Plastics FAQ
For more information please visit the Plastics service section of our web site.
Thermoforming
How thick of materials do we work with?
We typically deal with materials ranging in thickness from .040" to .500".
What are the benefits of thermoforming?
Thermoforming is efficient and very cost-effective for the production of many plastic parts depending on their size, shape, and quantity. Initial project costs are usually much lower, and lead times to tooling and production are generally much shorter than other processes.
What is thermoforming?
Thermoforming is the process of heating and molding of plastic sheet or film of a variety of thickness and sizes into products.
What is twin-sheet forming?
Twin-sheet forming is simultaneously forming two separate sheets in their separate molds to create hollow and double-walled parts.
What type of plastics can be thermoformed?
Thermoforming can be done on the following: acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), high density polyethylene (HDPE), high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (or "acrylic") (PMMA), and polyethylene terephthalate modified with CHDM (PETG).
Urethane Molding
How do you cut the silicone parting line?
The parting line is carefully hand cut with a sharp surgical type knife.
How fast is your turnaround?
Our turnaround is typically 5 to 7 days on short run prototypes.
How many prototypes will a single mold produce?
The mold will produce approximately 20 to 30 parts depending on the complexity of the part. Generally, in prototyping there are only a few parts made from each mold rather than the mass production of parts seen in other industry segments.
Is there a difference between polyurethane and urethane?
Absolutely, but it probably won't cause a problem if you use the terms interchangeably. Urethanes are crystalline structures, and polyurethane's are not. Urethanes are rigid and less prone to flexing. Polyurethane's have chain extenders in their structures that allow them to bend and flex. At Accelerated Technologies, we use both urethane and polyurethane, matching the material to your unique needs.
What color castings can you produce?
Astro can cast in just about any color.
What is the largest mold you ever produced?
The largest mold was 3,000lbs to 4,000lbs.
What is the size of the largest mold you can vacuum cast?
Astro can vacuum cast a mold that is 24 x 24 x 36.
Vacuum Forming
What is vacuum forming?
Vacuum Forming is the process of creating 3-D objects from a flat plastic sheet by heating, draping over a form then removing air from between the sheet and form.
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