Primary process: Thermoforming. The full route, materials, tolerances and design tips for a bathtub, with an indicative cost.
ThermoformingPrimary process
PolymerFamily
6Route steps
+/-0.3mmTypical tol.
A bathtub is primarily made by Thermoforming. Thermoforming heats a plastic sheet until pliable and draws it over a mould with vacuum or pressure, trimming the formed part from the sheet. Below is the full route to make a bathtub, the materials it suits, the tolerances to expect and the main design points. The route is free, from the finder.
Step by step
How a bathtub is made
The usual route, raw material to finished part. The amber step is where the bathtub gets its basic shape.
Material
Select the plastic sheet grade and gauge for the bathtub.
Thermoforming
Heat the sheet and draw it over the mould to make the bathtub.
Tooling Low to medium Tolerance ±0.3 to 1.5mm Lead 2 to 8 weeks
Trim
Trim the edges, flash and any waste material.
Secondary
Where the bathtub needs them, add inserts, printed graphics or machined details.
Tooling None Tolerance ±0.125mm, to ±0.025mm Lead 1 to 10 days
Assembly
Where the bathtub joins other parts, snap-fit, weld or bond it into the finished product.
Tooling Low Tolerance good Lead immediate
Inspection
Check fit, finish and any functional dimensions.
Need the real cost for a bathtub? The free route above is yours. Unlock the full dossier to quote and source it.
Where this process typically lands. Tighter is possible with extra operations like grinding, at higher cost.
Materials
Materials for a bathtub
Grade
Why it suits this
ABS/HIPS sheet
Easy to form
PETG
Clear, tough
Polycarbonate
Impact, clarity
Design
Design tips
General pointers. The full design-for-manufacturing list for a bathtub is in the dossier.
Deep draw with sharp corners.Add draft + radii.
Tight tolerance expected.Design loose; it's a forming process.
Cost
What a bathtub should cost
Trays, panels, packaging from heated sheet; low tooling, great for large light parts at low-to-mid volume.
PER-PART COST vs VOLUME
Per-part cost drops as volume spreads tooling and setup over more parts. The exact figures for a bathtub at your volume, in your currency, are in the dossier.
MODEL EST.
$61 to 170per part at 1 off
A rough ballpark only. The dossier gives should-cost at your exact volume and currency, with the full breakdown.
GET THE FULL DOSSIER
Everything you need to quote and source it
The free route above is yours. To actually put a number on a bathtub and buy it well:
Should-cost at your exact volume in 12 currencies, with the material, processing, tooling and overhead breakdown
Who to source from, typical MOQ and lead time, and the exact RFQ checklist to send
A quote checker that tells you if a supplier quote is fair, and the red flags to watch
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A bathtub is primarily made by thermoforming. The route is: Material; Thermoforming; Trim; Secondary; Assembly; Inspection.
What does a bathtub cost?
It depends on size, tolerance and volume. As a rough ballpark it starts around $61 to 170 per part at 1 off and falls with quantity. The dossier gives should-cost at your exact volume and currency. A model estimate, not a quote.
What material is a bathtub made from?
Common choices are ABS/HIPS sheet; PETG; Polycarbonate.
What is the main process for a bathtub?
Thermoforming. Trays, blisters, panels, clamshells and aligners at low to medium tooling cost.
See the exact route and should-cost for your part
The free finder maps your part to its process and full route. Pro adds should-cost at your volume, sourcing and an RFQ draft.
