Vacuum Formed Transit Trays or Component Trays
Transit trays are essential packaging components for protecting products or elements from damage. They need to be reliable, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and capable of maintaining your company’s reputation while improving performance and efficiency.
Vacuum formed transit trays are designed to offer maximum protection to unpacked items, preventing damage or breakages while keeping them clean and free from dust, moisture, and chemicals. They are commonly used for automotive and electronic components but are suitable for many other applications.
Plastics by Design has extensive experience in the thermoforming industry. Over the years, we have completed a wide range of projects, gaining valuable expertise and knowledge. This allows us to provide the best possible service and advice tailored to each client’s needs.
Our bespoke trays and totes meet the storage, handling, and distribution requirements of a wide range of industries, including general industrial, automotive, food and beverage, horticulture, and pharmaceutical sectors.
How Vacuum Forming Works
The primary process for vacuum forming involves specialist equipment and tools. Below is a general guide outlining how vacuum formed trays are created:
- A thermoplastic sheet is placed in a clamp to hold it securely in place.
- The plastic sheet is heated until it becomes pliable.
- The heated sheet is positioned over a mould shaped to the desired tray design.
- The vacuum is activated once the mould and sheet are ready.
- The vacuum applies pressure, pulling the sheet tightly against the mould.
- The formed shape is left to cool.
- Once cooled, the mould is removed, leaving the finished tray.
- Colours or finishes can be applied to meet customer requirements.
- The tray is trimmed and finished, ready for use.
Key Benefits
Vacuum formed transit trays provide several advantages over conventional packaging such as foam inserts. They require no assembly, produce no fibre contamination, and can be reused and recycled, making them both economical and environmentally friendly.
They can also be designed to stack efficiently, saving space and improving handling. Key benefits include:
- Single or multi-use
- Stackable for use or nestable for storage
- Resistant to water, oil, and chemicals
- Lightweight and self-stacking
- Reduces product movement during transit
- Versatile for different applications
- Cost-effective
- Easy to clean
- Customisable to product shape
- Helps reduce customer returns
- Improves productivity and efficiency
Uses and Applications
Vacuum formed transit trays are used across a wide range of industries and applications. Examples include:
- Pharmaceutical products
- Cosmetics
- Automotive parts
- Medical components
- CNC machined components
- Electrical components
- Glass bottles
- Pre-packaged goods
- Retail packaging
- Consumer packaging
- Cleanroom applications
- Custom packaging solutions
Material thickness can range from 500 microns for lightweight items up to 6mm ABS for heavy-duty applications. Oil-resistant, anti-static, and detergent-resistant materials are also available for applications requiring cleaning and sanitisation.
How Transit Trays Improve Productivity
Vacuum formed transit trays help improve efficiency by reducing costs, increasing shipping capacity, and streamlining handling processes.
Their lightweight and stackable design reduces manual handling and the number of trips required, saving time and effort.
They also take up minimal storage space and can include compartments for organisation, helping businesses manage products and accessories more efficiently.
Part Protection
Protecting products during transit is essential to avoid damage, returns, and financial loss. Vacuum formed trays are moulded to the exact shape of the product, reducing movement and improving protection.
This helps maintain product quality and supports customer satisfaction and repeat business.
These trays are also resistant to water and chemicals, durable, easy to clean, and suitable for reuse and recycling.
Custom Options
Colour and Design: Trays can be customised with colours or branding for identification and efficiency.
ESD Safe Material: Anti-static materials can be used for electronics and sensitive components to reduce damage risk.
Stackable Design: Stackable trays reduce storage space and improve transport efficiency.
Plastics by Design provides high-quality thermoforming services for a wide range of industries. From detailed components to large-scale plastic products, our team ensures reliable results, efficient production, and solutions tailored to your exact project requirements.
