Introduction
Acrylic was born in 1942 in the United States. Since its birth has been widely used in various industries, advertising industry is no exception. Acrylic thermoformed lettering is also due to the introduction of acrylic. Since 2002, acrylic blister light box has begun to emerge in the advertising industry. At the same time, acrylic vacuum formed products are also used in various industries, such as home, transportation, construction and so on. In the field of modern plastic material processing and product manufacturing, acrylic thermoforming process is playing an increasingly important role.
Acrylic, scientifically known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is favored for its excellent transparency, good chemical stability and ease of processing. Acrylic thermoforming molding is like this: soften acrylic sheet first by heating, use vacuum adsorption or pressure difference to make it fit on the surface of the mold, so as to form a variety of shapes and structures.
The principle process of acrylic thermoforming molding
The key point of acrylic blister molding process is the thermoplastic treatment of the acrylic sheet. First, the acrylic sheet is placed in a special heating equipment, uniform heating to the softening point. The control of this softening point is critical: too high a temperature may lead to excessive deformation or even decomposition of the sheet, while too low a temperature will not achieve the desired plasticity.
When the sheet reaches the appropriate degree of softening, through the vacuum system to quickly remove the air between the mold and the sheet, forming a negative pressure environment. Or use of compressed air on the other side of the sheet to exert pressure, so that the sheet in the pressure difference in the role of tightly adhering to the mold’s contours. Then after cooling will be shaped into the desired shape.
Here are some acrylic brands commonly used for thermoforming molding:
Mitsubishi Chemical Polymer Materials Co., Ltd
SHINKOLITE SHINKOLITE: Mitsubishi Chemical Group, is a world-renowned methacrylic acid and methacrylic acid resin manufacturer. Its SHINKOLITE adopts the original continuous casting production process, with fewer foreign objects, plate thickness, excellent precision, quality and stability. It provides a good base material for the blister products, featuring smooth surface, more transparency, more accurate size. It can provide a good base material for thermoforming molding products.
Rohm Chemie Co., Ltd
PLEXIGLAS: The brand is a world-renowned acrylic brand, from the former Evonik Group PMMA business divestment of independence, now belongs to the Rohm Corporation. It is the world’s leading supplier in the field of methacrylate chemistry. It has set up more than 10 production bases on four continents. Its high quality of its products allows them to maintain their shape and performance during the blister molding process and to meet the needs of complex designs.
Degussa
German brand, its acrylic products have excellent transparency, excellent weather resistance, excellent performance in processing performance and comprehensive performance. It has features of environmental protection and being non-toxic, suitable for blister molding products with high quality requirements. It can be produced such products as high-end display racks, optical instrument components.
Jiangsu Townsend New Material Technology Co., Ltd
Townsend Acrylic DONCHAMP: Founded in 2002, is a global acrylic comprehensive supplier. It is excellent in supply of cast industrial plexiglass (acrylic) sheet and related products research and development, production, sales. It has taken the lead in the formulation of three national standards, two industry standards, with 41 nationally authorized patents, a wide range of products, reliable quality. And it has a high reputation in the domestic market.
Shanghai Ruichang Acrylic Industry Co., Ltd
Ruichang Acrylic: founded in 1980 in Taiwan, set up a factory in Shanghai in 2002. It is a large-scale domestic acrylic sheet manufacturers, with the use of first-class new materials and imported glass molds. Its high-end acrylic products have been widely recognized by colleagues in the industry. Its product quality is stable, can provide a better choice of materials for the blister molding, especially in some of the appearance and accuracy of the requirements of high performance in the blister molding products.
Shenzhen Xintao New Material Co., Ltd
Xintao: founded in Shenzhen in 2001, is a high-tech enterprise integrating R&D, production and sales of polymer materials, a well-known brand in the acrylic industry, with main products including acrylic casting plate, extrusion plate, PS organic plate, light guide plate, diffusion plate, sound barrier plate, etc., and four brands under its umbrella: Xintao, Xinshun, Xinlian, and Pestu, with customers in more than 120 countries and regions around the world. Its acrylic plastic sheets are widely used in various fields, in the blister molding process, the acrylic sheet of Shin Chun can show good plasticity and molding effect.
