The Sheet Plastic process group models the costs associated with manufacturing thermoformed sheet plastic components, including alternative routings, processes, materials, and machines, as well as the tooling costs associated with manufacturing the mold and any additional tooling pieces, such as plugs or pressure boxes. The following figure illustrates a simple thermoforming process.

A sheet plastic component begins life as plastic pellets. The pellets are first converted into an extruded sheet and cut to size. The simple process illustrated above shows a cut sheet progressing through heating, forming (including cooling) and finally trimming. These steps represent the basic steps supported in aPriori, with pre-stretching, pressure, and numerous additional process setup options available to refine your thermoforming cost estimate.

Heavy gauge thermoforming is used to make a variety of parts, including automobile door liners and instrument panels, and even small pools and spas. Thin-gauge thermoforming is widely known as the optimal process for manufacturing containers, including blister packaging and disposable cups. aPriori’s Sheet Plastic process group focuses on generating cost estimates for heavy gauge parts primarily found in industrial and OEM products.

The Sheet Plastic process group is a separately licensed module. Please contact your aPriori Account Executive or aPriori Support if you require these features in your aPriori solution.