Vacuum Forming
Vacuum Forming is the manufacturing process in which a plastic sheet is heated to a defined temperature and moulded to a 3 dimensional shape using vacuum and compressed air.
Parts can be manufactured in a wide range of plastic materials, textures and colours and in a range of thicknesses from 1mm to 10mm.
Applications are many and varied, please see our markets section.
Structural Reaction Injection Moulding (SRIM)
With SRIM, Glass Fibre reinforcement material is laid into a mould with a cavity in the shape of the product. The mould is closed and polyurethane (PU) is injected into the cavity by pressure. This process produces components with high fibre density and is a more durable and cost effective alternative to traditional GRP moulding.
The SRIM process often uses a UEV (Vinyl Skin) or a thin gauge vacuum forming laid in to the mould initially. The glass fibre and PU then becomes a reinforcement media on the reverse of the UEV or forming and with the close mould process produces a rigid component that can be designed with additional stiffening ribs and a variety of inserts for component fixing.
SRIM parts are used in a wide range of markets typically:
- Vehicle markets - buses, automotive and truck
- Medical
- Aerospace
Typical components are dashboards and interior vehicle trim.
Polyurethane Reinforcement
By combining a vacuum formed outer skin with a reinforced rigid PU backing a rigid and durable composite moulding is formed. The PU backing also allows ribs, features and fixings to be moulded in if required.
Assembly
Investment in sub assembly facilities has equipped Bridgewood to provide you with added value assemblies and sub assemblies. Various plastic components can be combined along with externally sourced components.
Many types of components are combined with plastic formings, reinforcement materials and other components such as wiring harnesses, light clusters and shower fixtures and taps in shower products.
Work with Bridgewood UK
Find out how we can make your vacuum
formed products more cost effective, durable and attractive.
