Thick-sheet thermoforming The range of available materials is extensive, making it well-suited for redesigns, and the solid wood components can be reused. The materials include HDPE (high-density polyethylene), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), and ABS‑TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). Now, let’s explore the key advantages of thick‑plate thermoforming!

　　I. Pros and Cons of Thick-Plate Thermoforming

　　1. Thick-sheet thermoforming processing ensures engineering feasibility.

　　In the packaging manufacturing and processing industry, thick‑sheet thermoforming cannot compete with other processes unless corrugated cardboard is used as the packaging material. A key advantage of thick‑sheet blister forming is its engineering‑based rationality: composite sheets, polyurethane‑foamed sheets, and printed sheets can be formed into finished products by simply adjusting the mold, without requiring modifications to the existing thick‑sheet blister‑forming equipment.

　　2. The thermoforming process for thick sheets offers a wide range of material options.

　　 Thick-sheet thermoforming The lower‑end products that can be manufactured include tablet packaging and rechargeable batteries for watches, as well as very large items such as garden water reservoirs measuring 3 to 5 meters in length. The thickness of the molded material can range from 0.05 to 15 mm; for foamed plastics, it can reach up to 60 mm. Thermosetting plastics and other raw materials with similar properties are also suitable for suction molding.

　　3. Timber Purchase

　　During the blister‑packaging manufacturing process for thick sheets, laser cutting is required, which often generates edge and corner scrap. After crushing this scrap, it can be blended with the original material to produce new thin sheets. In recent years, the recycling of edge and corner waste generated throughout the entire thick‑sheet blister‑packaging process has become increasingly important. Currently, a processing technology has been developed that recycles such waste by grinding it and blending it with virgin raw materials.

　　Scope of application for thick-sheet thermoforming:

　　It is now widely used across various industries, including appliance housings, major household appliances, electric vehicle components, logistics pallets, toys, lighting fixtures, advertising light boxes, display stands, and bathroom products.

　　II. Analysis of Common Raw Material Sheets Used in Thick-Plate Vacuum Forming

　　The principle of thermoforming for thick sheets is essentially the same as that of conventional blister packaging: plastic sheets are cut to specified dimensions, heated to soften them, and then deformed under differential air pressure or mechanical pressure on both sides. The softened material is subsequently pressed against the contour of a dedicated mold, cooled to set its shape, and finally trimmed during the cutting process.

　　 Thick-sheet thermoforming The commonly used raw material sheets mainly include HDPE, ABS, and ABS‑TPU. Below is a brief overview of the basic characteristics of these three materials.

　　1) HDPE: High-density polyethylene exhibits excellent heat resistance, cold resistance, chemical stability, high rigidity, toughness, and outstanding resistance to environmental stress cracking. Main applications include 200-liter water drums, fuel tanks, pallets, automotive components, yachts, blister‑pack tray lids, and specialized packaging for most automotive parts, among others.

　　2) ABS: Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene plastic. Properties: excellent impact resistance, heat resistance, low‑temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical performance; it readily forms with HDPE, offering stable product dimensions, good surface gloss, and superior load‑bearing capacity. However, in terms of low‑temperature resistance, toughness, and resistance to environmental stress cracking, HDPE performs better. Main applications: widely used in the automotive, electronics and electrical, office equipment, and telecommunications sectors. In the packaging field, it is primarily employed for automated removal operations by robotic arms that demand high dimensional accuracy of packaged items.

　　The above outlines the advantages of thick‑sheet thermoforming. For more information, please feel free to contact us!