Two choices set most of a tray's behaviour: the polymer and the sheet thickness. The polymer decides clarity and stiffness. It also decides how the tray copes with heat or chemicals, and whether it can touch food. The thickness decides strength, weight and cost. This guide shows how we match both to the job.
Aravinth Polymers vacuum forms seven polymers in Chennai: ABS, HIPS, rigid PVC, APET, GPET, HDPE and PP. We run sheet from 0.15 mm to 6.0 mm, and our minimum order is 500 pieces.
The Seven Polymers at a Glance
| Polymer | Thickness we run | Character | Food contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | 1.0 to 6.0 mm | Highest impact strength and rigidity, opaque | No |
| HIPS | 0.3 to 3.0 mm | Easy to form, crisp detail, economical | Grade dependent |
| Rigid PVC | 0.15 to 0.8 mm | Glass-clear, seals well, cost-effective for thin blisters | No |
| APET | 0.2 to 1.2 mm | Glass-clear, high gloss, recyclable (resin code 1) | Yes |
| GPET | 0.3 to 1.5 mm | Clear and tough, better for deep draws and folds | Yes |
| HDPE | 1.0 to 6.0 mm | Chemical resistant, tough in the cold, flexes rather than cracks | Yes |
| PP | 0.4 to 3.0 mm | Heat resistant, living-hinge capable, chemically inert | Yes |
The full notes on each polymer are on our materials page.
Start From the Use
Electronics and PCB handling
Static-sensitive parts need a tray that controls charge. HIPS in anti-static or carbon-loaded conductive grades is the usual choice, and anti-static rigid PVC is also available. Tell us the surface resistance range your process requires. Our guide to conductive and dissipative trays explains the classes.
For electronic parts outside an ESD area, clear APET lets operators check contents without opening the pack.
Automotive and machined parts
Heavy, sharp or oily parts need impact strength. ABS and HDPE take knocks and stacking loads trip after trip. HDPE also resists oils and solvents, which suits wet or oily workshop parts. HIPS works for lighter kitting trays where strength matters less.
Food
For direct food contact we use food-grade APET, PP or HDPE from established suppliers. PP handles warm or hot-filled food and wash-down. APET suits clear confectionery and fruit packs. HIPS is grade dependent, so ask before you specify it for food. Tell us about food contact at the enquiry stage, so we buy the right grade and pass on the supplier's documents.
Retail display
If the buyer must see the product, use PVC, APET or GPET. PVC is cost-effective for thin blisters and seals well to card. APET gives high gloss and is recyclable. GPET handles deeper clamshells, folded blisters and heavy retail packs.
Returnable trays
A tray that goes back and forth between plants needs to survive repeated handling. ABS and HDPE are the usual picks. Choose PP if the tray goes through hot water washing.
Lowest cost
For internal trays and inserts where clarity and strength do not matter, HIPS is the economical choice.
Choosing the Thickness
Thickness drives cost and stiffness. A thicker sheet puts more plastic in each part and takes longer to heat and cool. Here is how gauge maps to use:
| Range | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 0.15 to 0.35 mm | Blisters, blister cards, light inserts |
| 0.35 to 0.60 mm | Clamshells, food trays, sealable trays |
| 0.60 to 1.20 mm | Display and component trays |
| 1.2 to 3.0 mm | Reusable and ESD trays, covers |
| 3.0 to 6.0 mm | Heavy returnable trays, machine covers |
Remember that forming stretches the sheet. Walls and deep corners end up thinner than the flat sheet, so a deep tray may need a heavier gauge than a shallow one in the same polymer. For tall pockets, GPET, ABS and HIPS hold up best without thin corners.
Ask for the thinnest gauge that still protects your part in a drop or a stack. An over-specified tray costs more on every order.
When You Already Buy a Tray
Send us the tray you use today. We identify the polymer and gauge from the sample, quote a matching mould, and tell you if the current pack is over-specified.
Talk to the Sales Desk
Describe the part, where it is used and how it travels, and the sales desk will recommend a polymer and gauge. Call or WhatsApp +91 91767 57077, email sales@arvindpolymers.com, or reach us through the contact page.