Thermoforming is a manufacturing process in which a plastic sheet is heated to a temperature where it becomes flexible and can be manipulated and moulded to the required shape.
The building and construction sectors use nearly 10 million tonnes of plastics every year. This figure represents over 20% of the total European plastic consumption, making this sector the highest user of plastic after packaging.
Plastics are very versatile and have a huge range of applications in the construction industry. They have a great strength to weight ratio, which makes them lightweight and easy to transport, they are durable, cheap, require low maintenance, easily formable, and are very resistant to corrosion, which makes them a subject of interest in the construction sector. Most of this plastic consumption is used for new pipe installations, but because of its versatility, it can also be used for seals, windows and doors, cables, insulation, etc.
Manufacturers realise that thermoforming is an exceptionally efficient process in comparison to injection moulding and other plastic manufacturing processes which have much higher running and tool costs. While similar to vacuum forming, thermoforming is an automated process, which allows it to work much quicker than vacuum forming.
The use of thermoformed plastics has become very popular in the construction industry because of the advantages it brings to the sector:
- Great strength to weight ratio –Thermoformed plastics are strong yet still lightweight, making them easy to transport and manoeuvre.
- Durable – Plastic is durable, being knock and scratch resistant and can withstand adverse weather conditions.
- Cost Effective – Plastics usually cost much less than traditional building materials.
- Low Maintenance – Plastic requires little to no maintenance and is easy to install.
- Easily formable – There are limitless design possibilities with thermoformed plastics.
- Resistant to corrosion – Unlike many traditional building materials, plastic does not rot or corrode.
- Environmentally friendly: Plastic can be recycled, and has a lower carbon footprint than many other building materials.
Plastic extruders Euro Extrusions Ltd. has become a market leader in supplying thermoplastic sheet and film. With many years in the industry, Euro Extrusions has amassed a wealth of plastic extrusion knowledge and experience.
Euro Extrusions has certified ISO 9001 status. We can create sheet and rolls in Polystyrene, High Impact Polystyrene, Polypropylene and a host of other plastic sheet and film. Euro Extrusions can produce virgin as well as recycled plastic sheet or film, and even offers to recycle its customers own waste plastic. Euro Extrusions keeps ahead of the current trends and can even adapt its manufacturing methods to accommodate its customer’s requirements.
For more information about Thermoplastic Plastic Extrusion and other Plastic Extrusion, please click here.
