Techniques

Straight Vacuum Forming:

The plastic sheet is clamped and heated. A vacuum beneath the sheet then causes atmospheric pressure to push the sheet down into the female mold.

Drape Forming:

The plastic sheet is clamped and heated, then drawn over the mold. When the mold has been forced into the sheet and a seal created, vacuum applied beneath the mold forces the sheet over the male mold.

Plug Assist Forming:

After the sheet is clamped and heated, it is sealed across the mold cavity. A plug shaped similar to the mold cavity contacts the sheet causing it to stretch as it is carried into the cavity. Vacuum is then applied to transfer the sheet from the plug surface to the mold surface.