Bending / Sheeting

Thermoforming by bending and draping

Thermoforming by bending and draping is a plastic processing technique that stands out for its ability to create curved and complex shapes. Rather than heating a sheet of plastic and pressing it against a mould, this method involves deforming the heated sheet to obtain curved or concave parts.

In the case of bending, the plastic sheet is heated and positioned on a mould specially designed to create a curved shape. The heat makes the sheet malleable, allowing it to be pulled over the mould to take the desired curved shape.

Draping, on the other hand, is used to create more complex concave shapes. The heated sheet is draped over a mould and, under the effect of the heat, it conforms to the shape of the mould, creating parts with concave curves.

Thermoforming by bending and draping offers unmatched design flexibility. It is commonly used to produce plastic parts such as curved windows, machine guards, trim panels, interior trim components and a variety of other components requiring curved or complex shapes.

This technique is ideal when unusual or non-standard shaped parts need to be manufactured from plastic. It opens up endless design possibilities, meeting the diverse needs of industry and custom plastic parts manufacturing.

Applications for bending and draping

Plastic bending and draping are used in many applications to create specific parts requiring curved or concave shapes. Here are some examples of applications for these techniques:

• Marine and automotive industry: The manufacture of windshields, windows, trim panels and other structural components often requires curved shapes that can be achieved through bending and draping.
• Automotive: Car seats, panels and interior trim are often manufactured using bending and draping to achieve ergonomic shapes.
• Furniture: Bending and draping are used to create chairs, tables, garden furniture and other items of furniture requiring elegant curves.
• Interior design: Wall coverings, decorative panels and curved architectural elements in interior spaces are produced using these techniques.
• Aerospace industry: Aircraft components, such as cockpit linings and interior design elements, also make use of bending and draping.
• Healthcare industry: The design of operating tables, dental chairs, and other medical equipment often involves curved shapes for ergonomics and patient comfort.
• Artistic design: In art and sculpture, plastic bending and draping are used to create unique shapes and structures.

These applications are just a sample of the possible uses for plastic bending and draping. These techniques offer great design flexibility, making them ideal for meeting a variety of industrial and artistic needs.

Main materials for bending and draping

1. PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate, acrylic): PMMA is widely used for its transparency and ease of bending, making it ideal for glazing applications, illuminated signs and furniture.
2. Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is transparent, impact-resistant and fire-resistant, making it a common choice for applications requiring high strength, such as protective glazing.
3. Solid Surface (e.g. Corian): Solid surface materials, such as Corian, are commonly bent and draped to create interior design elements, countertops and solid surfaces.

Each material has its own characteristics and advantages, allowing designers and manufacturers to choose the one that best suits their specific needs in terms of design, durability and functionality.

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