THE EFFECT OF PROCESS PARAMETERS ON THICKNESS DISTRIBUTION IN THERMOFORMING

Abstract

In this study, cylindrical, conical and hemispherical molds were used to form flat thermoplastic sheets which are 1.5 mm in thickness. The effect of plug assist on thickness distribution was investigated. The sheets were formed with and without plug assist. Then thickness distributions on thermoformed products were obtained for two experimental procedures by a digital caliper (Resolution: 0.01mm). As a result, plug assist thermoforming provides more uniform thickness distributions than negative forming.

Keywords

• thermoforming
• plug-assist
• thickness distribution
• mold