Drape forming is our go-to process when you need optically clear, smoothly curved parts without surface marks. We start with flat sheet that’s pre-cut, heated to a pliable state, and placed over a form to take its final shape. To protect clarity and finish, the form is covered with a soft facing so the hot sheet won’t pick up tool texture or “mark-off.”
We then allow the material to cool down and inspect each product to ensure perfection in form, optical clarity, function and use. We also utilize another forming method called free forming for special dome style shapes in which optical clarity is of uttermost importance. Some of our products have even been used in outter space on the space shuttle in several missions!
Drape forming is the ideal method when you need Outstanding clarity on curved panels and lenses. When you can't compromise on cosementic surfaces, no other method will do. Where sharp mecanical definition is needed, our proprietary methods can preserve crisp edges and features alongside transparent areas. Lastly our fabrication department can trim off excess material to ensure your product fits perfectly into your product.
Located in Sparks, Nevada, over the years, we have become the regions premier drape forming company serving all of Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington as well as shipping nation wide. Drape forming can be used not only in window applications, but elevators, observatories and more.
Materials we form include, but aren't limited to acrylic and impact-modified acrylic for high clarity and toughness; polycarbonate (including FMR glass-coated grades for abrasion resistance); PETG for easy forming; and PVC where chemical or cost targets apply.
Typical applications can be curved guards, panels, windows, bezels, and covers used across gaming, equipment & automation, lawn & garden, medical, and law-enforcement applications
Need help scoping a drape-formed part? Share your material, thickness, finished dimensions, and clarity requirements—we’ll recommend forming strategy, tooling approach, and finishing steps to achieve the optics and geometry you need.