Miles Fiberglass and Composites (Portland, Ore.) reports that it has recently installed a vacuum thermoforming machine capable of processing parts on molds as large as 110 inches (280 cm) in length and/or width. The company says it the largest thermoformer of its type in the Pacific Northwest. The new machine adds thermoplastic molding capabilities to the company’s established open molding, compression molding and resin transfer molding capabilities for thermoset composites. The company says thermoforming provides a faster and more cost-effective alternative to open molding. Company officials say the process will permit greater flexibility, shorter turnaround and simpler design and tooling changes for its product line, which is expanding from its traditional product base, including air conditioning unit covers and canoes.