Begin with the application—not the acronym
A material name describes a family, not a complete specification. Color, texture, cap layers, UV package, flame performance, impact modification, thickness, and supplier-specific grade can change how a sheet forms and how the finished part performs.
Before tooling is finalized, confirm the actual sheet or at least the intended material family with the thermoformer and material supplier. Forming temperature, shrink, release, draw, finish, and cooling requirements can all affect mold design and operation.
- ABS
- A widely used opaque sheet material valued for impact performance, stiffness, machinability, and formability. Grades are available with different colors, textures, caps, and flame-performance characteristics.
- Acrylic (PMMA)
- A clear, stiff material used when appearance, color, gloss, or weathering characteristics matter. Impact-modified grades are available, and the forming window and detail requirements should be matched to the selected sheet.
- HDPE
- A tough, chemically resistant semi-crystalline material with useful low-temperature performance. Its narrower forming window, shrink behavior, and lower melt strength make grade selection and process control especially important.
- HIPS
- High-impact polystyrene is an economical, easy-to-form material used for many housings, displays, liners, and packaging-related parts. Heat, impact, and service requirements should be compared with alternatives such as ABS.
- KYDEX® thermoplastic sheet
- A family of proprietary sheet products—not a single generic resin. Different grades offer combinations of formability, impact performance, chemical resistance, fire ratings, colors, and textures. Follow the selected grade’s published forming guidance.
- Polycarbonate
- A strong, stiff material known for high impact performance and available in clear grades. Drying, heat history, formed detail, coating, and application temperature requirements vary by grade and deserve process-specific review.
- PVC
- A broad family of sheet materials available in rigid and modified grades. Stiffness, chemical performance, flame behavior, forming conditions, and fabrication methods depend on the exact formulation.
- TPO
- Thermoplastic polyolefin sheet is often selected for toughness and application-specific weathering or appearance needs. Formability, grain retention, draw behavior, and bonding vary substantially by grade.
What the toolmaker needs to know
Useful inputs include the sheet manufacturer and grade, thickness, formed-side appearance, texture, expected shrink, operating temperature, part geometry, production machine, and any customer or regulatory specification. If the material is not final, identify that uncertainty before the tool is committed.
When you request tooling, include the intended material and forming conditions if they are known.