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A Top Plastic Thermoforming Company in Los Angeles
Polymershapes is a top company for thermoforming plastic polymers and polycarbonate materials. Searches like “thermoforming companies near me in Los Angeles” can leave you overwhelmed by choices, but Polymershapes should be first on your list. We can manufacture durable bulk products or components in a variety of materials to exact specifications at a great price. Learn more about us and the benefits of thermoforming.
Reach out and talk with a plastics thermoforming expert. As part of our thermoforming services, we can help you plan the fabrication of your products or components for any project. We’ll look at your options for materials and fabrication methods to get the best performance at the best costs.
The Process of Thermoforming
Thermoforming services involve heating a plastic sheet until it becomes pliable enough to shape into specific designs or to fit into a mold. Most plastics thermoforming companies, in Los Angeles or elsewhere, do that by placing the sheet of plastic, or a thin “film” of plastic, into an oven.
Once heated, the excess material is trimmed away. Then the plastic is given time to cool, during which time it’s shaped by the mold.
Vacuum Thermoforming
Vacuum forming is a type of thermoforming that involves heating small sections of a plastic sheet. A vacuum then stretches the heated sheet of plastic over the appropriate mold. Although vacuum thermoforming is fast and cost-effective for large production runs, vacuum thermoforming services are often preferred for smaller-scale applications, and plastics companies typically recommend vacuum forming for prototypes and sample parts.
Applications of Thermoforming
Thermoforming is an excellent fabrication method for products or components at scale, where thousands of virtually identical plastic parts can be fabricated quickly and at low cost. Multiple types of plastics can be used in thermoforming fabrication, from flexible ABS to moldable acrylic. Give us a call and make Polymershapes your plastics thermoforming company here in Los Angeles. These are just some of the industries we offer our thermoforming services to.
- Automotive
- Building & Construction
- Bus and Rail
- Chemical Processing
- Enclosures, Doors, and Glazing
- Food and Beverage
- Medical Packaging
- Packaging and Conveying
- Playground Equipment
- POP/Display
- Recreational Vehicles
- Transit Shelters
- Watercraft
When to Choose Thermoforming
There are several methods of molding and transforming plastic. It’s in your best interest to ask, “What are the best thermoforming companies in Los Angeles?” and find the thermoforming service providers that offer a variety of molding processes, such as blow molding and injection molding. This way, they can consult with you about when to choose thermoforming for your application.
Types of Thermoforming-Capable Plastics & Polymers
Many types of materials can be used in thermoforming, including:
- Acrylic
- PVC-Acrylic (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- HIPS High Impact Polystyrene
- PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
Talk to a Thermoforming Fabrication Expert
Our experience, knowledge, and versatility make us one of the leading providers of thermoforming services in the greater Los Angeles area. We can offer a range of thermoforming methods, including vacuum thermoforming. Our experts can work with your team to understand your plastics project and requirements. From there, we’ll help you identify the plastic materials that best suit your needs. Call Polymershapes today to decide to schedule a consultation and plan your plastics fabrication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a full drawing before reaching out to thermoforming companies in Los Angeles?
No. Most people come to us with rough notes or a simple sketch. That’s enough to figure out materials and thickness.
How different are the costs between thermoforming and injection molding?
Cost shifts a lot. Thermoforming services are usually better for larger parts of shorter runs, but once a mold is extremely complex, injection molding has the advantage. We compare them case by case.
Can a thermoformed part hold tight dimensions?
It can, as long as the resin behaves well during cooling. Some plastics move more than others. We go over that early so you know what’s realistic.
How long does a typical run take once tooling is ready?
Lead time depends on the sheet thickness and quantity. Some jobs move in days; others take a bit longer if tooling needs tweaks.
Have a project? Get in touch!
Our materials experts will help identify the right solution for your application, put together a quote and a detailed timeline.
