Industrial Processes

What is the material usually used in a vaccum former?

• A thermoplastic sheet

• HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

What are the uses of Vacuum Forming?

• Yoghurt Pots

• Pill Packets

Describe the process of Vacuum Forming

• The HIPS is heated

• The solid former is pressed into the sheet by raising the platen

• Remove the air around the former by turning the vacuum on

What are the uses of Injection Moulding?

• Toys

• Bottle Caps

• Electronic casings

What are the advantages of Injection Moulding?

• Used to create complicated, ergonomic products

• Can create a high volume of products

What are the disadvantages of Injection Moulding?

• Very expensive

Describe the process of Injection Moulding?

• Plastic powders are mixed into the hopper

• It is moved via an Archimedian screw into the heating chamber (the screw turns and makes the powders rub agasint each other)

• The plastic is pushed into the mould using a hydraulic ram and left to cool

What material is used in Blow Moulding?

• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

What are the uses of Blow Moulding?

• Bottles

Describe the process of Blow Moulding?

• A tube of softened plastic called a parison is extruded into a mould

• The base of the parison is squeezed because of the mould

• Air is blown into the parison which causes the plastic to expand and harden