Bathtubs are a common bathroom product in modern homes, and they are made from a variety of materials, with acrylic being a familiar name to many. Acrylic bathtubs are widely used in homes today because they are generally energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and can be designed in various shapes and colors, thus attracting a large following. Many people are curious about the manufacturing process of acrylic bathtubs; the following is a breakdown of the process.
I. Molding
Bathtubs, shower enclosure bases, back panels, and other sanitary ware are usually molded using acrylic vacuum forming. Selecting suitable materials and equipment is the foundation for excellent sanitary ware molding.
II. Mold
In actual production, the vacuum forming mold is first designed and processed according to the design drawings or actual samples of the sanitary ware. It is generally made of aluminum alloy or resin mold. Aluminum alloy mold has a long service life, good process characteristics, and high surface finish.
III. Vacuum Forming
The pre-cut acrylic sheets are heated and softened in the oven of a vacuum forming machine, typically at 180-220 degrees Celsius. The softened sheets are then mechanically pressed onto a mold. Compressed air or vacuum is used to stretch and deform the sheets, causing them to adhere to the mold wall. A cooling fan is then activated to harden the sheets and shape them. Finally, the sheets are demolded and the product is removed.
IV. Reinforcement
The resin, curing agent and other materials are mixed in a certain proportion to solidify. Then, the mixture and fiber are used to reinforce the molded product to the required thickness. After reinforcement, wait 12 hours before removing it from the cylinder and placing it on the ground.
V. Trimming the edges
After cutting off the excess edges of the bathtub with a trimming machine, the inner and outer tubs are joined together.
VI. Polishing
Polishing is a meticulous task. Workers use sandpaper to polish the cylinder body separately, and then use quick-drying putty to fill the sand holes and polish it again.
VII. Spray Painting
Before spraying, clean and sand the area, then apply the prepared glaze repeatedly to the cleaned area until the joints are no longer visible.
8. Polishing
After the entire tank is glazed, it undergoes a baking process. 24 hours later, the tank is repaired. During repair, the glazed areas are sanded, then polished with wax until they match the original acrylic sheet.
The above describes the manufacturing process of an acrylic bathtub.