge products are items that are not considered disposable or recyclable and are used to create items such as medical equipment, industrial equipment or computer equipment. For example, when you visit the doctor, the large scanning machines are created using heavy gauge plastics. Your computer exterior and monitor exterior and mouse all are created using heavy gauge plastics.
In most cases, a thermoforming company will produce products and packaging that is either created through thin-gauge thermoforming or thick-gauge. Some companies will do both thick or thin, but this is a bit more uncommon. These companies not only produce plastic packaging of all types, but also design them as well. Keep in mind, thermoforming companies produce more than just packaging, they create all sorts of plastic products as well as thermoform foam products.
In addition, when you think about plastics, you might be worried about the impact plastic has on the environment. Some thermoforming companies also are worried about these issues and have taken concrete steps to limit environmental problems. This means they use post-consumer materials, as well as using types of plastics that are biodegradable or recyclable.
Basically, thermoforming is when a large flat plastic sheet is heated up enough so that it will become pliable enough to be placed into a specific type of mold. Once it is in the mold, the plastic is trimmed and then cooled. Obviously, there are millions of types of molds, just as there are millions of types of products that need plastic packaging. Generally, thermoforming falls into two categories: thin-gauge or thick-gauge.
If a sheet of plastic measures in at around 0.5 mm in thickness, this size falls into the category of thin gauge thermoforming. It is used for billions of products, from a package containing batteries to a plastic package that contains toys. There are many categories of thin-gauge thermoforming, including the creation of blister packaging, clamshell packages and a variety of different types of trays. Trays hold everything from medical products to cookies and often fit inside other packaging. Slightly thicker plastic, ranging from 1.5 mm up to 3 mm is called medium gauge, and while this is less common, it is used and these items typically aren't considered to be as disposable as your thin gauge items.
Thick or heavy gauge thermoforming is a whole other ballgame. While the actual thermoforming process is about the same, the purpose is different. Heavy gauge products are items that are not considered disposable or recyclable and are used to create items such as medical equipment, industrial equipment or computer equipment. For example, when you visit the doctor, the large scanning machines are created using heavy gauge plastics. Your computer exterior and monitor exterior and mouse all are created using heavy gauge plastics.
In most cases, a thermoforming company will produce products and packaging that is either created through thin-gauge thermoforming or thick-gauge. Some companies will do both thick or thin, but this is a bit more uncommon. These companies not only produce plastic packaging of all types, but also design them as well. Keep in mind, thermoforming companies produce more than just packaging, they create all sorts of plastic products as well as thermoform foam products.
In addition, when you think about plastics, you might be worried about the impact plastic has on the environment. Some thermoforming companies also are worried about these issues and have taken concrete steps to limit environmental problems. This means they use post-consumer materials, as well as using types of plastics that are biodegradable or recyclable.
About the Author:
Lenna Stockwell loves blogging about how stuff is made. For further info about thermoform packaging solutions, or to find out more about thermoformed trays, please go to the Indepak.com site now.
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