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Thick Gauge Thermoforming & Fabrication Solutions

Durable • Versatile • High-Strength Forming up to 12mm

Thick gauge thermoforming (also called heavy gauge thermoforming) is the go-to process for creating durable, large, and complex plastic components. Using thermoplastic sheets typically ranging from 2 mm to 12 mm, this process delivers robust, rigid, and high-performance parts for industries like automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, medical devices, consumer products, and transportation.

Unlike thin gauge packaging, thick gauge thermoforming produces structural and reusable components that often replace metal, fiberglass, or injection molded parts, offering a lightweight yet durable alternative.


Key Benefits:

  • 🛡️ Strength & Durability – Produces robust parts with excellent impact resistance and long service life.

  • ⚙️ Large Part Capability – Ideal for oversized panels and structural components.

  • 💰 Lower Tooling Cost – Significantly cheaper tooling compared to injection molding, especially for mid-volume runs.

  • 🎨 Design Freedom – Enables complex shapes, deep draws, and large surface areas.

  • 🌞 UV & FR Options – Available with UV-resistant and flame-retardant grades for outdoor and safety-critical use.

  • 🔄 Lightweight Alternative – Replaces metal and fiberglass while reducing weight and cost.

  • 🏭 Wide Industry Reach – Trusted in automotive, aerospace, medical, industrial, marine, and consumer goods.

Common Applications

[🚗 Automotive & Transportation]

  • Dashboards & Interior Trim Panels

  • Bumpers & Wheel Arch Liners

  • Underbody Shields & Floor Panels

  • Tractor, Bus & Rail Interiors

 

[✈️ Aerospace & Rail]

  • Seat Backs & Tray Tables

  • Overhead Bins & Luggage Compartments

  • Interior Wall Panels

 

[🏥 Medical & Healthcare]

  • Diagnostic Machine Housings

  • Mobility Aid Panels (wheelchairs, hospital beds)

  • Sterile Equipment Covers

  • Large Enclosures for Medical Devices

[⚙️ Industrial & Machinery]

  • Equipment Guards & Safety Covers

  • CNC & Automation Housings

  • Custom Machine Panels

  • Storage & Utility Enclosures

[🌊 Marine & Outdoor]

  • Boat Dashboards & Hull Components

  • Kayak & Canoe Shells

  • Protective Outdoor Panels

  • Recreational Vehicle Components

[🛋️ Consumer & Retail]

  • Appliance Housings (fridge, washer, vacuum)

  • Furniture Panels & Chair Shells

  • Luggage & Travel Cases

  • Fitness Equipment Components

Thick Gauge Thermoforming Process

01.

Material Selection

Choose thermoplastic sheets (2–12 mm) based on strength, impact resistance, UV stability, flame retardancy, or chemical durability. Common materials: ABS, HDPE, HIPS, PC, PMMA, ASA, PP.

03.

Clamping & Forming

Secure the sheet in place and form it over a large, precision mold using vacuum, pressure, or twin-sheet forming for extra strength.

05.

Trimming & Finishing

CNC trimming ensures precision edges and cutouts. Secondary operations include drilling, painting, printing, and assembly.

02.

Sheet Heating

Heat the thick plastic sheet using infrared or convection ovens until evenly softened, malleable &  ready for forming. Sag sensors are used to maintain the sheet unformity

04.

Cooling & Setting

Cool the part using air or water systems to lock in rigidity and dimensional stability. Usually until the part is around room temperature.

06.

Quality Control

Each part is inspected for dimensional accuracy, mechanical strength, and surface finish.

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