How to choosing the right acrylic plastic sheet for thermoforming molding?
Brand and quality
Well-known brands: Priority is given to well-known brands of acrylic materials, such as acrylic plastic sheets from Mitsubishi, Degussa, Rohm Chemical, PLEXIGLAS , etc., as well as domestically produced by Townsend, Ruichang, Xintao and so on. These brands are usually strict with production process, and quality control is more stringent. Therefore product quality is more guaranteed, as it can provide better performance and appearance of blister products.
Quality certification: check whether the acrylic material has the relevant quality certification, such as ISO9001 quality management system certification, ROHS environmental certification. Certified materials in terms of quality and environmental protection more in line with the standards, can ensure the stability and safety in the process of vacuum molding. And the quality of the final product is reliable.
Acrylic plastic sheet characteristics
Transparency: according to the requirements of the use, select the acrylic material with high transparency, to ensure a good visual effect. The production of display racks, light boxes and other products with high transparency requirements, should choose acrylic sheet with a transparency of more than 92%.
Flatness: good surface flatness of the acrylic sheet in the vacuum molding can obtain a smoother, flat surface effect. It can reduce the defects caused by vacuum molding, such as bubbles, wrinkles and so on. High-quality acrylic sheet flatness error can be controlled within a very small range.
Thickness uniformity: uniform thickness of the acrylic plate ensures the dimensional accuracy and shape stability of the blister products. It avoids localized deformation or thickness inconsistencies. General requirements of the plate thickness deviation does not exceed ± 0.1mm.
Weather resistance: If the blister products need to be used outdoors for a long time, such as outdoor billboards, signs, etc., Choose a good acrylic materials with better weather resistance. Those, with good anti-ultraviolet, anti-aging properties, can be maintained for a long time. The color is bright, not deformed, not brittle, and a longer service life.
Acrylic sheet processing performance
Thermoforming properties: the blister process mainly relies on heating to make the acrylic sheet softened after molding, so you need to choose a good acrylic sheet with excellent thermoforming properties. It can be quickly and uniformly softened within a certain temperature range. And in the molding process is not easy to rupture, deformation and other problems. It can better adapt to the requirements of the blister process, molding complex shapes and precise size.
Cutting performance: the material should have good cutting performance. The incision is flat, smooth, no chipping, burrs and other defects, to facilitate subsequent processing and assembly. This can improve production efficiency and product quality.
Adhesive properties: for some need of assembly, acrylic material bonding performance is critical. It should be easy to choose the appropriate glue or adhesive process for solid bonding. It need good strength of the splices and sealing, so that the overall structure of the product is stable and reliable.
Acrylic sheet color and appearance
Color selection: according to the design requirements of the blister products and the use of the scene to choose the right color. The production of advertising signs can be based on the brand image and publicity effect of the choice of bright and eye-catching colors. Production of decorative items can match the surrounding environment with the right color. At the same time, pay attention to the uniformity and stability of the color to prevent fading in the process of use.
Surface treatment: Consider whether there is a need for surface treatment of blister products, such as silkscreen, film, UV printing, etc. If there is such a need, choose a suitable color for the blister product. If there is such a need, you need to choose the acrylic material suitable for the corresponding surface treatment process. This is to ensure that the effect of the treatment is good, the pattern is clear, firm, and not easy to fall off or discoloration.
Product size and specifications
Size requirements: according to the final size of the blister product, choose the appropriate size of acrylic sheet. Minimize splicing, to improve the overall aesthetics and structural strength of the product. For larger sizes of blister products, if the size of the acrylic casting plate is limited, you can consider the use of extrusion plate. Its length is theoretically unlimited, to meet the demand for the production of large seamless thermoformed products.
