Thermoformed plastics are crucial in nearly every industry. The thermoforming process shapes everything from the sleek aerodynamic shells of jet skis to the compact blister packs of allergy medications. Creating these finished parts involves molding flat thermoplastic sheets into 3D forms using heat and pressure. The two primary production methods are vacuum forming and pressure forming. Let’s explore the fundamentals of both thermoforming techniques, how the machines work, and their wide range of everyday applications. The Power of a Vacuum Vacuum thermoforming, considered the simplest form o ..read more

So you have a fantastic idea for a plastic part, but how do you bring it to life? Embarking on a new project can be daunting. You have to be precise when considering each factor in the process: design, materials, manufacturing, and costs. Project managers plan for an end product that is high quality while also staying within a predetermined budget. Luckily, existing popular methods of manufacturing can help achieve the end goal. Thermoforming, injection molding, and 3D printing are three very popular manufacturing methods, each with advantages and disadvantages over one another. Each method ho ..read more

What happens when you present a FUN challenge to a group of talented manufacturers? They might just create the perfect prize wheel. Though it may seem we have always been on top of our game (ha!) the truth is, our classic prize wheels we sell today had a humble origin. So, what goes into makings the perfect prize wheel? This beauty (above) is the first-ever prize wheel made at ThermoPro. Today, our prize wheels and games are made for anyone to enjoy. But in 2002, we created this wheel as a way to recognize our employees and celebrate milestones. Our technical director, Mike Sinette, construct ..read more

I’ve had the privilege to continue my conversation with the ThermoPro team. As a reminder, this series is written from my own perspective as an outsider. It has been a pleasure interviewing and interacting with everyone at the company. The purpose of this series is to take you through the full ThermoPro experience. Beginning with our Customer Service Team, then moving through to our Technical and Engineering Team. As we continue down our production journey, the next stop is with our Inventory and Purchasing Manager, Paul Bowman and our Operations Manager Meng Cha. Paul actually wears a few hat ..read more

Determining manufacturing cost and overall pricing is always an important step when developing and producing a new product. Aside from obvious costs like material, labor, and overhead, other factors like supply, tooling, and mold design must be included. It’s important to keep in mind that heavy gauge, thermoformed parts can be difficult and costly to ship long distances. However, ThermoPro manufactures products in a cost-effective way while saving on shipping. Our products are manufactured in the US with American-made plastics. This means that we are able to maintain high quality standards th ..read more

Thermoforming has become an integral part of modern manufacturing. Almost any industry that produces goods will use thermoforming in some fashion. Because of the variety of techniques (Vacuum Forming, Drape Forming and Pressure Forming) and wide breadth of strong, versatile materials, thermoforming manufacturers are able to serve many different industries, often with reduced costs. While thermoforming is used in almost every type of manufacturing, here are a few of the most common applications today: Automotive Thermoforming plays a huge role in developing large, sturdy parts for both the inte ..read more

The world is full of plastics whether you realize it or not. Practically everything you see and use on a daily basis is entirely or partly plastic material. Your television, computer, car, house, refrigerator, and many other essential products utilize different types of plastic materials to make your life easier. However, not all plastics are created equally. Manufacturers like us utilize a variety of different plastic materials and compounds. Each one possesses unique properties. Here are a few of our most popular and commonly used plastics: Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Polyethylene ..read more

The use of plastic material has completely revolutionized the automotive manufacturing industry. So much so, in fact, that plastic is the second most common building material found in motor vehicles. Historic materials like steel are no longer the only options for vehicle manufacturing. Plastic offers a durable, flexible and lightweight alternative that can be made into nearly anything. In addition, it is relatively affordable compared to the alternatives such as aluminum alloys or complex steels. What Types of Plastics are Used In Car Manufacturing? Polyethylene – Polyethylene is a strong pla ..read more

How does a shortage in resin apply to the plastic industry? Plastic resins are the main base of all plastics. It is a composite blend, that can be molded into strong products to mimic the look of any material at a more affordable cost and a fraction of the weight. Since plastic can be made into millions of things, we need to understand the similarities and differences in types of resins and/or plastics. Different types of plastics Different heating processes are used to crack the hydrocarbons, the large molecules of resin such as ethylene and propylene. This process is called cracking. After c ..read more

It’s time for good ole-fashioned family fun. With doors being open to trick or treating this year, do you still have a spooky feeling about getting out there? Well, ThermoPro has you covered. For families fully vaccinated against covid-19, the risk of being exposed to the virus during Halloween activities may not be as scary as last year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) issued some guidelines for celebrating the holidays safely. As Covid, especially the Delta variant, continues to be a worry, it is still important to keep trick-or-treating and other Halloween activities s ..read more