This handbook is intended to be a revision and update to the 1987 monograph by James Throne, a leading authority in this field. The result is this thorough and updated text of the thermoforming process and of thermoformed products. The editorial concept in each chapter of this handbook moves from a relatively simple approach to more technical, in-depth information with examples and guidelines to illustrate points made in the text. Easy to read and follow, the chapters highlight areas of interest such as: history, market information, and a glossary of definitions; important new information on infrared energy absorption; guidelines for determining heating cycles; a new section on computer-generated prediction of sheet temperature and new material on computer-generated mold temperature prediction; summary of the extrusion process; and a sheet quality checklist.

Contents Include:
Thermoforming--Definitions, History, Methods, and Equipment; Polymeric Materials; Heating the Sheet; Stretching the Sheet; Cooling and Trimming the Part; Thermoforming Molds; Parts Design; Producing Sheet and Film; Newer Thermoforming Technologies; Set-Up Protocols, Troubleshooting, and the Economics of Thermoforming.