McCLARIN Composites thermoforming is capable in both thermoplastic and thermoplastic composite parts. We are differentiated in capabilities for large-scale parts.
Our vacuum forming and thermoforming capability are a reliable solution for medium to heavy gauge parts with complex shapes.
During the vacuum forming process, thermoplastic sheets or reinforced thermoplastic composite (TPC) organosheets are heated until formable around a mold. It is a simple process that produces resilient, lightweight, and seamless parts quickly and efficiently.
Vacuum formed parts are individual components that leave the process as the intended product, or occasionally as a substantial part of the intended product; these parts are good substitutes for metal materials due to enhanced durability and higher strength-to-weight ratios.
The vacuum forming process is one-sided; meaning the finished part shape and detail are both on one side. Advantages of vacuum forming include less expensive tooling, fast turnaround, lower maintenance and modification compared to injection molding processes.
Thermoforming can be used to form thermoplastic sheets or TPC organosheets into three-dimensional shapes. Thermoforming requires a relatively low level of forming pressure, so tooling can be constructed rapidly and less expensively compared to other molding processes. Fast cycle times, combined with automated sheet-feeding equipment, allows rapid turnaround of components with dimensions up to 16-foot Length by 8-foot Width by 4-foot Depth.
We utilize a combination of automated, manual, and digitally controlled equipment to form parts of acrylic (primarily Kydex), polycarbonate (PC), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and ABS/PC blends and other specialty sheet as needed.
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Thermoforming & Vacuum Forming Specs
Thermoforming and Vacuum Molding Process
Drape Forming
Pressure Forming
Vacuum Forming
Single Sheet
Twin Sheet
Equipment Capabilities
Automated
Automatic Sheet Loaders
Manual
Digital Control
Large Capacity
Materials
ABS
Acrylic
High-Impact Styrene
HMWPE
Kydex
Lexan
PC/ABS
PETG
Polycarbonate
Polyethylene
Styrene
TPO
Engineering Resins
Length
Max
16 ft
4,876.8 mm
Width
Max
8 ft
2,438 mm
Draw
Max
4 ft
1,219.2 mm
Thickness (Base Material)
Min (Thermoforming)
.020 in
.508 mm
Max (Thermoforming)
.500 in
12.7 mm
Tolerance (+/-)
Work to standard Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
Production Volume
Prototype/Pilot
Low Volume
Short Run
Production
High Volume
Long Run
Additional Information
Value Added Services
Assembly
Controlled Environment
Controlled Humidity
Controlled Temperature
Coating
Ceramic Coating
Copper Coating
RFI Shielding
Heat Shielding
Packaging
Hardware Design and Procurement
In-House Tooling
Custom Patterns
Custom Tooling
Composite Tooling
Offering Quick Turnaround Times
CNC Mold Machining
Logistics
Just In Time (JIT)
Kanban
Digitizing and Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM)
Faro Arm
Assembly Mechanical
Adhesive Bonding
Industry Focus
Transportation
Trucks
Cars
Buses
Trains
Commuter Rail Systems
Rapid Transport
Construction Equipment
Agricultural Equipment
Aerospace
Defense/Military
Fire & Emergency
Energy
Machinery
Marine
Building Products/Architectural
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV)
Sports Equipment
Intended Application
Reusable Shipping Containers
Water Control Pipe Fittings
Enclosures
Motorcycle Fairings
Machine Covers
Machine Doors
Truck Bed Liners
Metal Conversions
Industry Standards
ASME
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials
CSA
Canadian Standards Association
FAA
Federal Aviation Administration
FDA
Food And Drug Administration
ISO: ISO 9001
International Organization for Standardization
Mil-Spec
Military Specifications
RoHS
Restriction Of Hazardous Substances (Compliant)
SAE
Society of Automotive Engineers
Six Sigma Capable SPC Control
100 Ton State Permit
EPA
Pennsylvania DEP
File Formats
AlphaCAM (AMD,ATD)
AutoCAD (DWG,DWZ)
BMP
Creo
IGES
Inventor (IDW, IPT)
JPG or JEPG
MasterCam (MDX, MC8, MC9, SET)
PDES
PDF
SAT
SolidEdge (DFT)
SolidWorks (SLDPRT,SLDDRW,SLDDRT)
STEP
SurfCam (DSN)
TIFF
TurboCAD (TCW,TCX)
Unigraphics (PRT)