Telecommunications
Transform telecommunications seamlessly with advanced thermoforming and injection molding solutions, ensuring connectivity and reliability.
In order to maintain large data centers and complex networks made up of complicated wiring systems and equipment, it’s necessary to keep the components and systems neat and organized. That’s where Advanced Plastiforms, Inc. comes in. We specialize in creating the thermoformed plastics needed to easily house, rearrange, upgrade, and repair complicated telecommunication networks.
Why Thermoforming for Telecommunications?
To create the durable plastics used in telecommunications, we use a method of manufacturing known as thermoforming. This involves taking large sheets of plastic, often over four feet long by four feet wide or larger, and heating them until soft and pliable.
The malleable plastic is then pressed into a tool specifically designed by our engineering team and cast from cost-effective aluminum. Once the plastic is fitted to the tool, we use one of three forming methods to ensure the shape and detailing of the plastic is made to the exact specifications of the design.
Vacuum Forming
Vacuum forming occurs when a high-powered vacuum removes all the air between the sheet of plastic and the aluminum mold, creating a tight fit with defined impressions, curves, and bends where necessary. This method can be done much faster than other forming methods, ensuring quick turnaround times. The low pressure of vacuum forming also allows us to reduce the cost of materials, making this a cost-effective method of production for plastic products that don’t require sharp angles and crisp detailing.
Pressure Forming
Pressure forming combines the use of highly pressurized air to press the plastic firmly against the tool while vacuum pressure removes interior air. Using three times the pressure of traditional vacuum thermoforming, this method creates a very clearly defined plastic product with sharp angles, clean lines, and pronounced detailing.
Pressure forming is becoming more common in creating plastics used in telecommunications because it can match the more intricate features often found in injection molding. However, unlike injection molding, pressure forming works well for large pieces and is often faster and less expensive than injection molding.
Twin Sheet Forming
Twin sheet forming is the most complex of the forming methods. It is done by heating two adjacent sheets of plastic, fitting them to the tool, and then fusing the two pieces together. With this method, there is no room for any kind of error as the pieces have to be in perfect alignment in order to fuse seamlessly. Twin sheet forming allows hot air to be trapped within the two sheets, and if not cooled correctly, the plastic can collapse.
Twin sheet forming is often used to create ducts, wiring tubing, and other hollow core pieces that require strength and rigidity in their use.
Thermoforming Plastics for Telecommunications
By thermoforming plastics, we can manufacture the strong, durable components necessary to build, maintain, and repair a cellular or computer network. We create a wide variety of thermoformed plastics, including:
- Equipment panels
- Tubing and ducts for wires
- Exterior cases for computers
- Bezels
At Advanced Plastiform, Inc. we specialize in creating custom plastics for the telecommunications industry using cutting-edge thermoforming technology to keep costs low and get you your products faster. We proudly serve seven states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia.
