Maryland Injection Molding and Thermoforming
Trusted industry leaders in custom plastic manufacturing across Washington D.C. and Maryland, including Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Columbia, Germantown, SilverSpring, Waldorf, Rockville, Bethesda, and Gaithersburg.
We are a leading provider of superior custom plastics to businesses throughout Maryland. Our customers span a multitude of industries and rely on us to deliver the very best plastics created through thermoforming and injection molding. With a state of the art 250,000 square foot facility, we have the systems in place to keep costs low and offer fast lead times.
Maryland Injection Molding
For small, highly detailed plastic pieces that are needed in large quantities, like knobs and dials we use injection molding to achieve accurate, consistent results. While the process sounds simple - plastic pellets are melted to a liquid and injected into a mold - it’s actually quite complex. We have to design and develop a double-sided mold from steel, copper alloy, or heavy aluminum in order to withstand an injection press with a force of up to 530 tons.
While it’s a higher upfront cost and longer lead time, due to the intensive preparation required, it’s a one-time concern. For plastics that are needed in high-volume or will need to be ordered on a regular basis, injection molding in Maryland offers a low per-item cost and shorter lead times for future production.
Thermoforming Plastics for Maryland Based Manufacturers
To get the best results for our clients, we offer three different methods of thermoforming and will work with you to determine which method will ensure the best result.
Vacuum Forming
Vacuum forming is a simple, straightforward method of thermoforming where we heat the plastic sheets until pliable, fit it to the tool, and use a vacuum to suction the air from between the mold and the plastic. Ideal for large pieces that don’t require detailing or defined corners or edges, this affordable technique is often used to make dashboards, shower trays, and shipping trays.
Pressure Forming
Pressure forming is a more advanced technique that uses air pressure to push the heated plastic against the mold with three times the pressure used in vacuum forming. This is ideal for larger plastics that require higher levels of precision with more definition, detail, and sharper corners and angles.
Twin Sheet Forming
Twin sheet forming requires forming two plastic sheets separately but at the same time, then fusing them together. This is a much more complex method than pressure forming because everything must be perfect in order to line up precisely and fit flawlessly. Twin sheet forming creates hollow or double-walled plastics such as air ducts or foam filled pieces.
Thermoforming for Maryland Industries
We’ve supplied plastics to our Maryland customers since 1988, and while we serve a wide variety of industries, we take care to provide the best solutions for each industry and individual client, from working with quality materials to selecting the best plastic manufacturing process.
Automotive
The designers and manufacturers at API offer extensive experience in automotive part thermoforming and injection molding, and we fill orders for both vehicle manufacturers and independent parts suppliers. Companies across the automotive industry turn to us, whether they need thermoformed dashboards and trunk tubs or more intricate internal components, knobs, and dials because they know we will produce the durable, long-lasting plastics vehicle owners depend on.
Construction
Farm and construction equipment are put through heavy use on a daily basis, and in order to withstand the rigors of hard work, durability and strength is key. Agriculture and construction equipment and vehicle manufacturers in Maryland rely on our construction equipment part thermoforming to supply plastics that stand up to the elements and demands of farming and construction.
Transportation
API works with commercial transportation suppliers to design and supply air ducts, ventilation pieces, containment cases, and other plastics used in 18-wheelers, city buses, and other commercial transportation vehicles. Our transportation part thermoforming offers a cost-effective solution in an industry that has to frequently change their models due to regulation updates.
Recreational
Manufacturers and parts suppliers for recreational vehicles, such as four-wheelers and ATVs, rely on our recreational vehicle part thermoforming to get durable plastics that can withstand the off-road use these vehicles are known for. From handlebars and seats to side mirrors and windshields, we know that heavy-duty materials and unique customization are needed to withstand rough terrain while still looking good.
Furniture
From mid-century modern curved table tops in high-gloss acrylic to sturdy, efficient office chair frames and desk drawers, we use furniture part thermoforming to help furniture designers and distributors get the look and function they need while being able to withstand both commercial and residential use. Our wide array of customization, including painting, printing, and adding texture elevates our plastic furniture pieces to a more attractive design.
