Vacuum forming has its roots in Birmingham, England, in 1855 when Alexander Parkes used steam to shape celluloid. The process has since evolved into a key manufacturing method used across many industries today.
John Wesley Hyatt, considered the father of modern plastics, expanded on this work in the 1870s using steam and steel moulds, leading to the production of toys, bottles, and relief maps.
The technique gained traction before, during, and after World War II due to the demand for lightweight and durable synthetic materials. Thermoforming patents were filed in the 1940s by individuals like H.L Helwig and R.E. Leary.
In 1947, G.W. Borkland patented a vacuum forming machine, contributing to its technological progress. Post-war prosperity in the late 1940s saw the development of materials like Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), commonly used in packaging today.
The application of vacuum forming expanded across various industries, with household products gaining momentum. The 1938 invention of the reel-fed thermoforming machine by the Klaus B Strauch Company significantly increased production speed.
The aircraft industry also embraced vacuum forming, notably in the design of the Spitfire aircraft's cockpit in 1936, using lightweight acrylic in what became known as the "Malcolm Hood."
The 1960s marked a more consumer-focused era, with the development of thermoplastics offering improved performance and versatility. Today, vacuum forming remains a key part of the plastics industry, supported by ongoing advancements in materials, design, and manufacturing technology.
Plastics By Design offers professional vacuum forming services designed to deliver consistent quality and precision. From initial concept through to finished products, we support a wide range of industries with dependable, cost-effective plastic forming solutions.
