Whether you already have a complete concept with drawings, product samples to be packaged, or are starting from square one; Munot Plastics can help walk you through the discovery process to create your full design. This article goes over the information to get your project started.
What Is Thermoforming Plastic
Thermoforming Plastic is the process of heating plastic sheets until pliable. In this “pliable” state, the plastic is formed into three-dimensional shapes within a mold. The plastic is then trimmed to create a unique, custom package. Munot Plastics uses thermoforming to create custom Clamshells, Blisters, and Trays for a variety of packaging needs/industries.
Starting your project
Munot Plastics is a great choice as your partner regardless of where you find yourself and the level of direction required. If you are just starting your project you may be looking for information associated with:
- The intricacies of Thermoforming.
- What can and cannot be formed within the scope of Thermoforming.
- Best materials.
- Design and more.
1. Product Needs and Capabilities
Together we will work to understand your product and find the best packaging fit that suits your needs. These can be categorized into three groups Clam Shells, Blisters, and Trays.
2. The Strategy
Once we have set your goals, we will need basic information such as the estimated annual usage/need of the thermoformed design (EAU). This information is critical in developing the best plan to create cost-effective tooling which in turn will support the best piece price possible.
As Munot Plastics is a “Custom Thermoformer”, we purchase material specifically for your project. We do not hold “stock” material in-house as there are so many different materials Munot Plastics thermoforms along with dozens of varying gauges and roll widths, this ensures that you are getting the best price possible with consistent quality through the lifetime of your project. Typical minimum material purchase for a single order is 3,000 lbs
With almost 60 years’ experience in Thermoforming, Munot Plastics will help you determine the best material for your project. What type of plastic
- High Impact Polystyrene, (HIPS)
- Polyvinyl Chloride, (PVC)
- Polyethylene Terephthalate, (PET and RPET)
- Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, (PTG)
- High Density Polyethylene, (HDPE)
- Other
3. The Quote
Once the design needs and scope of the project are understood, a quote will be submitted for your review. Following your acceptance of the quote, your order is placed and the formal design and development begin.
4. Full Tool Design
Tool design is created based on the size of your finished part and estimated annual usage/anticipated order size. Munot Plastics has a complete Machine/Tool Shop at our Erie, PA facility which allows for rapid tool design.
5. Prototyping
Once designs have been approved, we then move into the prototyping stage. You will be provided 6-10 samples from a composite sample tool to help prove form and fit.
6. Project Management
Munot Plastics will provide a single point of contact so projects flow smoothly and help ensure orders are fulfilled in a timely manner. Service and quality is our promise and we will maintain and even replace your tools for the lifetime of the project.
We know you will have questions.
Our team is here to help you at every step. Whether its questions on piece price, minimum orders, material, design, tooling, sampling, etc, you can count on Munot Plastics. Munot Plastics is your partner.
