Vacuum Forming Machine Manufacturer

An industrial vacuum forming machine is thermoforming equipment that shapes plastic sheet. The sheet is clamped, heated until pliable, drawn over a mold by vacuum pressure, cooled and trimmed. Sizes range from compact machines like the BV C-Class 24″ x 48″ for low-quantity work to large format machines for oversized, high-volume parts. Common products include packaging trays, automotive interior panels, medical device enclosures, food containers, retail displays, hot tub shells and signage.

Thermoforming is the broader process: heat a plastic sheet, form it to a mold, then trim it. Vacuum forming is the type of thermoforming that uses vacuum alone to pull the sheet onto the mold. Belovac builds vacuum forming and thermoforming machines, from manual models to fully automated PLC-controlled lines.

The best machine is the one that fits your part size, material gauge and production volume. Belovac offers four routes: the manual BV C-Class for flexible small to mid-size work, the dual-oven BV E-Class for heavy gauge and deep draw parts, the automated BV A-Class for high-volume production, and large format machines with Siemens PLC controls for oversized parts. Compare them in the series table above.

BV C-Class machines are $8,900 (24″ x 48″), $13,900 (48″ x 48″) and $22,900 (48″ x 96″). Price depends on sheet size, oven configuration, level of automation and options. E-Class, A-Class, large format and custom machines are quoted to specification. Request a quote.

Size the forming area to your largest part, then add allowance for clamping and trimming, and check the depth of draw your mold needs. Belovac C-Class machines form 24″ x 48″, 48″ x 48″ and 48″ x 96″ sheet. E-Class machines form 33″ x 53″, 53″ x 53″ and 53″ x 103″. A-Class and large format machines are built to custom sizes. Send your part dimensions to a design engineer to confirm the fit.

Manual machines suit lower volumes, varied parts and prototyping. Automatic machines with PLC control run repeatable cycles for production work, with less operator variation and lower cost per part at volume. A design engineer can match the option to your part and volume.

Sheet-fed machines load cut sheets, which suits thicker material and varied part sizes. Roll-fed inline machines feed continuous plastic from a roll, which typically suits high-speed production of thinner parts. The BV A-Class is offered in both sheet-fed and roll-fed versions.

Heavy gauge vacuum forming shapes thicker, cut plastic sheet into rigid parts such as panels, enclosures and covers. Thicker sheet needs stronger, more even heating. The dual-oven BV E-Class gives enhanced heat saturation and faster heating for heavy gauge and difficult-to-heat materials.

Yes, within limits. A vacuum forming machine forms one part per cycle, so the same machine can run a prototype, a short run or repeat production. What changes with volume is cycle time, labor and tooling.

• Small runs and prototyping: the manual BV C-Class suits one-offs and short runs. A single operator changes molds quickly, and the machine is highly customizable. Prices start at $8,900.
• Mid-volume production: the C-Class also handles continuous-duty production. The dual-oven BV E-Class adds faster heating for heavy gauge and deep draw parts, so cycle times stay workable at higher volume.
• High-volume production: the automated BV A-Class (sheet-fed or roll-fed) uses PLC control to run repeatable cycles with less operator variation and a lower cost per part.
• Oversized parts at any volume: large format machines are built to custom sizes, in manual or automated versions with Siemens PLC controls.

Routine maintenance covers four systems. Keep a written checklist and follow the manual for your machine.

• Heating elements: keep them clean, since dust and plastic residue cause uneven heating. Check for failed or dim elements, which show up as cold spots, thin areas or webbing in formed parts. Check the oven reflectors and surfaces as well.
• Vacuum system: inspect hoses, fittings, seals and the platen for leaks, and check pump performance and oil levels where the pump requires them. A slow vacuum draw or poor mold detail often points to a leak or a restricted line.
• Molds and tooling: look for wear, clogged vent holes and surface damage. Damaged molds leave marks on every part, and blocked vent holes cause incomplete forming.
• Moving parts and controls: lubricate the moving parts, and check clamp frames, guides and sheet clamps for alignment and free movement. On PLC-controlled machines, check sensors and safety interlocks, and test temperature readings against the settings.