Plastic Processes

Line Bender
1. How it works
  1. The element heats up- plastic is then placed on the top of the element.
  2. This then melts/ softens the plastic therefore modelling to the shape.
2. Advantages
  1. Ideal for one-off and batch production.
  2. Straight bends are produced efficiently set up costs are low precise temperature control over the heated area for heat, precise bends.
3. Disadvantages
  1. Bends must be accurately marked before folding.
  2. Acrylic can bubble it over heated
  3. Formed bend has to be allowed some time in the exact position.
4. Plastics used
  1. Thermoplastics
5. Used for...
  1. Brochure / menu / business card holders
  2. Shop Signage
Vacuum forming
1. How it works
  1. The plastic is melted/ softened- it is then placed over a specially crafted mould.
  2. The plastic is heldto the mould by a vacuum-see ppt.
2. Advantages
  1. Light weight products to be mades
  2. Relatively easy moulds that can be modified.
  3. Surface textures can be moulded- not added finish.
  4. Ideal for batch production- Inexpensive
3. Disadvantages
  1. Material sometimes 'thins' toomuch and bursts.
  2. Moulds would need to be accurate to prevent webbing.
  3. Product needs to be cut out.
  4. Formed bends need to be allowed to cool for some time.
4. Plastics used
  1. Thermoplastics: PVC, ABS, HIP's and Acrylic
5. Used for...
  1. Blister packaging
  2. Yoghurt pots
  3. Chocolate box trays
Blow Moulding
1. How it works
  1. Similar to vacuum forming
2. Advantages
  1. Very cheap unit costs
  2. Highly automated
  3. Not labout intensive
  4. Ideal for mass production
  5. Very little finishing required
3. Disadvantages
  1. Very high set up costs- due to moulds being expensive to develop and produce.
  2. Not suitable for small runs.
4. Plastics used
  1. Ploymers
5. Used for...
  1. Bottles and containers
  2. Hollow plastic products

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Plastic Processes

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	Created by 08stuart_ki almost 11 years ago