Vacuum formed trays are commonly used for packaging applications due to its lower cost tooling, ability to run thin material, and large number of design features.  Medical device trays and machined part trays are two examples.

THERMOFORMING PROCESS

Thermoforming is made up of several similar processes.  These include vacuum forming, pressure forming, and twin sheet forming.  They all have applications with plastic packaging. Vacuum forming is used for more basic trays and is the least expensive option.  Pressure forming adds pressure to the part pressing the plastic against the mold.  Pressure forming is better for high detail, close tolerances, and small cavities.  Twin sheet forming essentially welds two sheets of plastic together allowing for hollow parts or reinforced parts.  Twin sheet forming is used for skids, trays with fork truck access, or for trays  requiring two surfaces.

Vacuum formed trays are built using multiple equipment types. Single station machines are used for low volumes based on low set up cost. Inline thermoforming equipment is used for higher volumes based on low cycle times. Medical trays can be made with any of the above options.  Cleanroom options normally allow for pressure and vacuum forming.

ADVANTAGES OF VACUUM FORMED TRAY PACKAGING

• Tooling cost is low at around 1/10th of the cost of a injection mold tool.
• Lead Times are shorter than injection molding as tooling is easier to manufacture.
• Material options are numerous including ESD materials and antistatic materials.
• Materials: PETG, RPET, PVC, ABS, Styrene, HDPE, Polypropylene, and Polycarbonate. Medical Materials such as PP, PETG FDA grades are available.
• Thin packaging is possible with vacuum forming allowing for lower cost and a more environmentally friendly solution.
• Thin gauge (.015″ – .050″) and heavy gauge (.060″ – .375″) trays can be made with any of the thermoforming processes noted above.

VACUUM FORMED TRAY DESIGN

A complete Custom Thermoformed Tray Design Guide is at link.  Key features available with vacuum formed packaging trays are noted.

Tray Stacking allows for tray to stack with no load on electronic components and parts. This is usually done with 180 degree rotational stacking or with 90 degree rotation.  Undercuts can also be used for stacking if rotation is not an option.

Part identification can be molded into tray; or tray cavities can be numbered allowing for faster inspection. This adds very little to tool cost and adds no cost to piece price.

Custom cavities are formed to exactly match your component, and this will protect sensitive areas.  For pins, or other fragile items, clearance cavities are formed so there is not contact with the tray during the shipping process.  Finger or tweezer clearance is used to allow for easy removal of parts in the cavity.

VACUUM FORMED TRAYS INFORMATION

The Industrial Trays page has additional information on materials, best practices, and common features for industries shown below.

• Electronics
• Medical Part Packaging
• Medical Device Packaging
• Optics
• Machine Shop
• General Manufacturing

WIKIPEDIA (VACUUM FORMING)

• Process information
• Mold options