Thermoforming
Thermoforming is a manufacturing process where sheets of plastic are heated to a pliable forming temperature, formed to a specific part shape in a mold, and trimmed to create a usable product. Gemstar specializes in heavy gauge (.090-.300) custom thermoforming. Heavy gauge thermoforming produces items such as cases and belt guards. Our experienced workforce provides in-house tooling, design and knowledge of a wide range of thermoplastic materials, including ABS, acrylic, CAB, HDPE, Noryl, PC, PETG, PS and PVC alloy.
- Benefits to choosing Gemstar for your thermoforming needs include:
• Inexpensive tooling compared to other plastic processes
• Quick turnaround on custom prototypes
• Small and large volume production
• Multiple high-quality virgin thermoplastic material options
• Full scale secondary fabrication and assembly
• Vacuum forming and pressure forming capabilities
Vacuum Forming
Vacuum forming is a version of thermoforming, where a sheet of plastic is heated to a forming temperature and held against a single-surface mold by applying vacuum between the mold surface and the sheet. Vacuum forming is often used in the production of hard plastic cases and other custom cases.
Pressure Forming
Pressure forming is another thermoforming process. With pressure forming, a hot plastic sheet is forced against a mold. Compressed air is combined with vacuum to form the plastic. Pressure forming is capable of creating an increase in the amount of detail that can be picked up by the plastic from the mold. This process can be utilized to create custom plastic cases.
Gemstar Manufacturing • 1515 North 5th Street • Cannon Falls, MN 55009 • Toll Free – 800-533-3631 • sales@gemstarmfg.com