The right method for every part

From prototype to series production. Not sure which method is right? Send us a drawing and we will help you.

Pre-blowing in a GEISS machine
Vacuum forming

Heat and vacuum form a thermoplastic sheet over a tool. A competitive method, especially for larger products in small and medium-sized production runs.

Read about vacuum forming
Twin Sheet formed surface with hollow sections
Twin Sheet

Two thermoplastic sheets are formed and welded together in the same process. The result is hollow parts with strength, stiffness and low weight.

Read about Twin Sheet
High Pressure formed plastic components with sharp details
High Pressure

Vacuum forming assisted by compressed air. In addition to the vacuum, compressed air presses the sheet down into the mould. The result matches injection-moulded parts.

Read about High Pressure
Plastic component reinforced with ORS
ORS

Opido Reinforcement System. Lightweight expanded polyurethane (PUR) is applied in several layers to create light, stable and impact-resistant products.

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Bent table in purple acrylic
Acrylic

Weather and UV resistant material that, in its clear version, is clearer than glass. We machine it with laser and router, and both heat form and vacuum form it.

Read about acrylic
Flatbed router in Opido's production in Lagan
Machining & foam cutting

Engineering plastics and foam are machined in our large flatbed router. We also cut some materials with a knife.

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Injection moulding tool with moulded parts
Injection moulding

Molten plastic is injected into a closed tool. Suited to large series of identical parts.

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Industrial 3D printers in production
3D printing

Prototypes and small series straight from a 3D file, with no tooling cost.

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Blue plastic tanks
Rotational moulding

Large, hollow parts in one piece without weld seams, such as tanks and containers.

Read about rotational moulding

Vacuum forming

Heat and vacuum form a thermoplastic sheet over a tool. A competitive method for larger products in small and medium-sized production runs.

Plastic sheet being clamped under the heater in the forming machine

Unimagined possibilities in plastic

What is vacuum forming?

Vacuum forming is a competitive method in many respects, especially for larger products in small and medium-sized production runs.

The process has a limited environmental impact, because the material contains no solvents and produces no harmful emissions.

How does it work?

The process in five steps

This manufacturing method uses heat and vacuum to form a thermoplastic sheet on a tool with one shaping half.

Illustration: the mould tool is placed in the machine

Mould tool

The tool is placed in the vacuum forming machine.

Illustration: the plastic sheet is heated from above and below

Heating

The sheet to be formed is heated from above and below to 170-210°C.

Illustration: the hot sheet is pre-blown

Pre-blowing

The hot, soft sheet is inflated and the mould tool is raised towards the plastic material.

Illustration: vacuum forms the plastic over the mould

Vacuum forming

The plastic material is formed over the mould tool using vacuum.

Illustration: the formed part is cooled

Cooling

After cooling, the tool is lowered and the product is ready for finishing.

Newly formed plastic component in the forming machine

Precision

Complex parts

Opido in Lagan are experts in vacuum forming, a cost-effective method for manufacturing plastic products with high precision. With vacuum forming we can form plastic sheets into complex shapes, which makes the technique ideal for both small and large series.

We work with different plastic materials and offer tailor-made solutions that suit your needs, whether it is prototypes or mass production.

Vacuum forming machine in production

Applications

For which products?

Vacuum forming is particularly advantageous for products that require low weight, strength and durability. We always ensure high quality in every product, from design and styling to final production.

With our modern machinery we can manufacture everything from simple components to advanced parts, with short lead times and competitive prices.

More manufacturing methods

Explore our other methods