Thickness selection: In general, the larger the size of the blister product, the more complex the shape, the required thickness of the acrylic sheet should be increased accordingly. This is to ensure the stability and strength of the product. For example, the production of large outdoor billboards may need 5mm-10mm thick acrylic sheet. And for some small blister products, such as small display boxes, etc., 3mm-5mm thick sheet can meet the requirements.
Cost factors
Material costs: different brands, different specifications of the acrylic material price differs. In order to meet the product quality and performance requirements, choose cost-effective acrylic materials to control production costs. However do not over-sacrifice the quality of the material in order to reduce costs.
Processing costs: In addition to the cost of materials, also need to consider the cost of processing materials, such as cutting, thermoforming, surface treatment and other processing technology. Some of the better quality but complex processing performance of the material may increase processing costs, need to weigh the material cost and processing costs. Choose the most economical and reasonable program.
Acrylic optimal thermoforming molding temperature
The optimal temperature of acrylic molding is usually between 160 ℃ -220 ℃,. However, the specific temperature will vary depending on the type of acrylic sheet, thickness, as well as the different equipment and process of vacuum molding. The following are some common cases of temperature reference:
– Ordinary acrylic sheet: for the general thickness of ordinary acrylic sheet, the suction molding temperature in 180 ℃ -200 ℃ is more appropriate. For example, the production of some common acrylic blister letters, small display racks, etc. In this temperature range, the acrylic sheet can be better softened and fit the mold. Molding effect is better, the transparency of the product and the surface quality can be guaranteed.
– Thinner acrylic sheet: If using thinner acrylic sheet, the vacuum molding temperature can be relatively low, about 160 ℃ – 180 ℃ between. Because the thin acrylic plate itself is easier to heat evenly. The lower temperature can make it reach the plastic state, to avoid excessive softening or even deformation of the plate due to high temperature. This will affect the effect of molding and product precision.
– Thicker acrylic sheet: when using thicker acrylic sheet for vacuum molding, it requires a higher temperature, generally in the 200 ℃ -220 ℃ or so. Thicker sheet heat transfer is relatively slow. The need for higher temperatures to ensure that the inner plate can also be fully softened, so as to achieve good vacuum molding. This is to prevent the surface has been softened but the internal deformation is still not fully deformed. This will result in incomplete product molding or stress concentration and other issues.
Mold for acrylic thermoforming
In the whole process, the design and production of the mold is also a key link. Factors such as the precision of the mold for acrylic thermoforming, the surface finish and the tilt of the mold release will directly affect the quality of the acrylic blister products. For example, a high-precision mold can ensure the dimensional accuracy of the acrylic blister product.
The smooth surface of the mold can make the product appearance more bright. And reasonable demolding inclination is conducive to the product from the mold out smoothly, to avoid defects such as strains. The following are some of the problems that need to be paid attention to the molds used for acrylic blister molding:
Mold design
– **Precision requirements**: acrylic blister products on the mold precision requirements are high, generally need to be controlled between ± 0.01mm – ± 0.1mm to ensure that the product size is accurate, the appearance of smooth. The production of acrylic display racks, high-precision molds can make the display of the various components of the racks spliced together tightly, the overall aesthetics is high.
– **Shape and structure design**: should be designed according to the shape, size and use of the product requirements to ensure that the product can be smoothly demolded. For complex shapes of products, to reasonably design the demolding slope, usually between 1 ° – 3 °, to prevent deformation or damage to the product in the demolding. Some with a concave and convex pattern of acrylic decorative panels, a good demolding slope design can make the pattern complete and clear.
– **Exhaust design**: the mold needs to be set up on the reasonable exhaust holes, in order to discharge the plastic in the process of vacuum molding and the air between the mold, to avoid the emergence of bubbles, lack of material and other defects. The diameter of the exhaust holes is generally between 0.5mm-1.5mm, the hole spacing can be adjusted according to the size and shape of the product between 50mm-150mm, such as in the production of large acrylic blister box, enough and reasonably distributed exhaust holes to ensure that the surface of the box is flat and bubble-free.
