Experimental study of thermoforming dynamics

Thermoforming studies were conducted on a transparent styrenic material. The results indicated that the process was extremely rapid for the high and medium evacuation rates. The process was found to require a low pressure differential, which decreases with decreasing evacuation rate and increasing temperature, for vacuum forming. The final part thickness distribution and extension ratio data indicated that the material stretches into the approximate shape of a spherical segment, contacts the bottom cycle/center of the mold, contact sides, and finally stretches into the corner. Tensile strength measurements of the final part showed that the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity were slightly less than the original sheet properties.