Custom Thermoforming and Vacuum Forming
Deep-draw, large-format plastic parts for OEMs — tooled, formed and trimmed in Conway, Arkansas
Thermoformed Parts Built, Trimmed and Finished Under One Roof
Uniforce thermoforms and vacuum forms lightweight, durable plastic parts for marine, ATV/UTV, heavy-vehicle and agricultural OEMs. We build the tooling, form the parts and trim them in our Conway, Arkansas plant, so you work with one partner on one schedule from prototype to production.
Our process handles deep-draw and complex shapes, holds consistent wall thickness on large-format parts and repeats cleanly from run to run. For mid- to high-volume programs, thermoforming is a cost-effective alternative to injection molding.
Thermoforming Capabilities
- Thermoforming and vacuum forming for deep-draw components
- Large-format forming with consistent wall thickness
- In-house fiberglass tooling, typically 3–5 days per tool
- Automated robotic cutting cells and 5-axis CNC machining
- Marine-grade, hand-wrapped vinyl finishes
- Wiring and electrical assembly in the same plant
Every part is engineered to stand up to UV exposure, vibration, moisture and heavy use, so our thermoformed components hold up in marine, off-road and industrial environments.
Parts We Thermoform
Marine dashboards, shifters, cup holders, speaker panels and iceboxes. ATV/UTV dash assemblies. Custom panels for heavy highway vehicles and school buses. Rugged components for agricultural equipment.
Why Thermoforming Instead of Injection Molding
- Lower tooling cost: fiberglass tools cost less than aluminum or steel molds
- Faster start: tools in days, complete process in about 2 weeks
- Built for large parts and deep draws
- Excellent repeatability and dimensional control
- Smooth, uniform surfaces for finished or wrapped parts
With automated robotic trimming and CNC machining, every part is shaped with precision so it fits cleanly into your final assembly.
Thermoforming FAQs
What's the difference between thermoforming and vacuum forming?
Thermoforming is the general process of heating a plastic sheet and shaping it over a mold. Vacuum forming is a type of thermoforming that uses vacuum to pull the sheet tight against the mold. Uniforce does both.
Is thermoforming cheaper than injection molding?
For many large or mid-volume parts, yes. Thermoforming tools cost far less than injection molds and can be built in days, which lowers the cost to start a program.
How long does tooling take?
Our handmade fiberglass tools typically take 3–5 days, and the complete process takes about 2 weeks.
Do you trim and finish thermoformed parts?
Yes. Parts are trimmed with automated robotic cutting cells and 5-axis CNC machining, and we offer hand-wrapped vinyl finishes and assembly.
What industries do you thermoform for?
Marine is our largest market. We also build for ATV/UTV, heavy-vehicle and school bus, and agricultural OEMs.
