Blog Post #3 | Jabro Games | jabrogames.com
Selecting the correct thermoplastic material is one of the most important decisions in any vacuum forming project. The material you choose will directly influence the durability, appearance, cost, and functionality of the finished product. At Jabro Games, we help clients navigate this decision to ensure the best possible outcome.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is one of the most widely used materials in vacuum forming. It offers excellent impact resistance, a smooth finish, and good dimensional stability. ABS is easy to paint and bonds well with adhesives, making it ideal for consumer products, game components, and display pieces that require a professional appearance.
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)
HIPS is a cost-effective option suitable for lower-stress applications such as packaging inserts, food-safe trays, and point-of-sale displays. It forms readily and produces clean, sharp details, but offers less impact resistance than ABS. It is widely used for game inserts where rigidity rather than toughness is the primary requirement.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG combines clarity with good chemical resistance and toughness. It is an excellent choice for applications requiring transparency or where the material may come into contact with food or moisture. PETG also has good environmental credentials, as it is widely recyclable.
Polycarbonate
Where exceptional impact resistance and optical clarity are required, polycarbonate is the material of choice. It is significantly more expensive than the alternatives, but its performance characteristics make it indispensable for certain demanding applications.
Our team at Jabro Games will advise on the most appropriate material for your specific application, balancing performance requirements with budget considerations. Get in touch via jabrogames.com to discuss your project in detail.