Thermoforming is a manufacturing process that involves heating a plastic sheet until it becomes pliable, then shaping it over a mold. Once the plastic cools and hardens, it retains the shape of the mold, creating a specific product or component. This method is commonly used for packaging, automotive parts, and various consumer goods. The process typically involves two main types: vacuum forming and pressure forming. In vacuum forming, air is removed from beneath the heated plastic to create a vacuum that pulls the material onto the mold. Pressure forming uses air pressure to achieve more detailed shapes and finer features, making it suitable for more complex designs.