Techniques
Thermoforming, machining, RIM injection, blow moulding and more: with Plastisart, your custom plastic transformation partner for over 50 years in Belgium and France, every project benefits from the process best suited to your real constraints.
Our plastic transformation techniques
Strong expertise in plastic transformation techniques
Plastic transformation encompasses a set of processes that are very different from one another. Each technique responds to specific constraints: part geometry, material, production volume, dimensional requirements, end-use conditions. Choosing the right process is often the most decisive decision in a custom plastic parts project.
At Plastisart, we have mastered all the main plastic transformation techniques for over 50 years. Our production park covers a technical spectrum that few plastic transformers offer under one roof. This technical versatility is not an end in itself: it allows us to select for each project the process best suited to your real constraints, and to combine several techniques when the complexity of the sub-assembly requires it.
Our plastic transformation processes
Plastic thermoforming
Thermoforming is a technique particularly suited to small and medium series, as well as large-dimension parts.
Vacuum thermoforming
This technique uses negative pressure to press the heated sheet against the mould with high precision and repeatability. It is particularly suited to appearance parts, large surfaces and components requiring a careful surface finish.
Plastic fabrication and sheet working
This encompasses all techniques for shaping thermoplastic sheets and profiles by cutting, folding, welding and assembly. It allows structures, covers, tanks, ducts and claddings to be produced to measure from standard sheets, without investment in moulding tooling.
Bending and draping
These techniques allow curved, concave or convex shapes to be given to thermoplastic sheets or profiles through localised heating and shaping on a jig. They are suited to parts with simple or moderately complex geometry, produced in small series.
Hot forming and folding
Hot forming of plastic offers exceptional flexibility for creating bent or folded plastic parts with unrivalled precision.
Extrusion blow moulding
Extrusion blow moulding is the reference process for manufacturing hollow bodies: tanks, canisters, bellows, ducts. Plastisart masters this process for industrial applications requiring resistant and tight hollow bodies.
RIM injection
RIM injection is a moulding process suited to large-dimension parts and small and medium series. It allows technical components with thick walls and complex geometries to be produced.
Plastic machining
CNC machining of technical thermoplastics allows high dimensional precision parts to be obtained across a very wide range of materials. Our 3 and 5-axis machining centres allow complex parts, functional prototypes and small series with tight tolerances to be produced.
Laser cutting and engraving
Laser cutting and engraving allow thermoplastics to be worked with a precision and fineness that mechanical processes cannot always achieve. These techniques are particularly suited to complex contours, decorative cuts and permanent surface marking.
Plastic welding and bonding
Plastic welding and bonding are assembly techniques for thermoplastic components with each other or with other materials. The choice of method depends on the materials and the mechanical requirements of the assembly.
How to choose the right plastic transformation process for your project?
The choice of a plastic transformation process depends on several variables that must be analysed in parallel:
- The geometry and dimensions of the part
- The thermoplastic material desired or required for your use
- The planned production volume (single unit, small series, medium series)
- Dimensional tolerances
- Finishing requirements
- Available tooling budget
- Production start-up lead times
At Plastisart, this analysis is carried out from the study phase by our integrated design office. We direct you towards the process best suited to your specifications, and we are able to combine several techniques on the same project when the complexity of the sub-assembly justifies it.
Technical mastery at the service of your industrial projects
Our experience of over 50 years in plastic transformation has allowed us to develop in-depth knowledge of thermoplastic behaviour according to processes, the limitations and advantages of each technique, and the combinations that allow complex parts to be produced at controlled cost. We work for industrials from varied sectors, each with their own requirements and constraints. Our strength in the face of this variety is our technical versatility, which allows us to respond to your many requests without having to multiply suppliers.
FAQ
How does Plastisart choose the best process for your part?
Our design office cross-references several criteria: the geometric complexity of the part, the required material, the budget allocated to tooling and your annual volume. This objective analysis allows us to direct you transparently towards the most cost-effective and high-performing solution, for example when arbitrating between thermoforming and RIM injection.
What is the advantage of bringing all these techniques together under one roof?
Impartiality and simplicity. Not depending on a single machine catalogue, we choose the technology that truly serves your part. Furthermore, this allows several processes to be combined without transition — for example thermoforming a bodywork part, then machining it on a 5-axis CNC machining centre and integrating elements by structural bonding — all with a single point of contact.
Would you like to work with Plastisart, your custom plastic transformation partner in Belgium and France?
Plastisart is at your disposal to study your projects and offer you solutions adapted to your specific needs. Contact us now via our online form or by phone to find out more about our services.
