Which is a common identifying feature of vacuum formed products?

The distinguishing characteristic of vacuum-formed products is their use of thin plastic. During the vacuum forming process, a plastic sheet is heated until it becomes pliable, and then it is stretched over a mold. The suction created by the vacuum pulls the heated plastic tightly against the mold's surface, allowing for the formation of intricate shapes while maintaining a relatively lightweight design. This technique typically involves using thinner plastic materials because they can conform well to the mold without requiring excessive force.

Thick plastic would be more difficult to manipulate in this fashion and would not yield the detailed features that are possible with thinner sheets. Vacuum forming generally allows for a smoother finish, reducing the likelihood of rough edges or sharp corners, since the material can flow into the details of the mold, creating a product that adheres closely to the desired contours.