If you take a look around in any store from an electronics retailer to a hardware store or a grocery store, you will see hundreds of examples of thermoform plastic packaging. Those blister packages and clamshell packages protect a wide array of products. Thermoformed molding is how we create the unique, intricate custom packages.
At Indepak, our thermoformed molding process begins by studying your product and creating a custom package design. A mold then will be created to your exact specifications and this is what will be used to create the prototype of your package and, if approved, it will be used to create as many packaging units as you might need.
There are several different types of molds that can be used for thermoformed molding. Aluminum molds often are used because these molds have temperature control lines embedded throughout the mold. This will keep the plastic at a constant temperature, and aluminum molds tend to allow for faster production that other types of molds. They do come with a higher price tag than other mold materials.
Composite molds tend to be more cost-effective and they also last nearly as long as aluminum molds. Created from resins, these molds aren’t quite as easy to control, temperature-wise. Still, unless your company is planning on producing an extremely large amount of thermoform packages, an aluminum mold can be a great, budget-friendly choice.
Even wood can be used for thermoformed molding, and this definitely can be easy on the budget. Wood molds are a good choice in the early stages of production as they are inexpensive and it’s easy to make design changes. Once you have settled on the perfect design, we can create a mold out of composite resin or aluminum for mass production.
As the word thermoform suggests, heat is a big part of the process. A large, thick sheet of plastic will be heated until it is pliable enough to fit into a custom mold. Then the thermoform molding process really begins to take shape, so to speak. The pliable plastic will be forced into the mold and once it has cooled, any excess plastic will be trimmed away.
In addition to thinking about thermoformed molding and the creation of molds, customers also will need to select a specific type of plastic for their thermoform package or custom thermoform product. Our design team can help you select a type of plastic that will protect and properly store your product while at the same time keeping costs as low as possible.
If you are interested in learning more about Indepak and our custom thermoformed molding process, give us a call today. We are certain to be able to come up with a total packaging solution to fit with your company’s needs.
