Custom Precision Thermoforming Parts
At Fecision, we combine advanced thermoforming technology with decades of manufacturing expertise to deliver custom plastic parts that meet your exact specifications.
Whether you need prototypes, low-volume production, or high-volume manufacturing, our thermoforming services provide the perfect balance of quality, cost-effectiveness, and design flexibility.
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ISO 9001: 2015 Certified Processes
ISO 13485: 2016 Medical Device
IATF 16949: 2016 Automotive AS9100 Quality Managment
Faster Lead Time for Production Needs
In-Process Inspection with CMM
Thermoforming Services: Custom Plastic Solutions
Thermoforming is a manufacturing process where thermoplastic sheets are heated to a pliable state, stretched over a mold, and trimmed to create a finished product. This method is widely used for producing lightweight, durable, and cost-effective parts. Common applications include packaging (e.g., food containers), automotive components, refrigerator liners, and medical device housings.
Unlike injection molding, thermoforming works with pre-made plastic sheets rather than raw plastic pellets. This fundamental difference makes thermoforming ideal for creating larger parts, achieving faster production cycles for prototypes, and providing more economical tooling options for many applications. The process is highly adaptable, accommodating various plastic materials and design requirements across industries.
Popular Features
Cost Efficiency
Lower mold costs compared to injection molding, ideal for short to medium production runs.
Design Flexibility
Accommodates complex geometries and large part sizes.
Material Versatility
Compatible with a wide range of thermoplastics.
Thermoforming Types
Different thermoforming techniques offer varying capabilities and advantages. At Fecision, we provide multiple thermoforming processes to address your specific project requirements.
Vacuum Forming
Pressure Forming
Twin Sheet Forming
Mechanical Forming
Drape Forming
Billow Forming
Our engineering team will recommend the optimal thermoforming technique based on your part requirements, production volume, and budget considerations.
We can also combine different methods to achieve the best results for complex projects.
Vacuum Forming Advantages
Lower tooling costs
Faster production cycles
Simpler setup and operation
Economical for larger parts
Pressure Forming Advantages
Sharper detail reproduction
Better texture definition
More uniform wall thickness
Superior aesthetic quality
Thermoforming Capabilities
Achieving precise dimensions is crucial for functional plastic components.
Thermoforming can deliver excellent tolerances when properly executed, though several factors influence the level of precision possible.
| Standard | Technical Data |
| Sheet Thickness | 0.25 mm – 12 mm (0.010 in – 0.500 in) depending on material |
| Part Size | Small components up to large panels >2 m (80 in) in length |
| Draw Depth | Typically up to 75% of sheet width; varies with material and tooling |
| Tooling | Aluminum, steel, or composite molds depending on production volume |
| General Dimensional Tolerance | ±0.5 mm to ±1.0 mm per 25 mm (±0.020 in to ±0.040 in per inch) |
| Trimmed Dimensions | ±0.25 mm to ±0.75 mm (±0.010 in to ±0.030 in) depending on trimming method |
| Wall Thickness Variation | ±10–20% (due to material stretch during forming) |
| Flatness | ±0.5 mm per 100 mm (±0.020 in per 4 in), depending on material and cooling |
| Hole Size / Cutouts | ±0.25 mm (±0.010 in) achievable with CNC trimming or drilling |
Ready to Start Your Thermoforming Project?
Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and get a free quote from our thermoforming experts.
Materials Used for Thermoforming
Selecting the right material is crucial for your thermoformed component's performance.
At Fecision, we work with a wide range of thermoplastic materials, each offering unique properties to meet your specific application requirements.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
- Properties:
- Application:
② Consumer Goods: Appliance housings, storage containers, display panels
③ Electrical & Electronics: Switch covers, instrument panels, protective enclosures
Glycol-Modified PET (PETG)
- Properties:
- Application:
① Consumer Goods: Food packaging, display cases, protective covers
② Medical & Healthcare: Equipment housings, trays, device covers
③ Retail & Electronics: Point-of-sale displays, protective enclosures, product packaging
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Properties:
- Application:
① Packaging Industry: Containers, caps, trays, crates
② Automotive: Fuel tanks, protective panels, interior liners
③ Consumer Goods: Storage bins, appliance housings, cutting boards
Polycarbonate (PC)
- Properties:
- Application:
① Electrical & Electronics: Switch covers, instrument panels, protective enclosures
② Automotive: Headlamp lenses, interior panels, sunroof components
③ Consumer Goods: Transparent housings, display cases, protective shields
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Properties:
- Application:
① Construction & Building: Wall panels, ceiling tiles, window profiles
② Electrical & Electronics: Cable insulation, switchgear covers, housings
③ Consumer Goods: Signage, packaging trays, appliance panels
Polypropylene (PP)
- Properties:
- Application:
① Packaging Industry: Food containers, trays, disposable cups
② Automotive: Interior panels, protective covers, storage compartments
③ Consumer Goods: Storage bins, appliance housings, household items
Polystyrene (PS)
- Properties:
- Application:
① Packaging Industry: Food trays, clamshell packaging, disposable containers
② Consumer Goods: Display cases, signage, storage boxes
③ Medical & Healthcare: Test tube racks, specimen trays
Polyethylene (PE)
- Properties:
①LDPE is flexible, transparent, and has good chemical resistance.
②LLDPE offers enhanced strength and toughness compared to LDPE.
③HDPE is more rigid, has higher tensile strength, and excellent chemical resistance.
- Applications:
① Packaging Industry: Containers, trays, crates
② Automotive: Fuel tanks, protective panels, liners
③ Consumer Goods: Storage bins, appliance housings, cutting boards
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- Properties:
- Application:
① Packaging Industry: Blister packs, food trays, bottles
② Medical & Healthcare: Medical trays, device housings
③ Retail & Electronics: Display cases, protective packaging
Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)
- Properties:
- Application:
① Electrical & Electronics: Connectors, terminal blocks, insulating components
② Automotive: Pump housings, valve components, under-hood parts
③ Industrial Equipment: Gears, bearings, chemical-resistant machine parts
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
- Properties:
- Application:
① Consumer Goods: Protective cases, wearable items, footwear components
② Automotive: Seals, gaskets, interior trims
③ Industrial Equipment: Tubing, flexible protective covers, conveyor parts
Acrylic (PMMA)
- Properties:
- Application:
① Consumer Goods: Display cases, signage, lighting covers
② Automotive: Light lenses, interior trim panels
③ Medical & Healthcare: Equipment covers, protective shields, lab trays
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
- Properties:
- Application:
① Packaging Industry: Food trays, clamshell packaging, protective inserts
② Consumer Goods: Appliance housings, display panels, storage containers
③ Medical & Healthcare: Lab trays, test tube racks, disposable equipment
Common Surface Finishes for Thermoforming
Heat Transfer Printing
Transfer patterns, text, etc, to the plastic surface through heat pressing.
Spraying Coating
Spraying or electrostatic coating applies layers (e.g., UV-curable paint, anti-scratch coatings).
Laser Engraving
Laser ablation creates permanent markings (logos, serial numbers) without affecting structural integrity.
Electroplating
Depositing metal layers (e.g., chrome, nickel) onto plastic surfaces via electrolysis.
- Chrome Electroplating
- Nickel Electroplating
Sandblasting
Compressed air propels abrasive materials like sand or grit at high speed onto an object’s surface, cleaning it, roughening it for better adhesion, or creating a matte finish.
Polishing
Use abrasives, compounds, or buffing tools to refine a surface, reducing roughness, enhancing smoothness
- Mechanical Polishing
- Chemical Polishing
The Thermoforming Process
Understanding the thermoforming process helps you appreciate the precision and care that goes into creating your custom plastic components.
At Fecision, we follow a meticulous step-by-step approach to ensure consistent quality and exceptional results.
Material Selection
We help you choose the optimal plastic sheet based on your application requirements, considering factors like durability, temperature resistance, and aesthetic qualities.
Cooling
The plastic, once formed, undergoes cooling while still seated on the mold—this step is critical to maintaining dimensional consistency and precise feature geometry.
Heating
The selected plastic sheet is precisely heated to its forming temperature, making it pliable without compromising material integrity.
Trimming
To deliver the part’s intended final dimensions and feature clarity, excess material is removed with high precision using either CNC trimming or die-cutting processes.
Forming
The heated sheet is stretched over a custom-designed mold using vacuum pressure, mechanical force, or a combination of techniques depending on the complexity of your part.
Finishing
To achieve the fully completed component, optional secondary operations (e.g., drilling for precision holes, surface painting, or final assembly) may be implemented as required.
Need Expert Guidance on Your Thermoforming Project?
