W

Expertise

Thermoforming plastic

Q: Which materials can be thermoformed ?

The materials used for thermoforming are thermoplastics . These thermoplastics are chosen for their performance, mechanical strength and the desired aesthetic finish depending on the application.

Q: Is thermoforming suitable for small production runs?

Thermoforming is a particularly suitable for small and medium batches, offering rapid implementation and reduced tooling costs, making it ideal for modest or scalable volumes.

Q: Can large parts be thermoformed?

Absolutely. This technology allows us to produce large-format parts, up to 1800 × 2600 mm in significant thickness, while maintaining precision, rigidity, and quality of finish.

The plastic thermoforming is a flexible, agile and competitive technology designed for small and medium runs. This approach consists of heating thermoplastic materials to then format them to create bespoke plastic parts. The shaping is done by vacuum aspiration of air on regulated aluminium tools.

& Contact our experts

Home
/
Expertise
/
Plastic vacuum forming

The benefits of plastic thermoforming for industrial manufacturers

The plastic thermoforming is currently preferred over plastic injection, which is generally more expensive for industrial players.

This manufacturing method is valued for its flexibility, enabling the production of robust, aesthetically pleasing, and customisable parts while limiting costs and development times. Thermoforming is notably used for the mass production of plastic parts for industrial projects that require speed of execution and repeatability over time. At RBL Plastics Each project is conceived according to the need expressed by our clients. Our production method is based on thermoforming and integrates Feasibility criteria, the Subject choice and Functional constraints to ensure optimal results for our clients.

N

Limited development time and cost

This production method makes it easy to adapt to market needs and reduce development costs.

N

Fast market access

Plastic thermoforming allows you to design and produce your plastic parts quickly thanks to an agile and flexible industrial process.

N

A responsible sector

Thermoforming is a good way to produce more responsibly. This process, in particular, allows for the incorporation of recycled thermoplastic materials into plastic parts.

The 8 key steps plastic thermoforming

1 - Needs analysis and techno-economic proposal

Every project begins with a thorough analysis of your specification document. The functional aspects and the usage environment are studied to propose the most suitable thermoformed solution.

Following this detailed study, our design office formalises a Technical and economic proposal which is transmitted to you. This includes, in particular, the thermoplastic retained, the industrial constraints considered as well as the technical solution envisaged. It also includes an estimate of the required investment according to the volumes and the quality of finish required.

2 - Validation phase

The analysis of your needs, followed by a digital file validation phase which will be used for the production of the series. To do this, our design office can assist you by providing expert support on design subjects, particularly thanks to its mastery of SolidWorks.

3 - Design and manufacture of tooling

RBL Plastiques then designs the forming molds and cutting tools necessary for the project too called tooling. This ensures perfect consistency between the digital definition, the tooling and the desired plastic part.

Moreover, our in-house expertise in Tools and prototyping ensures great responsiveness and total mastery of development.

4 - Phase prototype

Following the study of the project and the digital design, the project is translated via the prototype production. Prototyping allows you to take the designed concept and refine it, bringing it to life for validation before starting the industrialisation phase.

It allows, in particular, to validate the mechanical outfit, The surface quality and finish of the part being considered.

5 - Qualification phase process

The qualification process phase is carried out before series production. For this, we mobilise the PPAP and APQP, two methods for to qualify all product and process specifications.

These include, in particular, the details of the industrial skills deployed and the different production phases that will enable series production.

This phase notably ensures stable and repeatable productions for subsequent stages, with a clear visualisation of the adopted production method.

6 - Series production

uite aux étapes d’étude et de qualification, RBL Plastiques vous accompagne dans la series production. During this phase, the thermoformed parts are produced continuously, cut, packaged according to the characteristics of the qualification file drawn up during the process qualification phase.

RBL Plastiques thus guarantees consistent quality, a full traceability and a High industrial repeatability. The production draws on both Fine and thick-gauge thermoforming.

7 - Assembly of parts and sub-assemblies

Once the parts have been manufactured, these are assembled to form the simple or complex subsets. In this context, each piece is given a finish.

Ten Complementary components can also be integrated to Finalise sets (metal parts, inserts, fasteners, decorative trims).

8 - Control and dispatch

The parts are then packaged and dispatched via our supply chain in compliance with the customer's logistics plan, ensuring continuity of supply.

Discover our solutions bespoke plastics

& Our solutions

Why call on RBL Plastiques for this expertise?

[

Certified process

Certified ISO 9001 and 50001, we guarantee sustainable production that complies with industrial constraints.

[

At the cutting edge of innovation

Through our research and development department, benefit from the latest innovations in thermoforming and plastic technology.

[

A team of experts

We provide you with a team of experts and engineers from the design to the industrialization of your project.

# Industrialization

$ Assembly

We are replying to your questions

What is plastic thermoforming?

L

K

This is a moulding process used to produce plastic parts. Used in industry, it involves heating a thermoplastic material (ABS, PET, APET, PMMA) to apply it to a mould. Once applied, the shape of the plastic part is given via vacuum suction, which allows the mould's shape to be applied to the heated material.

Why choose thermoforming for a plastic part?

L

K

For its flexibility, reduced development costs, speed of execution, and ability to produce technical or aesthetic parts

Which materials can be thermoformed ?

L

K

The materials used for thermoforming are thermoplastics. These thermoplastics are chosen for their performance, mechanical strength and the desired aesthetic finish depending on the application.

What thicknesses can be thermoformed?

L

K

Thermoforming covers a wide spectrum of applications thanks to two families of thicknesses: the Thin-gauge, ideal for light or high-turnover rooms, between 0.2 and 2.5 mm, and the Heavy-gauge, used for more rigid parts, ranging from 1 to 15 mm.

Is thermoforming suitable for small production runs?

L

K

Thermoforming is a particularly suitable for small and medium batches, offering rapid implementation and reduced tooling costs, making it ideal for modest or scalable volumes.

Can large parts be thermoformed?

L

K

Absolutely. This technology allows us to produce large-format parts, up to 1800 × 2600 mm in significant thickness, while maintaining precision, rigidity, and quality of finish.

Contact our experts now

Enjoy a complimentary initial consultation with our team of experts.

& Estimate your project