Materials Handling
Our materials handling thermoforming supplies Maryland distribution centers and warehouses with plastic chutes, shelving, and storage totes needed to cut operation costs and keep materials safe, whether they’re being stored or shipped.
Shipping Trays
Our shipping tray thermoforming techniques produce heavy-duty textured plastics, anti-static materials, and so much more to improve our customers logistics operations. With our shipping trays and pallets, we make it easy to ship, store, and transfer products both in-house and over long distances.
Medical
Our customers in the medical industry know that when we are thermoforming medical supplies, we go beyond producing high-quality packaging, equipment components, and trays. We make sure our supplies comply with strict regulations and include necessary customizations to enhance safety and quality.
Refrigeration
Commercial refrigeration thermoforming is used to make heavy duty plastics for the liners, shelving, and drawers in commercial refrigerators and freezers in grocery stores and gas stations, and walk-in coolers and freezers used in restaurants. Because of the heavy use combined with extreme temperatures and moisture levels, the right materials and customization is necessary to mitigate health and safety risks while guaranteeing durability.
Telecommunications
Telecommunication companies in Maryland partner with us to produce plastics through telecommunication part thermoforming. We make plastic organizational pieces that allow our customers to keep thousands of cables and wires used in data centers and networks organized and easy to maintain and repair.
Water Filtration
Commercial air and water filters and water treatment facilities use large plastic modules in their filtration systems. Our water filtration thermoforming techniques allow us to shape large grids and filter modules that make the air and water in commercial buildings safer and healthier.
Plastics and Polymers Used in Maryland Thermoforming
We use a wide variety of thermoplastic materials to produce durable plastic pieces for all industries. This variety allows us to select the best options for customization while ensuring the durability and safety needs required of our customers.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a versatile thermoplastic that is naturally transparent and highly impact resistant, making it a common substitute for glass. It’s easy to tint, add scratch-resistance and UV coatings, and other customizations, so it’s popular to use in windows, signs, and even modern furniture. <
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS is resistant to corrosion, chemicals, and impact as well as being easy to paint, glue, and customize. It’s often used for car interiors, luggage, and even bathtubs and shower stalls.
High Molecular Weight Polyethyene (HMWPE)
HMWPE has a smooth surface and provides minimal friction and is self-lubricating. It’s often used on conveyor systems and in material handling.
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
HIPS is a lightweight, non-toxic thermoplastic that is not as durable as ABS but is still versatile and inexpensive. It’s FDA-approved for food packaging but is also used in vehicle gas tanks, toys, and bicycles.
Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO)
TPO is a blend of rubber and reinforcing filler, making it sun and climate resistant. Because it won’t fade, expand, or contract with temperature shifts or moisture, it’s used in outdoor items, such as lawn furniture, golf carts, and recreational vehicles.
Polypropylene (PP)
With a high melting point, low water absorption, low electrical conductivity, and rubbery texture, polypropylene is commonly used for food preparation items, home electronics, and packaging for electronics.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is used for eyeglasses, lenses, and windows because it is naturally transparent and is resistant to scratches.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is another durable thermoplastic that can be used for windows, windshields, and shower curtains due to its transparency, but it’s heavy enough to use in construction products, such as pipes and window frames.
Contact Us for Maryland Thermoforming and Injection Molding
Advanced Plastiform, Inc. serves customers across Washington D.C. and Maryland, including Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Columbia, Germantown, SilverSpring, Waldorf, Rockville, Bethesda, and Gaithersburg. Using our thermoforming and injection molding manufacturing process, we deliver custom plastics that consumers depend on every day. We’ll work with you from concept to delivery to ensure you’re receiving the exact plastics necessary for your needs.
Contact the Leaders in Thermoforming
We're here to discuss your custom plastic manufacturing needs.
Please call us at 919-404-2080 or email us now.
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