Professional manufacturer of thermoforming machines.
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Professional manufacturer of thermoforming machines.
What Plastic Materials are Suitable for Small Multi-station Thermoforming Machines?
PVC, PET, PS, as raw materials, changing the mold at one machine to manufacturing lids, covers, trays, plates, boxes, food and medical trays, etc.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride, abbreviated as PVC, is a polymer formed by the free radical polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer under the action of initiators such as peroxides and azo compounds, or through light and heat exposure. It appears as a white powder, non-toxic and odorless, with a molecular weight typically ranging from 50,000 to 110,000 (for industrially produced pure PVC). Its relative density is 1.35–1.45, exhibiting low water absorption and gas permeability (pure PVC). It does not dissolve in water, gasoline, alcohol, or vinyl chloride, but it can be dissolved in ketones, esters, and chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) boasts strong chemical resistance and is a good electrical insulator; however, it is not very impact-resistant. It's important to note that this material is unstable when exposed to oxygen and heat, making it prone to degradation.
By adding impact modifiers and organic tin stabilizers to PVC, followed by mixing, plasticizing, and calendering, transparent sheets are produced. Through thermoforming, it can be made into thin-walled transparent containers or used for vacuum-formed packaging, serving as an excellent packaging and decorative material.
ou'll find PVC all around you because it's naturally flame-resistant and handles heat well. A quick heads-up: while it stands strong against many chemicals and is a great electrical insulator, it can be brittle and doesn't take a hard impact very well. It's also sensitive to long-term exposure to oxygen and high heat, which can cause it to break down.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET is the workhorse of clear, strong plastics. If you've ever held a soda bottle or a clear food container, you know what PET feels like: crystal clear, glossy, and tough. It's a material that truly excels in packaging.
Here’s what makes it so useful:
Strength & Clarity: It's incredibly strong and shatter-resistant—3 to 5 times more impact-resistant than other plastic films—and it folds without weakening. Plus, it’s naturally crystal clear with a beautiful gloss that makes products look great.
A Great Barrier: It does an excellent job of keeping oxygen, moisture, and smells out, which is why it keeps your food fresh and your soda fizzy.
Tough & Safe: It handles temperatures from a freezing -70°C all the way up to 65°C without losing its strength. It's also resistant to oils and greases, and it’s completely non-toxic and safe for food contact.
Protective: It blocks ultraviolet light, protecting what's inside from getting sun-damaged.
Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene is best known in two forms: as rigid, clear plastic (like CD cases) or as foamed insulation (Styrofoam™). It's a lightweight, versatile material prized for its clarity and insulation properties.
Polystyrene is colorless and transparent, readily accepts pigmentation, and has a relatively low density comparable to polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). It exhibits outstanding electrical properties, particularly excellent high-frequency characteristics, second only to PTFE and PPO. Additionally, its light stability is second only to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), while its radiation resistance is the strongest among all plastics. The most significant characteristic of polystyrene is its excellent thermal stability and flowability during melting, making it easy to process and suitable for mass production. It exhibits low molding shrinkage and good dimensional stability in molded products.
To observe how this material can be efficiently shaped into end products, we invite you to experience our Small Multi-station Thermoforming Machine. It's the compact, low-cost solution to quickly launch your own efficient production line.
Professional manufacturer of thermoforming machines.
