The Best Plastic for Vacuum Forming A common plastic used for vacuum forming is high-impact polystyrene sheeting (HIPS). Incredibly flexible, HIPS can be moulded into almost any shape. Polycarbonate (PC) is another plastic used for vacuum forming. Amazingly tough, PC is resistant to flames, chemicals and water.

Vacuum forming tools generally cost £ 1000 - £ 1500 as they are made from lower cost aluminium instead of hardened tool steels or alloys & do not require the same accuracy as an injection moulding tool.

Vacuum formed products are all around us, whether it's bicycle helmets, storage boxes, shower trays, motor vehicle components and lots more in between. Among the thermoplastic sheets that we supply are HIPS, ABS, PETG, PVC, APET and Polycarbonate, all of which are suitable for vacuum forming.

Vacuum forming costs vary based on material, design, and quantity. It's cost-effective for small batches with tooling costs from $1,000 to $5,000, cheaper than injection molding.