Thermoforming involves the heating of one or more plastic sheets to a temperature suitable for forming or stretching into or onto a mold, and then cooled before removal and trimming. Finished parts range from disposable cups to large single piece automotive body panels. Processes can be semi-continuous (fed as thin-gauge sheet from a roll) or discontinuous (large heavy-gauge single sheets).

Continuous process laminating and embossing machines typically heat and cure a number of substrates together before embossing a textured finish to one or both sides. Depending on the finish desired, calendar rolls may also be used to modify smoothness, surface luster and thickness uniformity. Heat energy is added to the process through the use of heated rollers and electric or gas infrared panel heaters.