Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about thermoforming, or getting your parts made? We’re here to help.

These FAQs address some relevant topics not covered in other content on our site. Our knowledge and expertise grew from years of learning and hard work, making sure we produce superior thermoformed products.

What’s the difference between pressure forming and injection molding?

There are significant differences. Injection molding uses plastic pellets, melts them and pushes them into a mold under very high pressure. The molds require expensive steel construction for a two-sided cavity.

Pressure forming starts by heating plastic sheets, then using vacuum and air pressure to force the plastic into a one-sided mold. Because the pressure is low, the molds can be made of less expensive aluminum and last indefinitely. See our complete comparison between pressure forming and injection molding. 

Can you work from my part files designed for injection molding?

Yes. Changes to the second surface (ribs, bosses, etc.) will need to be redesigned but texture and basic geometry should be similar. Our engineering team is experienced with DFM (design for manufacturing) adjustments to optimize designs for thermoforming.

Are thermoplastics recyclable?

Yes! Because they can be heated and melted multiple times, most of the thermoplastics we work with are recyclable. We recycle all the scrap plastic trimmed off the parts we make.

Can you match a specific color?

Yes! In addition to standard colors, we regularly work with custom color materials. We can work from a color spec or physical sample.

What’s the maximum size part you can thermoform?

Our equipment can form plastic parts up to 8 ft wide by 12 ft long.

What are your typical order quantities?

The central part of our economic MOQ is driven by possible material minimums and total set-up cost. We can make prototypes or samples, but most manufacturing order quantities are over 100 pieces. Every project is different and is evaluated to see if it’s a good fit for thermoforming.

What do you need from me to make a part?

We need a final 3D solid model, detailed 2D prints, thermoforming tolerances, and material selection.

How fast can you turn around our project?

Once a design is finalized, first samples can typically be available in 6-8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the part.

Do you make and sell standard products like bins, totes, or plastic sheets?

Sorry, no. We are a contract manufacturer producing high-volume custom parts for OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) rather than a distributor.

Where do you ship?

We ship to customer sites all over the world.