Materials
New and innovative materials are constantly being developed for the thermoforming process. TPNE strives to always stay ahead of the design curve. Understanding what material is best suited for your application is essential. The appropriate plastic for a part can be determined by looking at performance and appearance factors such as:
- Rigid or Flexible
- Appearance
- Cost
- Finish Options
- Conductivity
- Compatibility
- Weight
TPNE has experience with nearly every material used in the thermoforming process and only uses the highest quality materials from our extensive network of leading suppliers. A selection of the most commonly used custom thermoforming materials are listed below.
- APET (Virgin Polyethylene Terephthalate)
- ASA (Acrylic Styrene Acrylonitrile)
- ABS (Acronitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) and ABS blends (UV and FR)
- Acrylic (PMMA – Polymethyl Methacrylate, Plexiglas)
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) materials (Conductive, Anti-Static and Static Dissipative)
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- HIPS (High-Impact Polystyrene)
- HMWPE (High Molecular Weight Polyethylene)
- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
- PC (Polycarbonate)
- PP (Polypropylene)
- PVC Alloys (Flame Rated Polyvinyl Chloride)
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- RPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate)
- TPO (Thermoplastic Poly-Olefin)
Our high speed inline machines run roll stock materials as thin as .005” and as thick as .060”, and our heavy gauge sheet machines can handle up to .375” x 8’ x 12”.