Mold material selection
– **Material hardness**: to have a certain degree of hardness and abrasion resistance, in order to withstand the pressure and friction in the process of plastic injection molding, to prevent mold deformation and wear and tear, to extend the service life of the mold. Commonly used aluminum alloy, steel and other materials. Aluminum alloy mold is light weight, good processing performance, suitable for small and medium-sized acrylic products; steel mold has high strength, good wear resistance, suitable for large or high-precision requirements of the product.
– ** material thermal stability **: need to have good thermal stability, not easy to deformation, cracking in the vacuum molding temperature. Acrylic molding temperature is generally between 160 ℃ -220 ℃, the mold material to maintain stable performance in this temperature range to ensure the quality of molded products.
Mold processing technology
– **Processing precision control**: the use of advanced processing equipment and technology, such as CNC machining centers, EDM, etc., strict control of the processing accuracy of the mold to ensure that the dimensional tolerances, shape and positional tolerances in line with the design requirements. The completion of the machining need to be carried out after the accuracy of the test and calibration.
– **Surface treatment**: The surface of the mold needs to be finely ground, polished and other treatments, so that the surface roughness of Ra0.8-Ra1.6μm, in order to ensure that the surface quality of the blister products to reduce the product surface scratches and defects. According to the need for chrome plating, nickel plating and other surface treatments, improve the mold’s abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance and mold release performance.
Mold use and maintenance
– ** Mould installation and positioning **: Installation to ensure that the mold and the suction molding equipment with precision, to ensure that the mold in the suction molding process in a fixed position, do not shift. Positioning pins, positioning keys can be used for positioning, positioning accuracy control within ± 0.05mm.
– **Mold Cleaning and Maintenance**: Before use, the mold needs to be cleaned to remove the surface oil, dust and other impurities, to prevent it from affecting the quality of the blister products. After use, the mold should be cleaned up the residual plastic chips, mold release agent, etc., and coated with antirust oil, properly stored to prevent mold rust, corrosion.
– **Mold inspection and repair**: Regular inspection of the mold, such as mold deformation, wear, damage and other issues, should be repaired or replaced in a timely manner to ensure the stability of the quality of blister products.
The characteristics of acrylic molding
Optical properties of acrylic vacuum formed products
Acrylic has a very high degree of transparency, its transmittance can reach more than 92%, close to the transparency of glass. Acrylic products have unique advantages in making display, lighting and other fields.
For example, in the shopping mall display racks, museum cabinets and various types of lampshade production, acrylic blister products can clearly display the internal items or transmitting light, creating a beautiful and bright effect. Like some high-end jewelry store display racks using acrylic blister process, the sparkling jewelry set off more dazzling, attracting customers’ attention.
Acrylic vacuum formed products has good mechanical properties
Although acrylic is relatively light, but it has good strength and toughness. After the thermoforming into a molded products, it can withstand a certain degree of external impact and not easy to break. This is widely used in some occasions that need to balance aesthetics and practicality, such as outdoor advertising signs, automotive interior parts.
Compared with traditional glass, acrylic molded products in the impact resistance is more outstanding. It greatly reduces the accidental collision and broken caused by the potential safety hazards. For example, in the city streets of some large outdoor advertising signs, the use of acrylic blister production of three-dimensional text and patterns. Even if encountered in windy weather or occasional minor collision, they still can be able to remain intact, continue to play the role of advertising.
Acrylic vacuum formed products has good weather resistance
Acrylic has good resistance to the natural environment. It can be used for a long time in different climatic conditions without significant aging, discoloration or deformation. Whether in direct sunlight outdoor environment, or in the humid coastal areas, acrylic blister products can maintain its original performance and appearance. This weather resistance makes it an ideal material for products that are exposed to the natural environment for a long time, such as architectural decoration and outdoor signs. For example, the directional signs of seaside resorts, made of acrylic blister, are subjected to the erosion of sea breeze, sunshine and humid air for a long time, but they are still colorful and legible, guiding tourists to the direction.
