Films in 3-D
New-generation thermoforming machines yield greater output |
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Thermoforming is a preferred method for the mass production of packaging units. As before the trend to PP in plastic cup production remains unchanged. The growth rates here are over 7 %. That is one reason for manufacturers of automatic thermoforming machines to become acquainted with the demands arising from PP processing.
Tailored packaging solutions
The Italian company Al.Ma. Srl, Cadorago, has established itself with its thermoforming packaging lines in the steadily growing “form-fill-seal?packaging segment, that is to say the continuous inline packaging of non-food items. All packaging lines are designed to meet customer requirements which results in avoidance of waste and hence in optimized packaging of the products in question. Specific engineering solutions ensure rapid exchange of molds and the optimized forming of all blister geometries in uniform material thicknesses. All the peripheral
熱誠形明顯是在機型維持的方向上發展著。這樣做的目標是:通過元件升級,優化控制技術和縮短生產週期，以鼎峙程度更高的方式使現有機器技術適應於不斷變化的顧客需求，同時產品品質保持不變.
equipment needed, such as antistatic devices, pick- &-place units for inserting usage instructions or even sensors for monitoring the filling process, are available as options. The company will be exhibiting a machine for producing blister packs for industrial products (Fig. 1).
Very quiet running
“Technology in a double pack?is being demonstrated by Gabler Thermoform GmbH & Co. KG, Lübeck, Germany, and others including its global technology associate, Lyle Industries Inc., Beaverton, Michigan, USA. Requirements here are twofold. On the one hand, for processing thermoplastics such as PET precisely controlled thermoforming stations having high locking forces are indispensable and, on the other hand, the manufacturers demand machine technology combining high output rates with flexibility and unlimited scope for automation. On its own exhibition stand a multi-station system will be running that meets customer requirements for useof the most favorable molds. This technology is distinguished by very high locking forces and the degree of parallelism of the thermoforming and punching stations, the mold exchange system allowing high machine availability and great product diversity. The new counter-rotation principle employed for the drive motors ensures very quiet running of the “focus?(form, cut and stack; Fig.2) automatic hermoforming machine. The new technology should ensure the efficient production of bowls and lids from poly-propylene and APET. Due to the optimization of all movement sequences and the use of modern servo drive and control technology the installation attains the desired output rates.
 | Fig.2.Multi-station thermoforming installation
havingcounter-rotating drive motors for
quieter operations(photo:Gabler) |
A second machine is presented on the exhibition stand of its associate company Bosch Sprang B.V.,
Sprang-Capelle, Netherlands. The M98 is a development of the technology in the tilting process. The installation possesses resized maximum cutting forces and is of stable design in the region of the thermoforming station without limiting the possibilities required for automation. As a result output rates of over 100,000 PP drinking cups per hour are achievable in the tilting machine sector.
For high volumes
Kiefel GmbH, Freilassing, Germany, is presenting, inter alia, the Thermorunner KTR 6 automatic compressed-air thermoforming machine for producing cups and lids in high volumes. Due to the greater thermoforming area of 750_450 mm2 it is possible to configure a greater number of cavities. In line with the increased speeds of all movement sequences the KTR 6 increases output substantially. The processing of PP in a 50-cavity cup mold will be demonstrated. The KIST 75/54 removal and stacking device (Fig. 3) was specifically developed to match the operating data of the KTR 6. In this, for reasons of hygiene, the cups are stacked with the openings facing down. The cups are transported away by servo electric pusher bars after which they can be packed. In comparison with previous solutions this system gets by with fewer mechanical movements.
 | Fig.3.The Thermorunner KTR 6 automatic
compressed-air thermoforming machine
with KIST 75/54 stacking device(photo:Kiefel) |
Large single-station automatic thermoforming machine
OMV Machinery Srl, Parona, Italy, will present an automatic thermoforming machine designated as the F.87 for high volumes. This machine is one of the largest single-station automatic thermoforming machines anywhere in the world. The thermoforming area measures 850_650 mm2 and has a locking force of 80 metric tons. The thickness of film that can be thermo- formed ranges from 0.8 to 2.8 mm. The new, high-speed unloading system with carbon vacuum plate is equipped with a linear motor and connected to an automatic stacking unit.
It is also possible to fit the machine with a unit for rolling in the edges of beakers and cups that is installed directly on the ejector plate. This unloading system patented by OMV makes it possible to utilize the residual heat from the process to form the edges of the cups and beakers without the need to interrupt the actual production cycle. This together with the minimized mold exchange times has a positive effect on cycle times and total production output. According to information from the manufacturer the new machine is able to produce up to 130,000 parts per hour (the parts being cups having a capacity of 200 to 220 ml and a diameter of 71 to 73 mm made from PP).
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