R&D Effort to Boost Efficiency in Thermoformed Packaging
Key is tiny, individually controlled ceramic heaters that allows optimal regulation of film thickness.
German firms Kiefel GmbH and Wattron GmbH have joined forces on a long-term R&D project aimed at increasing quality and efficiency in thermoforming, especially for thin-gauge packaging. Kiefel (U.S. office in Portsmouth, N.H.) furnishes thermoforming machines for packaging, medical, and other markets. It also owns toolmakers SWA in the Czech Republic, Bosch Sprang in The Netherlands, and Mold & Matic Solutions in Austria.
The key to this R&D effort is ceramic heating technology developed by Wattron. Called cera2heat, the technology relies on square heating elements smaller than a penny that can be individually controlled and regulated to specific temperatures. This allows targeted, uneven heating of the film, enabling it to be optimally adapted to the desired shape to create more uniform wall thicknesses. This enables the processor to use much thinner films, significantly reducing energy consumption.
Wattron is a new spinoff of the Institute of Natural Materials Technology of the Technical University of Dresden and the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging Dresden.
Related Content
-
Medical Molder, Moldmaker Embraces Continuous Improvement
True to the adjective in its name, Dynamic Group has been characterized by constant change, activity and progress over its nearly five decades as a medical molder and moldmaker.
-
Consistent Shots for Consistent Shots
An integral supplier in the effort to fast-track COVID-19 vaccine deployment, Retractable Technologies turned to Arburg and its PressurePilot technology to help deliver more than 500 million syringes during the pandemic.
-
For Extrusion and Injection-Blow Molders, Numerous Upgrades in Machines and Services
Uniloy is revising its machinery lines across the board and strengthening after-sales services in tooling maintenance, spare parts and tech service.