Acrylic sheet has great processing performance
Acrylic is easy to cut, drill, engrave, heat-bend, and blister-mold. This provides designers and manufacturers with a great deal of creative freedom to produce a variety of complex shapes and beautiful products according to different design needs. For example, in the field of customized interior decoration, you can use acrylic molding to make a unique shape wall decorations, partitions, etc., to meet the requirements of personalized decoration style.
Some modern style restaurants will use acrylic molding produced by the shape of the partition, the dining area is cleverly divided, at the same time its transparent material will not give people a sense of space constriction, but adds a fashionable and dynamic atmosphere.
Ways to avoid deformation in the process of acrylic vacuum molding
Sheet selection
Flatness and uniformity: select no deformation and uniform thickness of acrylic sheet, uneven thickness of the sheet in the processing of different parts of the process will be subjected to different degrees of stress, easy to lead to product bending, distortion and deformation, such as the production of acrylic display, if the sheet is deformed, then the overall structure is not regular.
Consider the weight of large products: for large acrylic products, should choose a thicker plate to increase strength and rigidity, reduce the risk of deformation in processing, such as large acrylic fish tanks, thicker plates can better withstand water pressure and their own weight.
Mold design
Precision and demolding slope: mold precision should be high, to ensure that the product size is accurate, flat appearance, complex shapes of products should be reasonably designed demolding slope, generally between 1 ° -3 °, to prevent deformation damage to the product when demolding.
Cooling system: Reasonable design of the cooling circuit of the mold, so that the cooling is uniform, for easy to deformation parts can be added cooling circuit, to avoid deformation due to uneven cooling.
Temperature control
Heating temperature: acrylic molding machine heating plate temperature should be accurately adjusted according to the molding material and plate thickness, the general temperature of the molding between 160 ℃ -220 ℃, the temperature is too high will make the acrylic plate overly softened and deformed, too low will affect the effect of the molding.
Cooling temperature: check the cooling water temperature, adjust the nozzle water volume, so that the cooling temperature is appropriate and uniform, to prevent the cooling temperature is not appropriate to produce stress caused by deformation.
Adjustment of the parameters of the molding process
Pressure control: control the pressure in the suction molding process, too much pressure may make the acrylic sheet overstretching and deformation, insufficient pressure can not make the sheet closely fit the mold, affecting the molding effect.
Time control: Reasonably determine the time of vacuum molding, too short a period of time, the plate is not fully softened molding, easy to lead to the product shape is not complete, there is stress concentration and deformation; too long a period of time will increase production costs and may make the plate performance decline.
Demolding operation
Vibration demolding: try to use the pressure of vibration on the mold to force the product to demold smoothly and reduce the stress and deformation caused by forced demolding.
Increase the bottom air volume: Increase the bottom air volume appropriately to help the products to be demolded smoothly and ensure the quality.
Product design and installation
Reserve expansion and contraction gap: acrylic material will be affected by temperature, humidity and other environmental factors expansion or contraction, the production of products should be reserved for contraction or expansion of the gap, such as the production of acrylic windows and doors, if you do not leave a gap, the temperature changes will be due to expansion or contraction of extrusion of the frame resulting in deformation and rupture.
Perforation fixed: perforation with screw holes with the screw fixation method, can effectively disperse perforated parts of the stress, to prevent cracking or deformation of the plate in the perforation, such as the installation of acrylic signage, through the screw holes and screws can be fixed to keep the signage flat and stable.
How to avoid poor surface effect of acrylic thermoforming molding?
Raw material selection
High-quality sheet: choose high transparency, good flatness, no impurities and bubbles in the acrylic sheet. Such as imported Mitsubishi, Degussa and other brands of plates, quality is relatively more secure, can lay the foundation for a good surface effect of plastic absorption.
Plate thickness uniformity: to ensure that the thickness of the plate is uniform, the thickness deviation should be controlled within a small range, generally no more than ± 0.1mm, otherwise in the process of vacuum molding is easy due to uneven heat resulting in uneven surface.
