STM Plastics was established in 1965 and has recently come under new ownership with renewed enthusiasm for manufacturing. With decades of experience in the industry, STM specializes in both heavy and thin-gauge thermoforming processes, delivering high-quality custom plastic components to clients across diverse markets.
Thermoforming is a manufacturing process where a plastic sheet is heated to a pliable temperature, formed into a specific shape using a mold, and trimmed to create a usable product. Unlike injection molding, which injects molten plastic into a closed mold, thermoforming starts with pre-made sheets that are shaped using vacuum or pressure. Thermoforming offers advantages such as lower tooling costs, faster development cycles for large parts, and is often more cost-effective for shorter production runs or larger components. It’s particularly well-suited for applications requiring detailed surface textures on one side of the part.
STM Plastics serves diverse market segments including:
STM Plastics can handle thermoforming molds up to 8 feet in size, making it capable of producing both small precision components and large-scale parts such as industrial enclosures, equipment covers, and material handling trays.
STM operates a versatile lineup of thermoforming equipment including:
STM specializes in three primary thermoforming methods:
STM works with a variety of thermoplastic materials including:
Yes, STM Plastics can produce thermoformed parts in custom colors and with various surface finishes to meet your specific project requirements. They can match corporate colors, provide textured surfaces for improved grip or aesthetics, and offer different levels of opacity or transparency depending on your application needs.
Heavy gauge thermoforming typically uses thicker plastic sheets (usually 0.060″ to 0.500″ thick) and is ideal for structural components that need to withstand mechanical stress and harsh conditions. Applications include industrial enclosures, equipment housings, and durable components that require rigidity and strength.
Thin gauge thermoforming uses thinner materials (typically under 0.060″ thick) and is well-suited for packaging, trays, and lighter-weight applications where weight savings and fine details are important. This process is often used for high-volume consumer packaging, electronics packaging, and disposable medical packaging.
Yes, STM works with specialized fire-retardant resins like FR-grade ABS and fire-retardant polycarbonate to meet stringent safety and performance standards for applications in sectors like automotive, building and construction, electrical enclosures, and HVAC components. These materials maintain their flame-resistant properties while still providing the design flexibility and performance characteristics needed for demanding applications.
STM produces a wide range of thermoformed products including:
Yes, STM specializes in thermoformed reusable packaging designed specifically for machined parts and sensitive components. Their custom packaging solutions include:
Yes, STM produces various automotive-related products including:
Yes, with thermoforming capabilities for molds up to 8 feet, STM can produce large enclosures and covers including:
Yes, STM Plastics offers comprehensive design and engineering support. Their services include expert guidance in development, prototyping, and iterative improvement to ensure your final product meets all specifications and performance requirements. STM’s design team can work from your concept sketches, CAD files, or even existing samples to develop optimized designs for thermoforming production.
STM utilizes various prototyping methods including:
Composite sand-based tooling for medium-run prototype assessment These approaches allow for evaluation of material properties, fit, function, and aesthetics before scaling to full production, cutting lead times and minimizing risks in the development process
Quality control is integrated into every step of the manufacturing process, from raw material inspection to finished component testing. STM employs:
Comprehensive documentation and traceability systems This rigorous approach guarantees that every component meets or exceeds industry standards and customer specifications
Yes, STM’s production system is designed for scalability. Their state-of-the-art, automated equipment—including 7 rotary machines and 5 shuttle/single station machines—combined with real-time monitoring technology, ensures quality standards are maintained from small prototype runs to high-volume production. This flexibility allows them to serve customers with varying volume requirements, from specialized low-volume applications to mass-market consumer products
Lead times vary depending on project complexity, design requirements, tooling needs, and production volume. For standard projects with existing tooling, production can often begin within 2-3 weeks. New projects requiring custom tooling typically range from 4-8 weeks from design approval to production. For specific timeline information about your project, please contact STM directly to discuss your requirements and deadlines.
Yes, STM provides subassembly services, expertly combining thermoformed components with parts produced through other manufacturing methods to create integrated solutions. They also offer subassembly and kitting services tailored to customer specifications, helping to reduce supply chain risks and lower freight costs. Their assembly capabilities include ultrasonic welding, precision adhesive bonding, and mechanical fastening to ensure reliable performance in the final assembled unit.
Yes, STM offers full-fulfillment capabilities as part of their service offering, streamlining your supply chain management. This integrated approach allows for direct shipping to end users or distribution centers, reducing handling, transportation costs, and potential for damage during multiple shipping stages.
STM works with various tooling solutions including CNC-machined molds, 3D-printed tooling, and composite sand-based tooling for both prototyping and production. Their tooling capabilities are designed to optimize both part quality and production efficiency. For specific information about tooling for your project, please contact STM directly to discuss your requirements.
No, STM specializes in thermoforming rather than injection molding. However, Om Raj Tech (our representative) also represents Jimdi Plastics, which specializes in injection molding with 16 presses ranging from 110 to 1100 tons. We can direct you to the appropriate partner based on your project requirements and help you determine which manufacturing process is best suited for your specific application.
No, STM focuses exclusively on thermoforming of plastic materials. However, Om Raj Tech also represents Advanced Fibermolding Inc. for fiberglass and composite manufacturing needs. Advanced Fibermolding specializes in open layup fiberglass and resin transfer molding (RTM) processes, serving industries including agriculture ventilation, marine, construction, and electrical enclosures. We can connect you with the right specialist for your project.
STM does not provide metal fabrication services. However, for projects requiring both thermoformed plastic components and metal elements, we can help coordinate with appropriate partners to provide a complete solution. Our network of manufacturing specialists can help address projects requiring multiple materials and production processes.
Thermoforming has practical limitations for extremely small or intricately detailed components, particularly those with complex internal features or requiring tight tolerances on all surfaces. For such applications, injection molding (available through Jimdi Plastics) might be more suitable. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements, and we’ll recommend the most appropriate manufacturing process for your project.
To request a quote for thermoforming services, please contact Sumeet Chhawri, Sales Representative at Om Raj Tech:
Please provide as much detail as possible about your project, including dimensions, material preferences, quantities, timeline requirements, and any specific performance or aesthetic requirements. The more information you can share, the more accurate our quote will be.
Facility visits can typically be arranged through our representative. Please contact Sumeet Chhawri at Om Raj Tech to discuss the possibility of touring STM Plastics’ manufacturing facility. Seeing the production capabilities firsthand can be valuable for understanding the process and possibilities for your specific project.
To help us provide the most accurate assessment of your project, please gather the following information: