a method of forming a metal - thermoplastic polymer - metal laminate into a desired shape comprising the steps of : heating a metal - thermoplastic polymer - metal laminate to a temperature exceeding the melting temperature of the thermoplastic polymer ; forming the heated laminate into a desired shape ; and cooling the formed laminate . a method of making a cassette comprising the steps of : providing a front panel and a back panel with at least the front panel formed from a shaped metal - thermoplastic polymer - metal laminate ; joining the panels so that a cavity exists between them ; positioning at least one intensifying screen between the panels , the screen adapted to contact an x - ray film placed in the cassette , such that the shaped laminate panel presses the screen and film in intimate contact ; wherein the metal - thermoplastic polymer - metal laminate panel is formed into a desired shape by the steps of : heating a metal - thermoplastic polymer - metal laminate to a temperature exceeding the melting temperature of the thermoplastic polymer ; forming the heated laminate into a desired shape ; and cooling the formed laminate .