Vacuum forming also known as thermoforming is a process utilising a sheet of plastic which is heated and placed over a shape, a vacuum is then applied forcing the plastic to conform to the shape. When cooled the plastic retains the shape. Vacuum formings are commonly used for packaging, displays, prototypes and industrial components.
Patterns also known as Masters or Bucks for vacuum forming can be created using traditional patternmaking methods, cnc machining or 3d printing. Information for patterns can be interpreted from sketches, CAD files or reverse engineered from existing parts. Patterns may be constructed from timber, plastic or tooling board. Shrinkage must be adjusted pending final use of the patterns. Patterns may be suitable for limited production runs.