Mould treatment
Mold Cleaning: Before vacuum molding, the mold surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned to remove oil, dust, debris, etc., you can use alcohol, special cleaners, etc. to wipe, to prevent the transfer of impurities to the acrylic surface to affect the appearance.
Mold polishing: fine polishing of the mold surface, so that the roughness of Ra0.8-Ra1.6μm, to ensure the surface quality of the blister products, reduce the product surface scratches and defects, to obtain a smoother blister surface.
The use of release agent: choose the appropriate release agent, and evenly sprayed on the mold surface, pay attention to the amount of release agent should not be too much, so as not to transfer to the acrylic surface in the process of vacuum molding, resulting in oil spots on the surface or affect the subsequent processing treatment, such as silkscreen, paste, etc..
Blister molding process parameters control
Temperature control: precise control of the heating temperature of the blister machine, the general acrylic blister temperature between 160 ° C – 220 ° C, according to the thickness of the plate, the size and complexity of the mold and other factors to adjust, to avoid the temperature is too high to lead to excessive softening of the acrylic plate, deformation, bubbles or yellowing and other issues, the temperature is too low will cause incomplete blistering, the surface is not flat.
Pressure control: Reasonable adjustment of the pressure in the process of vacuum molding, too much pressure may make the acrylic sheet overstretching, resulting in thinning of the surface, texture or even rupture; pressure is not enough to make the sheet close to the mold, resulting in surface unevenness, wrinkles or unclear contours and other defects.
Time control: strictly control the time of vacuum molding, too short a period of time, the plate is not fully softened molding, easy to lead to the product shape is not complete, the surface of the stress concentration and deformation; too long a period of time will increase the production cost and may make the plate performance degradation, surface darkening, brittle and other issues.
Equipment maintenance
Regular cleaning: Regularly clean the heating plate, cooling system, vacuum pump and other parts of the blister machine to prevent the accumulation of dust, plastic chips, etc., which will affect the normal operation of the equipment and the effect of blistering.
Check the sealing: check the sealing performance of the vacuum molding machine to ensure that there is no air leakage in the process of vacuum molding, otherwise it will lead to insufficient suction, affecting the acrylic sheet and mold fit, so that the surface appears uneven or bubbles and other problems.
Post-processing
Trimming treatment: After the completion of the suction molding, the product is fine trimming treatment, remove excess flying edges, burrs, etc., so that the edge of the product is smooth and neat, you can use tools such as knives, sanders, etc. for trimming, but be careful to avoid scratching the surface of the product.
Surface cleaning and protection: use a clean soft cloth or special cleaner to clean the surface of the blister products, remove possible residual stains, fingerprints, etc., and then according to the need for surface protection treatment, such as spraying the protective film, stick on the protective film, etc., to prevent the surface from being scratched, contaminated or aging.
The wide application of acrylic thermoforming molding
Advertising and display industry
The application of acrylic blister in the field of advertising and display is a classic. Large outdoor advertising signs, light box advertising, shopping malls, display racks, promotional props are often made of acrylic blister process. Light box advertising, for example, through the plastic vacuum forming molding process can produce a three-dimensional effect of the text, patterns and logos, the internal installation of lighting equipment, in the night to produce eye-catching visual effects, to attract the attention of passers-by.
For example, in the busy commercial district of some brand stores in front of the light box advertising, the use of acrylic plastic production of the brand logo and slogan, in the light of the contrast is particularly eye-catching, effectively enhance the brand awareness and attractiveness.
The shopping mall display rack is the use of acrylic transparency and good modeling capabilities, the perfect display of goods, while its lightweight material is also easy to move and layout adjustment of the display rack. Like electronic product malls, used to display cell phones, tablet PCs and other digital products display racks, mostly using acrylic blister process, so that consumers can observe the product details in all directions.
Architectural decoration field
In modern building decoration, acrylic blister products also play an important role. Such as the decorative lines of the building facade, curtain wall of the local modeling, indoor ceiling modeling and staircase handrails and other parts can be seen in the figure of acrylic molding.
