*** Please note, each row and course# listed below is a separate, complete course. ***
Thermoforming and Vacuum Forming
| Course# | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 145-1155 | 06/19/2025 - 06/19/2025 | 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM | Microsoft Teams |
| 145-1408 | 11/12/2025 - 11/12/2025 | 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM | Microsoft Teams |
CEU's: 0.8
Instructor: Mr. Christopher Paige
Course Overview
This one-day course will cover Thermoforming and Vacuum Forming equipment operations, applications and trouble-shooting problems that can occur with these types, of processing equipment. There will be video demonstrations on the operations of Thermoforming and Vacuum Forming Equipment.
Instructor Biography:
Christopher (Chris) Paige holds a M. S. Degree in Plastics Engineering - 2005 (University of Massachusetts – Lowell) and a M.S. Degree in Polymer Chemistry – 1991 (University of Cincinnati). He is a member of Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), American Chemical Society (ACS) and America Society of Materials (ASM) and has over 30 years’ experience, working in Industry. As a Laboratory Manager, at the University of Akron, Chris performed numerous hands-on plastics processing projects, for domestic and International corporate clients. He is a subject matter expert on Single Screw Extrusion, Twin Screw Extrusion, Blown Film Processing, 3-D Printing, Thermoforming and Injection Molding. Chris also trained Graduate and Undergraduate students on the hands-on operation of Large scale plastic processing equipment and characterization equipment (Thermal Analysis and mechanical Inston), while at the University of Akron.
Thermoforming Equipment
- Thermoforming Equipment Set-up (Six Steps of Thermoforming) and other Thermoforming Techniques.
- Heating Methods, Types of Ovens, Molds, Definitions - Specifically, Draw Ratio and Area Ratio.
- Materials used for Thermoforming.
- Thermoforming Cost.
- Advantages and Disadvantages of the Thermoforming Process.
- Preventive Maintenance and Safety Precautions.
Trouble Shooting and Resolving Thermoforming Problems or Issues
- What is Trouble-Shooting? – Note: Trouble- shooting is not Process Development or Process Scale-Up.
- Identification of the problems or Issues that can occur, with Thermoforming equipment.
- Finding the Best Approach to resolving Vacuum Forming Problems, or Issues.
Video Demonstration of a Operational Thermoforming Unit
- Video Demonstration of an Operational Thermoforming Unit.
Vacuum Forming Equipment
- Vacuum Forming Equipment Set-up (Six Stages of Vacuum Forming).
- Utilization of 3-D Printing, for Vacuum Forming Mold Design.
- Materials used for Vacuum Forming.
- Vacuum Forming Cost.
- Advantages and Disadvantages of the Vacuum Forming Process.
- Preventive Maintenance and Safety Precautions.
Trouble Shooting and Resolving Vacuum Forming Problems or Issues
- Identification the problems or Issues that can occur, with Vacuum Forming Equipment.
- Finding the Best Approach to resolving Vacuum Forming Problems, or Issues.
Video Demonstration of an Operational Vacuum Forming Unit
- Video Demonstration of an Operational Vacuum Forming Unit.
Applications of Thermoforming and Vacuum Forming
- Thermoformed Mass Production Parts and Applications.
- Vacuum Formed Mass Production Parts and Applications.