Our advanced thermoforming equipment and experienced technicians ensure each step is executed with precision, resulting in high-quality parts that meet your exact specifications.
Our engineering team can help optimize your design for thermoforming and recommend the best materials for your application.
Thermoforming Applications
Industries We Serve
Thermoforming's versatility makes it ideal for a wide range of industries and applications. At Fecision, we've provided custom thermoforming solutions across diverse sectors, delivering components that meet exacting performance and aesthetic requirements.
Medical
Sterile packaging and trays
Diagnostic equipment components
Patient positioning devices
Automotive
Under-hood covers and shields
HVAC ducting and components
Storage compartments and bins
Packaging
Clamshell containers
Protective inserts and trays
Food and beverage containers
Additional industries we serve include agriculture (equipment components, seed trays), retail (displays, signage), consumer goods (appliance parts, product housings), and aerospace (interior components, equipment covers). Our expertise spans from simple packaging solutions to complex technical components with precise specifications.
Benefits of Thermoforming
Thermoforming offers numerous advantages that make it the preferred manufacturing method for many plastic components.
Understanding these benefits can help you determine if thermoforming is the right solution for your project.
- Lower tooling costs compared to injection molding
- Economical for both prototyping and production runs
- Reduced setup time and faster time-to-market
- Minimal material waste through efficient processing
- Creation of complex shapes and contours
- Ability to incorporate undercuts and detailed features
- Excellent surface finish and texture options
- Rapid prototyping capabilities for design iterations
- Lightweight yet durable end products
- Scalable from small batches to high-volume production
- Consistent part quality throughout production runs
- Quick turnaround times for time-sensitive projects
Thermoforming Design Guidelines
Optimizing your design for thermoforming can significantly improve part quality while reducing costs.
Our engineering team provides comprehensive design assistance, but understanding these basic principles will help you create more effective thermoformed components.
Draft Angles
Include draft angles of at least 2-3° on all vertical walls to facilitate part removal from the mold. Deeper draws may require increased draft angles of 5° or more for optimal results.
Corner Radii
Avoid sharp corners and edges by incorporating radii of at least 1.5 times the material thickness. This prevents material thinning and stress concentration that could lead to part failure.
Get Your Design Optimized for Thermoforming
Our engineering team offers design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews to optimize your components for thermoforming. We can identify potential issues early in the design process, saving time and costs during production.
Key Design Considerations
Uniform Wall Thickness
Design for consistent material distribution to prevent weak spots.
Undercuts
Minimize or eliminate undercuts when possible, or design for secondary operations.
Texture
Consider how texture placement affects material flow and detail reproduction.
Trim Lines
Design with efficient trimming in mind to reduce secondary operations.
Why Choose Fecision for Custom Thermoforming?
Technical Expertise
Dedicated engineering team with decades of combined experience
Comprehensive design assistance and optimization
Material selection guidance for optimal performance
Process development for challenging applications
Quality Assurance
ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system
Comprehensive inspection and testing capabilities
Documented quality procedures and traceability
Consistent part-to-part and run-to-run quality
Production Capabilities
State-of-the-art thermoforming equipment
Multiple forming technologies under one roof
Scalable capacity from prototypes to high volume
Secondary operations and value-added services
Customer Service
Dedicated project management team
Transparent communication throughout your project
Flexible scheduling to meet your timeline
Long-term partnership approach
How to Work with Us
Submit Drawings
For a free quote, please submit a product description along with a technical drawing. We also offer reverse engineering services to assist you.
DFM & Quotation
We will provide a DFM (Design for Manufacturability) report or mold flow analysis report. Please be aware that further discussions may be needed during the process.
Mold Manufacturing
Upon your confirmation to the mold design, our team will begin making mold components, which will then be sent for inspection and assembly.
Custom Thermoforming
Once the mold is complete, we will initiate the plastic molding process. A T1 sample will be provided for you to check whether the product details align with your specifications. After approval we will continue massive production.
Delivery
Your custom-designed plastic parts undergoes thorough inspection, will be carefully packaged, and delivered to you.
Recent Projects
Expert Thermoforming Services Tailored to Your Needs
Contact our team today to discuss your requirements and receive a customized quote for your thermoforming needs.
Thermoforming FAQs
Typically 500-1,000 units, ideal for mid-scale production.
Yes, with multi-part molds or post-machining.
Faster setup but slower per-part cycles for large items.
Yes, using PETG or acrylic sheets.
Yes, for threaded components or reinforcement.