Its variety of color choices and unique modeling capabilities for the building to add a sense of modernity and artistic atmosphere. For example, some high-end hotel lobby ceiling made of acrylic molding into clouds, petals and other shapes, with lighting effects, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
There are also a number of modern art galleries of the external wall decoration, the use of acrylic molding made of abstract geometric shapes, under the sunlight refractive unique light and shadow effects, become a bright landscape in the city.
Transportation industry
Cars, trains, airplanes and other means of transportation interior parts are also increasingly using acrylic blister products. Inside the dashboard mask, center console decorative parts, door panels and other parts of the acrylic parts can not only meet the aesthetic requirements, but also has the advantages of light weight, wear-resistant, easy to clean and so on.
In the aircraft cabin, acrylic molding of the lampshade can provide a soft and uniform light, while reducing the overall weight of the aircraft, is conducive to reducing fuel consumption. For example, the center console of some new cars using acrylic molding made of decorative strips, its exquisite shape and good texture to enhance the overall grade of the car.
In high-speed rail carriages, acrylic absorbing lampshade provides travelers with a comfortable lighting environment, and its durability also reduces maintenance costs.
Home furnishings
From home decorative ornaments to functional furniture components, acrylic blister is widely used. Such as transparent acrylic blister storage boxes, you can clearly see the items stored inside, easy to organize and access; fashionable acrylic blister lighting, whether it is a chandelier, wall lamps or table lamps, can bring a unique light and shadow effect for the home environment.
For example, some minimalist style living room will use acrylic blister made chandelier, its transparent lampshade and simple shape and the overall decoration style complement each other, creating a warm and stylish atmosphere for the living room.
There are some furniture handles, decorative strips, etc. made of acrylic plastic, both beautiful and durable, with a variety of home styles can match. Like the European style closet, its exquisite handles are made of acrylic blister process with carving and texture, which enhances the overall beauty of the closet.
The development trend of acrylic thermoforming molding
With the continuous progress of science and technology and changes in market demand, acrylic blister molding process is also continuing to develop. On the one hand, in the context of increasingly stringent environmental requirements, the research and development of acrylic blister molding materials is moving in the direction of more environmentally friendly and recyclable.
New acrylic materials in the original performance to ensure the basis, reduce the impact on the environment, improve the recycling rate of materials.
On the other hand, the application of digital processing technology in acrylic blister molding is becoming more and more widespread. Through computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology, more accurate and efficient mold design and production, as well as automated control of the blister processing process, greatly improving production efficiency and product quality stability.
In addition, with the growing demand for personalized, customized products, acrylic blister process will pay more attention to the integration of artistic design, to provide consumers with more unique product choices.
In short, acrylic molding as an important material processing technology, with its unique process principles, excellent material properties and a wide range of applications, in the modern manufacturing and decoration industry occupies an indispensable position.
With the continuous innovation and development of technology, acrylic blister process will usher in a broader development prospects for our life and society to create more value.
Whether in the beautification of the urban environment, enhance the effect of commercial display, or in improving the quality of home, promote the upgrading of the interior of the means of transportation and so on, acrylic blister will continue to play its unique charm and role.
Acrylic VS PC thermoforming molding:
Acrylic VS PC: Material Characteristics
Transparency:
Acrylic blister has high transparency, can reach 92% or more, can reach the transparency of optical glass, even after dyeing also has good transparency, visual clarity; PC blister’s transparency is slightly lower than acrylic, up to 89% or so, but the naked eye is more difficult to distinguish.
Hardness and toughness:
Acrylic material is more brittle, easy to break; PC board has high strength, high toughness, good impact resistance, is the same thickness of acrylic plate impact strength of 30-50 times, there is “unbreakable glass” of the name, such as 6 mm thick PC board began to be bullet-proof material, 3 mm thick PC board ordinary adult with a hammer Can not be smashed.
