Close up detail of custom thermoformed clear acrylic panels with white lettering applied to them.
Prototype custom thermoformed clear acrylic panels with white lettering applied to them during production.
Oversized 52 inch by 122 inch infrared thermoforming oven for plastics.
Architectural Plastics, Inc. fabricator checking the temperature of a transparent orange acrylic panel during thermoforming.
Transparent orange acrylic panel showing deflection during infrared thermoforming processing.
Heated acrylic panel in an MDF form during thermoforming process. It will cool in this form and then retain its curvature.
Lit up translucent orange acrylic signage as well as white acrylic tube lights for the Giants photoshoot.
Thermoformed clear acrylic sign with white lettering and graphics, lit from below.
Smoked acrylic thermoformed into a display with ribbed smoked acrylic detailing laminated to it top and bottom.
Two large smoked acrylic displays with ribbed smoked acrylic detailing and thermoformed sides.
Clear acrylic panels with bent sections done by line heating and bending methods. Holes drilled for attachment to a structure.
Fabricator in the process of thermoforming a large polycarbonate aircraft windshield using our oversized infrared thermoforming oven.
Thermoformed transparent blue acrylic curved doors with flanges glued to them for attachment to machinery.
Thermoformed black acrylic letters that are hollow on the inside and have clear front faces.
Thermoformed curved clear acrylic table top that is hollow and filled with sprinkles for The Museum of Ice Cream.
Thermoforming
Thermoforming reshapes flat plastic sheet into curved or compound-formed parts using controlled heat and purpose-built molds. When done right, it produces clean geometry, consistent fit, and a premium finished look.
Architectural Plastics thermoforms plastic parts for B2B and design-trade clients who need repeatable results, not guesswork. We build our molds in-house and form parts with process control that supports both prototypes and production runs.
Precision Thermoforming Process
Thermoforming quality depends on controlled heating, consistent forming technique, and disciplined cooling. We plan the forming approach around the material, thickness, part geometry, and finish requirements so the final part stays stable and predictable.
Large-Format Infrared Thermoforming
Our infrared thermoforming oven is built for large-format work and can heat sheet sizes up to approximately 50” x 121”. This supports oversized parts, architectural elements, and large display components where smaller equipment becomes a bottleneck.
Multi-Zone Heat Control
Thermoforming is not one temperature everywhere. We use independently controlled heat zones to dial in coverage and intensity across the sheet. This improves consistency, reduces rework, and supports repeatability when the same part needs to be produced again and again.
Prototypes Through Production Runs
We thermoform single prototypes for design validation and also support repeat production runs when the geometry and cycle time demand it. The goal is consistent parts that trim, machine, and assemble the same way each time.
Line Bending and Radius Bending
For clean bends and controlled radii, we also use line (strip) heaters to form parts efficiently. This is ideal for panels, guards, covers, and architectural components where straight bends or controlled radii are the primary requirement.
Materials We Commonly Form
Typical Applications
Curved acrylic and polycarbonate barriers and enclosures
Display components, covers, and formed housings
Architectural elements and large-format formed panels
Light-diffusing components and formed lenses (application dependent)
Production fixtures and repeatable formed parts
Additional Services Beyond CNC Machining
What to Send for a Quote
To quote a thermoforming project quickly, send overall dimensions, material and thickness, quantity, deadline, ship-to city, and any drawings or CAD files. If you don’t have CAD, send a dimensioned sketch plus reference photos, and note which surfaces must remain cosmetically perfect.
FAQs
What’s the difference between thermoforming and line bending?
Thermoforming heats a larger area of sheet and forms it over a mold to create curved or compound geometry. Line bending concentrates heat along a controlled line to create clean bends and radiused transitions.
Can you thermoform large parts?
Yes. We support large-format sheet heating and forming for oversized parts and architectural components.
Do you build the molds in-house?
Yes. Mold design and build quality directly affect repeatability and surface finish, so we keep that capability in-house.
Can you run production quantities?
Yes. We support both prototypes and repeat production runs when the project requires consistent output and controlled cycle time.
Can you trim and finish the formed parts after forming?
Yes. Thermoformed parts often require trimming, machining, and finishing to final size. We build the forming plan around downstream finishing needs.