In the realm of material handling, thermoforming plastic trays and bins have emerged as versatile and efficient solutions. Trays and bins produced through the specialized thermoforming manufacturing process are known to offer numerous benefits for various industries.
From food processing to medical device storage, thermoformed plastic trays and bins provide a cost-effective and customizable material handling option that ensures product protection, visibility, and easy handling.
Thermoforming used for packaging and storing products tends to be very thin gauge, whereas heavy gauge thermoforming starts with a minimum material thickness of 0.06"/1.5 mm.
The Thermoforming Process
Thermoforming is a manufacturing technique that shapes thermoplastic materials into a desired form. The process begins with a flat sheet of plastic, typically made of materials like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polystyrene (PS).
This sheet is heated until pliable and then placed over a mold. Vacuum pressure or mechanical force is applied, causing the heated plastic to conform to the shape of the mold. Once cooled and solidified, the plastic tray is trimmed and finished to meet specific requirements.
Advantages of Thermoformed Plastic Trays and Bins
Thermoformed plastic trays and bins offer a range of advantages that make them an ideal material handling choice for various industries:
Customizability: Thermoforming allows for creating trays in different shapes, sizes, and depths, catering to specific product requirements. Manufacturers can incorporate features like compartments, inserts, and cavities to secure and organize products effectively.
Cost-effectiveness: Thermoforming is a highly efficient process that enables the production of large quantities of trays and bins in a relatively short period. The low tooling costs and quick setup times make it a cost-effective solution for part-handling needs.
Product visibility: The transparency of thermoformed plastic trays enhances product visibility, allowing operators to examine the contents easily.
Protection and durability: Thermoformed trays provide excellent product protection during transportation and storage. The trays can be designed to securely hold items in place, minimizing the risk of damage. Additionally, thermoformed plastic trays offer good resistance to impact, moisture, and chemicals, ensuring product integrity.
Applications of Thermoformed Plastic Trays
Thermoformed plastic trays find application across diverse industries due to their versatility and functionality. Some common applications include:
Food and beverage: Thermoformed trays are widely used for helping to handle food during processing steps.
Medical and pharmaceutical: Thermoformed plastic trays and bins are crucial for medical device and pharmaceutical product manufacture.
Electronics: Thermoformed trays and bins are commonly used in electronics to protect and organize delicate components like circuit boards, connectors, and microchips. The trays' antistatic properties safeguard sensitive electronic devices from electrostatic discharge.
Retail displays: Thermoformed plastic trays are frequently employed to create attractive product displays in retail settings. These trays can be customized with logos, branding elements, and product information, helping to draw attention to the merchandise.
Industrial and automotive: Thermoformed trays are used to store and transport small parts, tools, and equipment in industrial and automotive settings. They ensure organization, prevent damage and facilitate easy access to components during assembly or maintenance processes.
Thermoforming plastic trays and bins offer various benefits, making them a valuable material handling solution across various industries. Their customizability, cost-effectiveness, product visibility, and protection capabilities make them a preferred choice for companies seeking efficient material handling options.
Whether it's food, medical devices, electronics, or industrial components, thermoformed plastic trays provide a reliable means of securing and presenting products. As technology advances, this versatile manufacturing process will continue to evolve, meeting the ever-growing demands of businesses and consumers alike.
