Thermoforming is a process of heating thermoplastic sheet and placing it over a mold until cooled. The thickness of the material determines whether the manufacturing process uses rolled sheets (thin gauge) or pre-cut stacked sheets (thick or heavy gauge). Thin gauge material is dominant in the disposable packaging sector, especially in the retail markets. Heavy or thick gauge material is most often for components with long lifespans, such as assembly trays, material handling trays or shipping trays.
Heavy Gauge thermoforming
Heavy gauge parts tend to be larger size items and production is slower. Because of this, heavy gauge thermoforming is best suited for lower volume parts with long life spans.
- Strong durable parts
- Long lasting, reusable
- Custom designs for ease in assembly lines
- Stackable for shipping and storage
Thin Gauge Thermoforming
Most often found in retail packaging, clamshells and blister packages are made from a thermoforming process. Thin gauge thermoforming parts are typically lightweight and produce in large volumes.
- Clamshell packaging
- Blister packaging
- Trays
- Inserts
Visit VisiPak to learn more about retail packaging options.