Introduction
Temperature control is the heart of thermoforming. Even the best PET sheet will fail if processed at the wrong temperature.
Typical Thermoforming Temperature Range
| PET Type | Temperature |
|---|---|
| APET | 120°C – 160°C |
| RPET | 130°C – 165°C |
Why Temperature Matters
1. Formability
Too low:
- poor forming
- incomplete shapes
Too high:
- webbing
- bubbles
2. Material Behavior
PET transitions from rigid to rubber-like within a narrow window.
👉 This “forming window” is critical.
Key Factors Affecting Temperature
Practical Temperature Setup (Procurement Insight)
When sourcing PET sheet, confirm:
- Recommended forming temp
- Heating consistency
- Thickness tolerance
👉 These affect your actual production cost.
Common Problems & Causes
| Problem | Cause |
|---|---|
| Webbing | Overheating |
| Poor detail | Low temperature |
| Bubbles | Moisture + overheating |
Pro Tip
Always test temperature + time together, not separately.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use same temperature for all PET sheets?
No. IV, thickness, and formulation vary.
Q2: Why does RPET need higher temperature?
Due to slightly different crystallization behavior.
Q3: How to avoid overheating?
Use staged heating zones.
Conclusion
Correct temperature =
👉 stable forming + better quality + lower scrap
