If you pay close attention to manufacturing trends, you may have already seen it happening: manufacturers are discovering the benefits of pressure forming, and realizing that they can’t help but switch.
Why are they switching, and is it the right choice for you?
At Ray Products, we’ve been pressure forming plastic parts for over 70 years, and have a keen sense of the types of projects that can greatly benefit from this process. Below are the most commonly noted reasons to opt for pressure forming for your next project.
#1 – Lower Cost at Quantity
For production runs in the low to mid volumes, pressure forming is the best manufacturing option available. It allows for all of the customization, detail and quality of injection molding at one-tenth of the tooling cost.
#2 – Aesthetics That Can’t Be Beat
Pressure forming yields a high-quality finish that eliminates the need for paint. The process allows parts to be created with a fine level of detail and complex geometry, as well as features like vents and louvers, molded-in textures, undercuts, and snap-fit features. The result is a smooth, clean, well-shaped part with tight tolerances, highly cosmetic details, and no residual stress.
#3 – Quality You Can Count On
We haven’t been in business this long by delivering mediocre products. For heavy-gauge pressure forming, we exclusively use temperature-controlled aluminum tooling that’s guaranteed to last for life. Tooling is fully customizable to the client’s needs, and production is completely automated — ensuring repeatability and cosmetic quality for even the most detailed plastic parts.
#4 – Low or No-Cost Changes
Not only does pressure forming have lower overall tooling costs than other processes, but it also often allows for design changes at minimal costs. For example, it’s possible to relocate a boss or attachment point, or move a molded-in vent without reworking tooling. In fact, most of these changes do not even involve the tooling, offering a freedom of design that other processes do not.
#5 – Material Options Galore
The same thermoplastic materials that are available for injection molding are also commonly used for pressure forming, giving you hundreds of options to choose from. Select from V-0 flame rated ABS, polycarbonate, PETG and many, many other materials, and fortify your plastic with properties like excellent impact protection, UV and weatherable ratings, or even built-in antimicrobial resistance. The options are limitless.
Wondering if Pressure Forming Is Right for You?
You wouldn’t be alone.
Check out our info section to see if pressure forming might be a good fit for your next project.
Talk With Ray Products at AmCon Salt Lake City
October 2–3, 2019
Salt Palace Convention Center
Booth 117
Come visit us!