What is the typical method for producing plastic drinking cups?

The typical method for producing plastic drinking cups is injection moulding. This manufacturing process involves injecting molten plastic into a mould that shapes the cup. Injection moulding is highly efficient for producing large quantities of uniform items, making it ideal for items like disposable plastic cups.

The process allows for precise control over the dimensions and surface finish of the cups, ensuring that they are lightweight yet strong enough to hold liquids. Additionally, it supports the use of various plastic materials, which can be chosen based on specific requirements for durability, transparency, or flexibility, depending on the intended use of the cups.

Other methods mentioned, such as compression moulding and blow moulding, are used for different applications. Compression moulding is often employed for thicker materials and more complex shapes, while blow moulding is specifically suitable for hollow objects, such as bottles. Vacuum forming is typically used for items that require a sheet of plastic to be heated and formed over a mould, but it is not generally used for the mass production of drinking cups due to lower efficiency and reproducibility compared to injection moulding.