Vacuum forming for packaging prototypes
Vacuum forming heats a sheet of plastic until it is soft, then draws it against a single-surface mould so it takes that shape. It is the usual way to make formed plastic packs such as blister packs and Easter egg containers.
One of five prototyping processes
Litmus is a UK packaging mockup studio in Hull. Vac forming is one of five main processes we use to build 3D prototypes, alongside 3D printing, CAD and die cutting, model making and spray painting.
You do not need to choose the process. Tell us what the pack has to do and we work out which process, or combination, will produce the prototype.
Vacuum forming and thermoforming
Thermoforming is the general name for shaping a heated plastic sheet over a mould. Vacuum forming is one type of thermoforming, where a vacuum pulls the sheet onto the mould. The two terms are often used for the same thing.
The result is a thin formed shell. That makes it a good fit for trays, inserts and blisters, where the plastic follows the shape of the product.
When to prototype a formed pack
A formed prototype answers questions a drawing cannot: how the product sits, how the pack closes and how it looks against printed card. It can be reviewed together with a printed carton or blister card so the whole pack is judged at once.
For a completely new bottle or closure shape, 3D printing may be the better route. Prototypes can then be spray painted or shrink sleeved to carry colour and graphics.
- Who makes it
- Litmus, a UK packaging mockup studio in Willerby, Hull, with a London office.
- Turnaround
- Most projects are produced within a few working days. Tell us your deadline and we plan around it.
- Price
- An estimate comes with your quotation. A firm price follows once we have your artwork, always before work starts.
- Artwork
- Illustrator (AI) or EPS preferred, high resolution PDF accepted. Images at 300 dpi, fonts outlined.
- Confidentiality
- NDAs and confidentiality agreements are signed as routine.
- Quality and delivery
- In-house quality control, with files pre-flight checked. Samples are wrapped with care and sent anywhere from local delivery to worldwide.
Common questions.
What is vacuum forming used for in packaging?
Formed plastic shapes such as blister packs, trays and Easter egg containers.
Is vacuum forming the same as thermoforming?
Vacuum forming is one type of thermoforming. Thermoforming covers any process that shapes a heated plastic sheet over a mould.
Do I need to know which prototyping process to ask for?
No. Describe the pack and what you need to test or show. Litmus chooses the process or combination that suits the brief.
Start with your next pack.
Tell us the format, what you need to show and when you need it. The page you enquire from is included with your brief.