termoformaamisena

Thermoforming, also known as "termoformaamisena" in Finnish, is a manufacturing process where a plastic sheet is heated to a workable temperature and then formed into a desired shape using a mold. The heated plastic sheet is typically draped over or placed into a mold, and then vacuum, pressure, or a combination of both is applied to force the plastic to conform to the mold's contours. After cooling, the formed part is ejected from the mold.

This process is widely used for producing a variety of products, from packaging like blister packs and food trays to automotive components, appliance housings, and recreational vehicle parts. The versatility of thermoforming allows for the creation of complex shapes and intricate details, making it a cost-effective solution for both small and large production runs.

The types of plastics commonly used in thermoforming include thermoplastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The selection of the plastic material depends on the application's requirements, considering factors like strength, flexibility, transparency, and temperature resistance.

Thermoforming offers several advantages, including relatively low tooling costs compared to injection molding, fast cycle times, and the ability to produce large parts. It is also an energy-efficient process. However, it is generally not suitable for producing parts with very thin walls or complex undercuts without additional processing steps.