Membrane Pressing

Whereas thermoforming uses air pressure to draw heated plastic sheet into a mold, membrane pressing uses an inflated bladder or "membrane" to physically press heated plastic sheet onto a wood or composite substrate or "core" eliminating the need for molds.

Core surfaces can be flat or machined to create three-dimensional contours and seamless edges with compound curves since the flexible membrane presses the plastic into recesses and onto all sides, encapsulating all but the bottom core surface (which can be laminated and heat welded at bottom edges for total encapsulation).

The outstanding formability of KYDEX® sheet enables it to conform fully to the core, preserving sharp edges and surface detail of three-dimensional surfaces, while maintaining uniform wall thickness on high spots, low spots, and sharp corners where other sheet products may "thin out."

Typical applications include:

• Raised panel cabinet doors
• Raised panel full size doors
• Corporate logo panels
• Hospital bed headboards, footboards
• Commercial and institutional furniture and seating components
• Seamless table tops and workstation surfaces

NEW - Online Design Library

View our Design Collection patterns for 3D membrane pressing and flat lamination here.

Parts Membrane Pressed with KYDEX® Sheet