Creating bespoke designs focused upon practicality in a range of materials.
We have over 100 years worth of combined experience
Here at ASH Plastics we can call upon more than four decades spent delivering high quality plastic forming solutions to clients from an extremely wide range of sectors. Whether we’re delivering a point of sale display for a retailer or a precision component for a defence contractor, we always work to the same ethos of quality, excellence and value.
Dome blowing process
Our commitment to innovation and technology plays a large part in our ability to deliver on that ethos, and is reflected in the high-tech equipment we utilise in our 20,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility.
The dome blowing process consists of heating a piece of acrylic until it reaches a temperature at which it starts to soften. Once this has happened the piece of acrylic is loaded into the Dome Blowing unit, where it is clamped into place under a circular ring.
Air pressure is then applied to the underside of the acrylic, and it is blown up and out in a uniform dome shape until it reaches the desired height. Once it has cooled down, it can be removed from the circular clamp and is immediately ready to be used.
Experienced engineers
Our ability to work on projects as varied as free standing display units and leaflet holders is based on our expert application of a wide range of plastic forming techniques, and dome blowing is one of the most effective ways of working with acrylic to deliver high quality, precision results.
Our commitment to utilising the latest techniques and cutting edge equipment only delivers the very best results because of the excellence of the ASH Plastics team.
Our engineers and technicians have over 100 years’ worth of combined experience to draw upon and every member of the team works to deliver on the ethos of excellence, quality and value.
Delivering bulk orders within tight lead times
The scale and efficiency of our manufacturing facility enables us to deal with bulk orders and extremely tight lead times with ease, while our logistics provision – based on the presence of a 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse – means that we can handle distribution and delivery just as seamlessly as design and manufacture.
Whether your project requires dome forming, drape forming, or work with steel, wood and glass, we can work in close partnership to make sure that you get the items you need exactly when and where you need them.
Contact Our Experts
If you’d like to learn more about the end-to-end one stop service we could provide for your company please get in touch. Our experts are ready and waiting to answer any questions and explain exactly what we could do to turn your ideas into a reality.
Call us or send an email and we’ll start the process of delivering the solutions you’re looking for.
Tel: +44(0)1902 450 300
Email: hello@ashplastics.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Dome blowing is a particular process that uses heat to expand materials and create a dome-shaped finish. The particular height and size of the dome depend on the requirements of the client in question.
Before being loaded into a dome-blowing machine, heat is delivered to a piece of material until it reaches a certain temperature. At this point, the material softens and then is loaded into the blowing machine where it’s clamped into place.
At this point, air pressure is applied to the underside of the material, blown up and out. This creates a uniform dome shape that can expand to the desired height and size. Once cooled, it can be unclamped and used immediately.
There are a variety of dome-blowing products that can be made. For example, medical supplies and parts can benefit from hollow containers used for medication, as well as spray bottles, storage containers, and more.
Packaging companies can utilize dome blow molding to create caps for various containers used in a variety of industries.
A variety of materials can be used to create such a shape. Such materials that are suitable for dome blowing include; Acrylic, Polycarbonate, Glass, PVC, ABS, and High Impact Polystyrene.
Acrylic and polycarbonate are often considered two of the best materials used for dome blowing due to their durability and strength. Glass can often be the most vulnerable but can often look the most luxurious.
When it comes to dome blowing, there are a number of benefits. Here are some of the advantages of dome blowing as a business.
- It’s a relatively low-cost option
- A variety of products can be made through dome blowing.
- Provides a higher level of productivity for your business operations.
There are, of course, some disadvantages to using dome blowing as a manufacturing technique.
- It contributes to the creation of plastic production, which is harmful to the environment.
- There are limitations to the usage of dome blowing.
- Highly dependent on petroleum which is used to create many plastic materials.
As acrylic is considered one of the best materials used for dome blowing, what makes it so special?
Acrylic is considered to be highly durable and resistant to damage even with the use of excessive force. This material also gives businesses the opportunity to choose from a wide range of colours.
Acrylic domes are also highly versatile, being used for a range of small-scale products such as packaging. However, it can also be used for a variety of large-scale projects that include surveillance, and outdoor locations like playgrounds!