Thermoforming

Faster Position Sensors for High-Speed Molding
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Injection molding, thermoforming, and other machines that require high-speed position sensing can benefit from a new faster update option for magnetostrictive Temposonics linear position sensors from MTS Systems Corp.’s Sensors ...

Larger 3- or 4-Station PET Former
The new FFG 920-ADV machine from Amut SpA in Italy (North American office in Woodbridge, Ont.) is the largest so far in Amut’s FFG series of in-line formers, which use “plug-and-play” tooling for complete tool changes in under 30 m...

Acrylic Sheets Now In Multi-Color Laminates
WEB EXCLUSIVE Laminated combinations of acrylic sheets in different colors, or clear and colored, are new available from Acrilex, Inc., Jersey City, N.J.

New Sheets of TPO and Recycled PETG
WEB EXCLUSIVE Spartech Corp., St.

Adding Muscle to an ‘Economy’ Machine
The upgraded Ecoformer KMV 53E in-line vacuum former from Kiefel GmbH in Germany (U.S. office in Hampton, N.H.), has considerably higher forming pressure and slightly larger forming area than its predecessor, model KMV 50.

Thermoforming Heat-Resistant PLA Trays
A technique for crystallizing polylactide (PLA) biopolymer trays to make them more heat resistant was disclosed in a recent patent application by NatureWorks LLC, Minnetonka, Minn.

Medical Tray Has ‘Safe Edges’
Plastic Ingenuity in Cross Plains, Wis., which operates five thermoforming plants and builds its own machines, has patented pressure-forming tools that round the edges of medical trays.

New Looks in Acrylic Sheet
WEB EXCLUSIVE Two new aesthetic effects in formable acrylic sheet were introduced by Acrilex, Inc., Jersey City, N.J.

First 3D Induction Welding For Sheets and Composites
Kuka Systems in Germany has developed an induction welding head and accompanying software that allow a 6-axis robot to bond hollow 3D thermoformed shells.

PET Sheet Contains Up to 25% PCR
New rigid PET fillm and sheet from Invista Polymer and Resins, Wichita, Kan., contains up to 25% post-consumer recycled content and boasts color, clarity, and processability equivalent to 100% virgin APET for thermoformed food packaging.