Materials for Thermoforming & Vacuum forming

One of the best aspects of thermoforming is its versatility. This feature can be seen in the vast number of materials that can be used for the process. Each material has applications and functions for which it works best.

• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) – This is a common material that has good stiffness and impact strength. It comes in almost any color as well as several textures.
• Acrylic (Polymethyl Methacrylate, Plexiglass or PMMA) – This material is clear and abrasion-resistant. It can be fabricated easily, is available in impact-modified grades and also comes in many colors.
• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – This material is resistant to impact as well as chemicals. It also has great cold-temperature properties. However, it is not as stable as many other available materials.
• HIPS (High-Impact Polystyrene) – This material has a low cost attached to it. High-Impact Polystyrene also forms easily and is available in many colors. It is more brittle than some other materials, including ABS.
• HMWPE (High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) – This material has high impact strength, is chemical resistant and puncture resistant. It is ideal for medical joint replacement, recreational skis, and bottles.
• KYDEX (PMMA/PVC blend) – This is a good general-use all-purpose material. It is resistant to chemicals and heavy impact. It is available in many colors and textures.
• LEXAN – This material has great variability, is flame-resistant, scratch-resistant, and can stand up to various types of weather.
• PC (Polycarbonate) – This material has an incredibly high impact strength. It is clear and has a high-temperature resistance.
• Pennite (glass-filled nylon) – This material is strong and stiff. It is also cost-effective, especially if it is used to replace metal.
• PEI (Polyetherimide Ultem) – This is very high-temperature grade material. It is autoclavable and has a natural amber color.
• PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – This material is commonly used for food packaging. It is clear and has a low cost. It can be FDA certified if needed.
• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) – This material is clear and has excellent impact strength. It also forms well. Medical-grade material is available upon need.
• PP (Polypropylene) – This material has excellent chemical resistance. It is rigid and has good impact strength. It is good at higher temperatures but is less stable dimensionally than other materials.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – This rigid material is available in rigid or soft forms, with good strength and impact resistance. PVC is also available in flame rated formulations.
• Royalite – This material is durable, and has high impact strength and high tensile strength. It also has high and low-temperature performance.
• RPET (Reprocessed Polyethylene Terephthalate) – This material is commonly used in food packaging. It is clear and has a low cost. It can be FDA certified if needed.
• TPO (Thermoplastic PolyOlefin) – This material has superior impact properties. It is available with a high-gloss finish. It is good for outdoor application. However, it is difficult to form, particularly for applications that need deep draw shapes.
• Specialty materials – Additional materials may be available. Consult one of our Application Engineers.