It's hard to find an industry today that doesn't need a precision-engineered, lightweight yet durable plastic component. From delicate blisters in pharmaceuticals, to transport trays on automotive lines, to ESD anti-static extrusions to protect electronics during manufacturing and logistics, thermoformed extrusions are popping up everywhere.
Their role? To secure the contents, facilitate logistics and promote stability in transportation and production.
But what if you need packaging that not only protects your product, but also reduces costs, fits into a zero waste policy and is compatible with production automation? How do you choose a technology that will allow you to get to market faster and without waiting months for expensive steel molds? It is in such cases Thermoforming is proving to be a versatile and extremely practical solution. In addition, if you choose a manufacturing plant that has its own recycling line and independently produces boards from recycled plastics, you gain doubly: a green solution that is also environmentally friendly.
At Geo Globe Poland, we design customized components, use recycled materials, and ensure that each component is functional,
Thermoformed extrusions - what are they?
Thermoformed extrusions are finished plastic parts molded from a flat sheet of material that is heated to a plastic state (usually 160-200°C), and then broadcast into a mold:
☑ Vacuum (air suction),
☑ Pressurized (air injection),
☑ Or mechanically (pressure).
Once cooled, the material retains the desired, previously meticulously designed shape under controlled conditions.
Plastic moldings: key information
Plastic moldings are finished parts made of plastic, molded in special molds (usually by injection molding). Application: used in many industries - automotive, household appliances, electronics, toys, packaging, etc.
Flexible and even unlimited application possibilities
Thermoformed extrusions are used wherever we need a combination of functionality, aesthetics and manufacturing economy - from battery covers for electric vehicles, to ESD separators for electronics, to transport trays on automated lines . This is because thermoforming offers flexibility that is difficult to find in other technologies.
How does it differ from the well-known injection molding? In injection molding, thermoplastic material is melted and injected into a closed steel mold under high pressure. This is a resource-intensive process - both in terms of tools and implementation time. In thermoforming, on the other hand, a sheet of plastic (e.g. ABS, PET, PS, PP) is merely heated to plasticity temperature and then formed on a die. We have already written more about the fundamental differences between the two technologies in our blog post: Injection molding vs. vacuum molding - learn the differences.
Thermoformed extrusions - in what industries are they used?
The versatility of thermoforming technology makes them successfully applicable both in heavy industry, where resistance and large size are important, and in industries operating on a smaller scale, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals or electronics. Thus, extrusions can be both light and compact, as well as massive, impact-resistant or weatherproof. Their common denominator? Precise adaptation to the shape of the product and the individual requirements of the manufacturer.
Industries where thermoformable extrusions are used:
Thermoformed extrusions can take a wide variety of forms - from thin-walled trays to large, rigid structural components. It's the tremendous design flexibility that makes this technology a proven performer in many industries:
☑ Automotive industry
Example application: thermoformed inserts and trays used to transport interior components, electronic components and fasteners. The molds are designed taking into account logistical requirements and the specifics of automatic assembly lines.
☑ Medical and pharmaceutical industry
Examples of use: thermoformed trays and inserts used for securing and organizing medical devices - including vials, disposable sets or samples. The extrusions allow hygienic and orderly packaging of ampoules, instruments and diagnostic specimens according to industry requirements.
☑ Electronics and electromobility
Example application: specialized antistatic (ESD) extrusions designed for storing and transporting sensitive electronic components, such as integrated circuits, PCBs or sensors. The key here is to protect not only mechanically, but also against electrostatic discharge, thanks to the appropriate properties of the plastic.
☑ Cosmetics industry
Examples of use: transparent extrusions tailored to the shape and function of cosmetic products, such as inserts for gift sets, organizers for flacons, trays for packing creams or makeup palettes. Thermoformed POS displays are both a functional and aesthetic element, supporting sales at retail outlets.
☑ Industry and logistics
Example applications: thick-walled extrusions as transport dividers, stacking trays and technical packaging for custom parts.
☑ Industry and food
Examples of application: thin-walled PET and PS extrusions for packaging of fruits, vegetables, meats, ready meals. MAP trays, display containers, inserts for bulk packaging.
☑ Construction and technical industry
Example application: technical extrusions used for protection and transportation of profiles, structural components, fittings. Thick-walled spacers and covers for production and assembly.
At Geo Globe Poland, we not only design thermoformed extrusions for a wide range of industries, but also verify their quality with the utmost precision. With our measuring arm and 3D model conformance control, we ensure repeatability and full compliance with the technical documentation. Have questions about the applicability of thermoforming In your project? Contact us - we will advise, design, manufacture.
Do you have a design challenge? Contact our team - we will advise and propose a solution tailored to the conditions of your project.
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It's hard to find an industry today that doesn't need a precision-engineered, lightweight yet durable plastic component. From delicate blisters in pharmaceuticals, to transport trays on automotive lines, to ESD anti-static extrusions to protect electronics during manufacturing and logistics, thermoformed extrusions are popping up everywhere. - Vice President Dobrochna Kochanska an official member of the Business Center Club
Vice President Dobrochna Kochanska an official member of the Business Center Club
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