Recreational Vehicle Thermoforming and Injection Molding
Unleash adventure with high-quality RV plastic part manufacturing solutions. On-time delivery from an industry leader with a track record of proven success.
Advanced Plastiforms, Inc works with ATV and recreational vehicle manufacturers to create attractive, stylish accessories and components that can withstand rough terrain with ease. Our plastics provide durability while maintaining a contemporary look while our innovative thermoforming techniques offer faster lead times and lower costs.
Our ATV and Recreational Vehicle Thermoforming Process
Thermoforming plastics for recreational vehicles and ATVs allow us to shape large sheets of plastics to offer the intricate detailing, curves and bends the design requires. This technique is often used for the largest components and accessories, often measuring over four feet wide or long.
The thermoforming process begins as our engineering team designs, prototypes, and creates a finished tool cast from aluminum based on the exact specifications of our clients. When it’s ready, large sheets of plastic are heated until they are pliable and flexible and are then pressed into the tool to be shaped.
In order to ensure the most accurate shape with the appropriate detailing and angles, we utilize three different methods, depending on the specifications of the product.
Vacuum forming
Vacuum forming requires a high-powered vacuum to suction all the air from between the plastic and the tool, creating a tight fit. This method is faster and more cost-effective than other forming methods and works best on large sheets of plastic that don’t require sharp corners and high levels of detail.
Pressure forming
Pressure forming occurs by using highly pressurized air to press the plastic against the tool, molding it to create sharp corners and clear definition and detailing. Pressure forming applies three times the pressure of vacuum forming and creates results similar to injection molding with a faster lead time and a lower cost.
Twin sheet forming
Twin-sheet forming is the most precise method of thermoforming and requires high levels of detail. Two adjacent sheets of plastic are molded around a tool to take their shape and are then fused together. In order for the pieces to join correctly, they must be formed in perfect alignment. Twin sheet forming allows us to create strong, durable pieces with hollow cores, have molded-in attachments, or separate internal components.
Commonly thermoformed ATV and UTV accessories and components include:
- Snowplow attachments
- Storage boxes
- Seats and seat backs
- Roofs
- Gun boots
Benefits of Thermoforming
Using thermoforming to manufacture recreational vehicle parts has two major benefits for our customers - time and cost.
- Time: We design and develop an aluminum 3D mold at the same time we are creating the plastic sheets to be formed. Once everything is ready, we can begin the tooling process which includes molding and forming the components, followed by trimming, applying paint or silk-screening, or coating them as necessary. The process takes around 14 weeks from designing to shipping out for delivery.
- Cost: Thermoforming is a relatively inexpensive method to mold plastic components due to the relatively low cost of tooling, especially for annual orders of 3,000 pieces or less.
Customized Thermoforming for Recreational Vehicles
We offer a wide variety of durable, high-quality plastics to create our products, including
ABS, Polyethylene, Acrylic, Styrene, and other plastic materials. In addition to that, we can further customize our products to your exact standards. From painting and silks screening to adding special coatings or textures, we will work with you to create precisely what you need.
Your Automotive Thermoforming & Injection Molding Experts
At Advanced Plastiforms, Inc, we have over 60,000 square feet of space solely dedicated to thermoforming in addition to over 110,000 square feet of tooling storage and assembly space. We are capable of adjusting our workflows as needed regardless of whether we are working on large or small orders or large or small pieces.
If you are seeking high-quality, long-lasting plastic products and components ATVs, UTVs, or recreational vehicles, reach out to Advanced Plastiform, Inc. Our team of experts are available to help you create the perfect pieces to add safety, value, and durability to vehicles. We proudly serve seven states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia.