Criterion began thermoforming optical quality domes in 1990 for the CCTV business. Vacuum thermoforming continues to be a viable alternative to injection molding for lower volume production or prototyping during the design phase of a new project. Tooling for thermoforming is considerably less expensive than molding and can be produced in days instead of weeks. Criterion’s superior technicians and custom designed optical thermoforming equipment allow for quick-turn prototypes for most optical acrylic domes or mating parts which can be assembled to optical parts or used for other applications.

Criterion utilizes CNC routers to trim thermoformed parts to create a wide variety of part designs. In addition to trimming thermoformed products, CNC routers can manufacture flat optical plastic windows for use in a variety of applications. Criterion’s flat panels can be cut from a wide selection of materials, including acrylic, polycarbonate, and ABS in a range of colors, including clear, tint, and UV transmissive.

Thermoformed products and flat panels can be surfaced finished similar to some of their injection molded counterparts. Surface finishes, such as paint and metalizing, work well with thermoformed parts. Formed parts can be assembled using any of the methods described on the Turnkey Assemblies page.