Top 5 Plastic Vacuum Forming Factories in Belgium

Plastic vacuum forming is a versatile manufacturing process¹ that shapes heated plastic sheets over molds using a vacuum, creating lightweight, cost-effective parts for industries like packaging, automotive, and medical.

Vacuum forming uses heat and suction to mold plastic sheets² into precise shapes, offering an affordable solution for custom parts in packaging, automotive, and industrial applications.

Belgium, with its robust manufacturing sector, hosts several top-tier pembentukan vakum³ factories. This article explores the leading five, their services, and the technology behind vacuum forming, helping you understand its applications and benefits.

Who Are the Top 5 Plastic Vacuum Forming Factories in Belgium?

Belgium’s vacuum forming industry thrives on innovation and quality. Here are the top five factories, renowned for their expertise and diverse offerings.

Belgium’s top vacuum forming factories—BTL Plastics, Vitalo Group, AB Flexibles, ABS Plastics NV, and C.M.K. Kunststoffen—deliver high-quality, custom plastic solutions⁴ for global industries.

Factory Name	Location	Year Founded	Employees	Main Services
BTL Plastics	Wielsbeke, Belgium	2002	21-100	Thermoforming for industrial vehicles, machine covers
Vitalo Group	Meulebeke, Belgium	1936	501-1000	Thermoforming for insulation solutions
AB Flexibles	Kuurne, Belgium	Not specified	31-100	Vacuum forming packaging, thermoforming5 films
ABS Plastics NV	Zedelgem, Belgium	1968	51-200	Pembentukan vakum
C.M.K. Kunststoffen	Hamont-Achel, Belgium	1995	51-200	Thermoforming, injection molding

BTL Plastics

Located in Wielsbeke, BTL Plastics specializes in parts for industrial vehicles and machinery, leveraging automation for precision and efficiency.

Vitalo Group

Based in Meulebeke, Vitalo Group excels in thermoforming plastics and foams for acoustic and thermal insulation, serving industries needing advanced material solutions.

AB Flexibles

In Kuurne, AB Flexibles focuses on packaging, offering thermoformed films and vacuum-formed solutions tailored to client needs.

ABS Plastics NV

Operating from Zedelgem since 1968, ABS Plastics NV provides reliable vacuum forming services with decades of expertise.

C.M.K. Kunststoffen

Located in Hamont-Achel, C.M.K. Kunststoffen combines thermoforming and injection molding for versatile manufacturing options.

What is Plastic Vacuum Forming?

Vacuum forming is a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, offering flexibility and efficiency.

Vacuum forming heats thermoplastic sheets, shapes them over molds with a vacuum, and cools them into durable parts for diverse applications.

Common Materials Used

Common thermoplastics include:

• ABS: High impact resistance for automotive parts.

• HIPS: Economical for packaging.

• PE: Durable for containers.

• PP: Chemical-resistant for medical uses.

• PVC: Versatile for displays.

• Akrilik (PMMA): Transparent for signage.

• Polikarbonat (PC): Strong for safety shields.

Bahan	Properti Utama	Typical Use
ABS	Impact resistance	Automotive components
HIPS	Cost-effective	Packaging trays
Polikarbonat	High strength	Safety shields

What Are the Steps in the Vacuum Forming Process?

The vacuum forming process is straightforward yet precise, enabling rapid production of custom parts.

Vacuum forming involves heating plastic, shaping it with a vacuum over a mold, and cooling it into a finished part, ideal for prototyping and production.

Process Steps

1. Pemanasan: Plastic sheet heated to 150-200°C.

2. Pembentukan: Sheet stretched over mold; vacuum applied.

3. Pendinginan: Part cooled to solidify shape.

4. Pemangkasan: Excess plastic removed.

5. Penyelesaian: Additional operations like drilling completed.

What Are the Key Factors in Vacuum Forming?

Success in vacuum forming hinges on controlling critical variables.

Vacuum forming depends on material choice, mold design, and process parameters like temperature and vacuum strength, affecting part quality and cost.

Pemilihan Bahan

Material properties (e.g., thickness, UV resistance) dictate suitability. Thicker sheets allow deeper draws but raise costs.

Desain Cetakan

Molds must include draft angles (1-2°) and avoid sharp corners to ensure easy removal and uniform thickness.

Kontrol Suhu

Precise heating ensures pliability without degrading the plastic.

What Are the Applications of Vacuum Forming?

Vacuum forming serves a wide range of industries with tailored solutions.

Vacuum forming produces parts for automotive, medical, packaging, consumer goods, and industrial uses, balancing cost and performance.

• Otomotif: Dashboards, trim.

• Medis: Device enclosures, sterile packaging.

• Pengemasan: Blister packs, trays.

• Barang Konsumsi: Toys, displays.

• Industrial: Machine covers.

How Does Vacuum Forming Compare to Other Methods?

Vacuum forming stands out but has trade-offs compared to alternatives.

Vacuum forming excels in cost and speed for large parts but lacks the precision of injection molding for complex designs.

Metode	Kelebihan	Kekurangan
Pembentukan Vakum	Cost-effective, large parts	Limited to single-sided molds
Cetakan Injeksi	High precision, complex parts	Expensive molds, high volume
Cetakan tiup	Hollow parts	Limited shapes

Kesimpulan

Belgium’s top vacuum forming factories—BTL Plastics, Vitalo Group, AB Flexibles, ABS Plastics NV, and C.M.K. Kunststoffen—offer specialized solutions⁶ for diverse needs. Vacuum forming’s affordability⁷, speed, and versatility make it a go-to process for industries worldwide. Whether you’re designing packaging or industrial components, understanding this technology can unlock efficient manufacturing options.