Temperature resistance:
Acrylic board to 70 degrees will be easy to soften, the working temperature range is relatively narrow; and the softening temperature of PC board is 120 degrees, more heat-resistant, heat-resistant, the working temperature of a wider range of applications, in – 100 ℃ does not occur when the cold brittle, in 135 ℃ does not soften.
Weather resistance:
PC board has strong UV resistance, good anti-aging performance, such as PC sunshine board plated on one side with UV coating, the other side with anti-condensation treatment, exposure to sunlight will not produce yellowing, fogging, poor light transmission and other issues, ten years after the loss of light transmission of only 6%; acrylic board is relatively easy to aging, yellowing and become brittle, especially in the outdoors when used for a long period of time, and its ability to resist ultraviolet rays is relatively weak.
Flame retardant:
PC board has a certain degree of flame retardancy, the national standard GB50222-95 confirmed that it is flame retardant level, that is, B1 level, its own ignition point is 580 degrees Celsius, self-extinguishing off the fire, combustion will not produce toxic gases, will not contribute to the spread of fire; acrylic board burning flame clear, no smoke, bubbles will be produced, fire can be pulled out of the filament.
Acrylic VS PC: Processing performance
Thermoforming temperature:
Due to the lower softening temperature of acrylic sheet, its thermoforming temperature is relatively low; while the PC board thermoforming temperature is higher, requiring more precise temperature control and heating equipment to ensure the effect of vacuum molding.
Forming difficulty:
Acrylic sheet in the vacuum molding process is relatively easy to form, but because of its brittle, in the case of stretching and bending larger rupture; PC board toughness so that it can withstand greater deformation in vacuum molding is not easy to rupture, but the molding difficulty is relatively high, the requirements of molds and equipment is also higher.
Cutting performance:
Acrylic cutting kerf is relatively flat and smooth, but prone to static electricity, need to pay attention to prevent dust adsorption; PC board cutting performance is also better, but because of its high hardness, cutting requires the use of sharper knives and appropriate cutting parameters to avoid chipping and other issues.
Bonding performance:
Acrylic board can be bonded using a variety of glues, such as UV glue, acrylic shadowless adhesive, epoxy AB glue, etc., good bonding effect, high stability after curing; PC board bonding is relatively more complex, you need to use a special glue for PC materials to ensure bonding strength and sealing.
Acrylic VS PC: Application fields
Advertising display:
Acrylic plastic products are commonly used in the production of various types of advertising light boxes, display racks, signboards, etc., because of its high transparency, bright colors, high surface finish, can present a good visual effect, attracting people’s attention;
PC plastic products in some of the security and durability requirements of the higher outdoor advertising display areas have more applications, such as large-scale outdoor billboards, bus stops, etc., and its impact resistance and weather resistance can be better adapted to the complex outdoor environment. Its impact resistance and weather resistance can be better adapted to the complex outdoor environment.
Packaging industry:
Acrylic blister is generally used in the packaging of some high-grade products, such as cosmetics, jewelry, electronic products, etc., can enhance the product grade and display effect;
PC blister in the food, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, etc. on the strict requirements of health and safety in the field of packaging is widely used, and its good chemical resistance, non-toxic tasteless and other characteristics to ensure that the packaging content of the quality and safety.
Industrial manufacturing:
Acrylic blister can be used to manufacture some instrumentation panels, shields, etc., the use of its transparency to facilitate the observation of the internal structure and operation of the instructions;
PC blister in the automotive, aerospace, electronics and electrical appliances, and other high-end industrial sectors play an important role, such as automotive parts, aircraft interior parts, electronic product shells, etc., and its high-strength, high-toughness, flame-retardant properties to meet the stringent engineering requirements.
Building decoration:
Acrylic blister can be processed into various shapes of decorative components, such as partitions, screens, domes, etc., for the building space to add a sense of aesthetics and artistic atmosphere;
PC blister products, such as PC sunshine boards, endurance boards, etc., are commonly used in construction of the light roof, curtain wall, greenhouse greenhouses and other parts of the building, with its good lighting performance, heat insulation properties and impact resistance, can provide a comfortable and safe use of the environment for the building.