What is pressure forming?

Pressure forming refers to the process of using air pressure on a heated plastic sheet to create a mold or part that can exhibit high degrees of detail and texture.

Using the process, the maximum pressure exerted is up to four times higher than vacuum forming.How does pressure forming work?

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First, a plastic sheet is inserted into a pressure-forming machine, so that it sits over a tool. It is then heated. Once the proper temperature is reached, up to five tons of pressurized air pushes the plastic sheet over the tool, then holds it under high pressure. An air vent removes any excess air. Once sufficiently cooled and hardened, the plastic is removed from the tool to be used as it is, as a mold, or to be further processed into a final part.

Benefits of pressure forming

Pressure forming offers manufacturers and end users a wide range of benefits. Among them:

Vacuum forming vs. pressure forming