Sheet Clamping System
When forming plastic sheets, the sheet is secured on a clamping device. Thermoforming machines typically use clamping devices that can accommodate various sheet sizes to form an effective seal.
Sheet Heating
Sheet heating is one of the primary steps in thermoforming — softening the sheet into a moldable state. Electric heating elements transfer heat through thermal radiation.
Vacuum System
The vacuum system consists of a vacuum pump, air reservoir, valves, piping, and vacuum gauges. The vacuum pump generates the appropriate vacuum level to drive the thermoforming process.
Cooling System
Thermoformed products must be cooled before demolding. Molds with built-in cooling coils are preferred. For molds that cannot use water cooling (such as plaster or copper molds), air cooling is used instead.
Demolding
Demolding removes the finished product from the mold. Because the product shrinks and grips the mold as it cools, compressed air is blown in the reverse direction through the vacuum holes to release it. For molds with small draft angles or recessed features, demolding mechanisms that push or vibrate the product out are also used.