8. Glossary

Thermoforming; thermoforming

The technique of heating a sheet or plate, usually made of plastic, and shaping it using a mold.

Thermoformability

Ability of materials to undergo deformation under thermoforming conditions.

Stretchability; stretching

Ability of the material, sheet or plate to undergo the stretching induced by the forming operation.

Guidance; orientation

The stresses applied during polymer processing, such as extrusion, generate an orientation of the molecules. This orientation is at the origin of the shrinkage observed during heating prior to forming.

Shrinkage

Dimensional variations in the sheet or plate, due to the molecular orientation of the polymers...