Big Bear engineers bring extensive knowledge and experience to moulding many different kinds of materials, in all different finishes and thicknesses ranging from heavy duty, thick gauge materials to the most lightweight on the market for the aerospace industry.

We work closely with our material suppliers in refining and developing new materials to best suit the application of the part.

Materials we work with include ABS, HDPE, Polyethylene, PET, Polypropylene, Polycarbonate, TPO, LWRT and BEAREX.

Vacuum Forming

ABS provides high impact strength, rigidity, durability and good chemical resistance. Available in smooth and embossed finishes, ABS standard grades are available in an array of textures, gloss levels and colours.

PMMA/ABS
These co-extruded multilayer sheets consist of thermoformable and high impact ABS with a top layer of impact modified, colour matched acrylic (PMMA).

A wide variety of standard colours are available, along with bespoke special colours including metallic effects and embossed surfaces. The advantages of PMMA/ABS include a selection of high gloss, brilliant colours, excellent UV stability and high impact resistance.

High Impact ABS is most commonly used in the automotive industry for internal vehicle parts. Colours and finishes can be matched to provide a seamless transition between the injection-moulded and vacuum-formed parts.

High Heat ABS - For high-temperature performance.

Ignition Resistant ABS - A UL94V0 classification is available for use in applications such as machine covers.

Recycled ABS - provides an option to reduce costs, in cases where high impact strength is not of extreme importance.

Soft Feel ABS has a soft look and feel and is fully vacuum-formable. Primarily used in the automotive sector, this material is now being used across other markets, and is available colour-matched in a variety of finishes.

ASA/ABS 
ABS can be made virtually UV stable by the application of an ASA capping layer. ASA is a very stable outdoor polymer and when co-extruded onto ABS will also provide superior impact strength at a relatively low cost. 

DECORATIVE FOILS
ABS is also used as the substrate for a range of decorative finishes such as faux carbon-fibre, woodgrains or marble effects. These provide an attractive alternative to conventional finishes and most are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Polypropylene is for use in automotive, leisure, food, medical and general thermoforming and fabrication markets. It has high impact strength but can be prone to brittleness at very low temperatures. It has very good electrical insulating properties and excellent resistance to most chemicals. In the past Polypropylene was viewed as difficult to form but modified grades are manufactured to ensure they are able to be used for both shallow and deep draw thermoforming.

Compression Moulding

A lightweight, reinforced, thermoplastic sheet that can be low pressure formed to the desired shape. Lightweight, superior acoustics, high strength to weight ratio and a self-extinguishing core makes this material ideal for applications such as headliners, door panel inserts, pillar trim, trunk linings and parcel shelves.

The range of applications for wovens and nonwovens in modern vehicles continues to expand as they replace traditional textiles with lighter weight and more cost-effective options. Applications include Floor Carpets, Trunk and Boot areas, Parcel Shelves / Package Trays, External Wheel Arch Liners, Under Bonnet Acoustics, Thermal and NVH Scrims.