Pre-stretching the part is an option. We use a vacuum box on the top (with the mold on the bottom), and draw the plastic up into the box, then release the vacuum on top, and draw the plastic down into the mold. This helps make the plastic thickness more uniform over the entire part, but also...
Thanks for the additional info. We're going to try the selective heating method. That really makes a lot of sense for us. We've also found a material called Isotec, that's used on the back of ABS hot tubs. That might work, but I'm worried that the application machinery is really expensive...
Hi, Harry.
Well... its a good idea. Only problem is that it will affect the finish of the part. The mold is very smooth, and unless the inserts blend perfectly with the mold, it would leave marks on the finished part. In the right place (like a hidden surface), though, it would work well...
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.
Selective area heating will probably help the corners (good suggestion!), but I still need to rigidize the side walls. The polyurethane foam works well for that.
Thicker sheet is a problem because it adds cost to the overall product (the pan is quite...
I'm searching for a method of rigidizing a thermoformed ABS part. The thermoforming process thins the plastic quite a bit - to about 0.040" in places (started at 0.118"). The walls of this product, in selected locations, need to be supported. We're currently using a polyurethane foam, but the...
