Thick Sheet Thermoforming - Lesson 3 Effective Heating of the Plastic Sheet

About this Video

• Video Title: Thick Sheet Thermoforming - Lesson 3 Effective Heating of the Plastic Sheet
• Channel: PaulsonTraining
• Speakers: (Not specified in transcript)
• Duration: 00:02:25

Introduction

This video explains three methods for heating plastic sheets in thermoforming: conduction, convection, and radiation. It details the advantages and disadvantages of each method, focusing on their effectiveness in heating thick sheets. The video emphasizes infrared radiation as the most efficient method.

Key Takeaways

• Conduction Heating (Contact Heating): A heated plate directly contacts the plastic sheet. Limited by plate size and temperature to avoid degrading the plastic; impractical for thick sheets due to long heating times.
• Convection Heating: Uses hot air, often for preheating to dry the sheet and reduce overall heating time at the heating station.
• Infrared Radiation: The most efficient method. Infrared radiation heats the plastic directly without heating the air; only absorbed radiation heats the plastic. Some radiation is reflected or transmitted through the sheet.