Tips on Talking to a Thermoforming Company

Six Questions To Think About

ThermoFab's Design Assessment

Here are six questions you should ask before you contact a thermoforming company:

1. Does your part require thin-gauge thermoforming, heavy-gauge thermoforming, or a combination? Understanding the difference between thin- and heavy- gauge thermoforming is essential when researching a thermoforming company's expertise. Knowing what type of thermoforming you need up front will help save you time during this initial contact phase--there's no sense in contacting a heavy-gauge thermoformer when what you need is thin gauge. Most packaging-- think of the plastic that holds a wireless headset--is thin-gauge thermoforming. Heavy-gauge thermoforming involves a plastic part that in essence "becomes" the product. For example, think of your computer or a medical device at the hospital. The plastic enclosure not only covers and protects the delicate electrical components on the inside, but also makes the product look better.

2. Do you have Native SolidWorks CAD Files?. Having a 3D file really helps with the project assessment! If you do not have a Native SolidWorks file, most CAD software can convert to an .iges file - this file format can be easily converted!

3. If you don't have CAD files but rather just a sketch or concept in mind, do you have a design budget? Remember, going from sketch to finished part isn't as simple as it sounds. The sketch needs to be turned into a workable 3D file, and solid design is the missing link. At ThermoFab, we begin Industrial Product Design with the creation of renderings, this is an amazing and important step in the design process.

4. Do you have a timeline (and, more important, is it realistic)? Sure, you might want the part "yesterday," but we all know that's not a realistic. So, what are your timelines? Is there a tradeshow coming up where you "must have" the part? Share these dates with the thermoforming company , they will work with you to acchieve your goals.

5. Are there any special requirements for your product? Know what your special requirements are up front before production of the part begins. For example, are there temperature issues with the product or do you need fire rated plastic? Do you need special effects, such as lighting or two tone paint?

6. Do you have examples of designs you like? Bring in products or imanges that you like--and even ones you don't. This will help the thermoforming company get a better sense of what styles catch your eye.

Some other things you should keep in mind: plan on meeting with the thermoforming company. Be open to change and be flexible--while your design on paper might look "perfect," engineering reality may require adjustments. At the same time, protect what's most important to you--be willing to share your top 10 wants/needs in regards to your product.

At ThermoFab, we use these questions during our initial conversations with you. If you have already thought about these questions, it helps make the process go more smoothly. And if you've thought about these questions but are not sure of the answers, we can certainly work with you to find the best answer for your business and product.