Vacuum forming is a popular plastic manufacturing process used extensively in the British and Irish plastics industry. This method involves heating a sheet of plastic until it becomes pliable, then forming it over a mould by applying a vacuum. Vacuum forming is commonly used to produce items such as plastic packaging, trays, and components for sectors like automotive and medical.
Its versatility and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice for manufacturing small and medium-sized plastic products in high volumes.
Selecting the right vacuum forming supplier is essential for achieving the best results. A reliable vacuum forming supplier will help ensure that your components meet exact specifications while minimising production costs and lead times.
With vacuum forming’s ability to work with a variety of thermoplastic materials, including ABS, PVC, and Polyethylene (PE), partnering with a knowledgeable manufacturer can enhance your efficiency and deliver consistent results tailored to your needs.
The top six rating is the view of the team at leading plastics industry resource, PlastikCity. All companies have been verified as follows:
- Supply premium-quality equipment
- Established a minimum of two years
- Provide UK-based, reputable service support
- Financially sound
Interested in vacuum forming? Visit PlastikCity.co.uk to quickly and easily request quotes from our top suppliers.
In alphabetical order:
Bay Plastics
Tyne & Wear
Bay Plastics has over 35 years of experience in vacuum forming and plastic fabrication. The company offers a range of services, including design, CNC routing, and thermoforming. Based in the UK, Bay Plastics specialises in delivering high-quality custom plastic products to various industries both locally and internationally. The company focuses on providing reliable and efficient plastic solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client.
Broadwater Mouldings
Suffolk
Broadwater Mouldings, established in 1973, has over 40 years of experience in the plastics industry. The company provides vacuum forming and glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) solutions. Based in Suffolk, Broadwater serves industries such as automotive, rail, and medical, offering a range of thermoforming services. Broadwater Mouldings is known for its expertise in producing high-quality, durable plastic mouldings with an emphasis on surface finishes that often eliminate the need for additional coatings like paint.
Donite Plastics
Northern Ireland
Donite Plastics specialises in vacuum forming, offering precision and cost-effective solutions for both low and high-volume production. Based in Northern Ireland, it provides design services, prototyping, and full production runs for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical. With over 40 years of experience, Donite Plastics works closely with clients to deliver high-quality plastic components while ensuring fast lead times and competitive pricing. Donite Plastics is recognised as a leading industrial vacuum forming company in the UK and Ireland.
Flitetec
Buckinghamshire
Flitetec is a leading manufacturer specialising in vacuum forming for aircraft and transportation thermoplastic components. The company maintains extensive stocks of aircraft-grade sheet material, enabling fast turnaround times. Its in-house tooling capabilities allow for lead times of just 1-2 weeks. Flitetec’s expertise in vacuum forming ensures high-quality, durable components that meet the strict standards of the aerospace and transportation industries.
GVF Packaging
Leicestershire
With over 40 years of expertise in vacuum forming, GVF Packaging offers high-quality packaging solutions with a focus on sustainability. Its eight innovative, inline, fast-cycling thermo-former machines operate 24/7, ensuring quick turnaround times. With a vast range of stock materials, GVF can colour match and cater to both small and large volume orders, making the company a trusted partner for all vacuum forming needs.
Thermotec Plastics
West Midlands
Thermotec Plastics, operating from a 45,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility, specialises in vacuum forming solutions using materials like ABS, Polypropylene, Polycarbonate, and HDPE. Centrally located, the company supports clients from design conception to application, offering cost-effective product solutions and quick prototype production. Thermotec partners with clients to recommend suitable materials and processes, ensuring high-quality vacuum forming components and assemblies.
Supporting Information
Vacuum forming is a versatile and cost-effective manufacturing process widely used in various industries to produce detailed plastic parts with high repeatability. This method involves heating a plastic sheet until pliable and then shaping it over a mould with the help of a vacuum. Vacuum forming is particularly valued for creating lightweight, durable components such as packaging, trays, automotive parts, and medical devices.
One of the advantages of vacuum forming is its ability to handle both small and large production runs efficiently, offering manufacturers flexibility in design while maintaining a high-quality finish. Although it may not provide the same precision as injection moulding, it remains an excellent choice for parts requiring chemical resistance or UV stability.
When selecting a vacuum forming supplier, it’s crucial to ensure they provide the necessary expertise and high-quality equipment. This guarantees your parts meet exact specifications, minimising waste and ensuring consistent production quality.