Fibreglass Moulds

The aim of a fibreglass mould is to make the surface of the mould as smooth as possible, here at MPM we pride ourselves on the quality of every mould

CNC Machining

CNC machines can create parts out of a wide range of materials including wood, metal, foam and high or low density model boards, making the process extremely fast, accurate and beneficial to many projects.
We can work with a client's own design or offer a bespoke design service if required.

Hand Lamination

MPM offer high quality products in either high or low volume. Our flexibility and skill allow a wide complexity of projects, from bath panels, shower trays, ambulance parts, wheel chair access ramps, water tanks and many other products.

Resin Transfer Moulding

Resin Transfer Moulding/Closed Moulding is a cleaner and a more efficient and effective way of producing a composite part. Here at MPM we can provide a full complete service right through from the drawing concept to designing, producing and commissioning closed mould tooling.

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Vacuum forming at MPMVacuum Forming

High quality vacuum forming tools of all complexities are produced by the team here at MPM but we also provide the services to produce ABS and Acrylic formed components

What is Vacuum Forming?

Vacuum forming, also known as thermoforming, is a technique to shape a variety of plastics to a mold called a vacuum foaming tool. A vacuum form table is not a complicated piece of technology, it requires mechanisms to heat plastic and foam it over a tool, and a chamber from which all the air can be pumped out to form a vacuum, ensuring that the plastic adheres closely to the buck. Even homemade vacuum form tables can be so precise that small pores from organic samples will appear in the final foaming.

How does vacuum forming work?

Vacuum forming consists of the following stages:

  1. First, a former is made from a material such as a soft wood. The edges or sides are shaped at an angle so that when the plastic is formed over it, the former can be removed easily.
  2. The former is placed in a vacuum former.
  3. A sheet of plastic (for example, compressed polystyrene) is clamped in position above the mould.
  4. The heater is then turned on and the plastic slowly becomes soft and pliable as it heats up. The plastic can be seen to 'warp' and 'distort' as the surface expands.
  5. After a few minutes the plastic is ready for ‘forming' as it becomes very flexible.
  6. The heater is turned off and the mould is moved upwards by lifting the lever until it locks in position.
  7. The 'vacuum' is turned on and this pumps out all the air beneath the plastic sheet. Atmospheric pressure above the plastic sheet pushes it down on the mould. At this stage the shape of the mould can be clearly seen through the plastic sheet. When the plastic has cooled sufficiently the vacuum pump is switched off.
  8. The plastic sheet is removed from the vacuum former. The sheet has the shape of the former pressed into its surface.
  9. The excess plastic is trimmed so that only the completed item remains.

What are the benefits of vacuum forming?

The benefits of vacuum forming can be seen below:

More information on vacuum forming

For more information relating to vacuum forming and what MPM can offer you, please contact us on
Leeds +44(0) 113 236 0396 or complete our enquiry form.