Thermoforming
Thermoforming Goes Paint-Free, Too
Thermoformed parts play two roles in the expanding field of in-mold decorating (IMD) of plastic parts: For injection molding, IMD begins by thermoforming a thin film into decorative shells that are placed in the injection mold cavity and then back-molded with a compatible substrate.
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The Super-Specialty Side of Thermoforming
Welch Fluorocarbon Inc. in Dover, N.H., produces nothing but tiny, super-thin thermoformed parts for critical applications.
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Thermoformer Tosses Gauntlet to Injection Molders
Profile Plastics in Lake Bluff, Ill., has prospered for 43 years as a heavy-gauge custom thermoformer by investing steadily in the latest technology and then applying it in highly practical ways.
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Thermoforming Is a Family Affair
Benjamin Manufacturing has succeeded as a family-run thermoforming business for almost 40 years. “BM” was founded in Paramount, Calif., in 1967 by Bill Benjamin, whose life-long passion has been to invent new building and household products. “I recognize needs, then create products to take care of them,” says Benjamin, who at 64 is still BM’s ideas man.
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NPE News Wrap-Up: Thermoforming
Soaring interest in in-mold finishing techniques for injection molding and fiber-reinforced composites offers new prospects for cut-sheet formers.
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Servos Drive Faster Packaging Systems
High-speed packaging systems dominated thermoforming news in Dusseldorf. A new shallow-draw, servo-driven system promises to make formed PP deli lids competitive with injection molded LLDPE. Other new machines use electric servo motors to speed forming of PS, PE, and PET packaging.
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Thermoforming (K 2001 Preview)
Thermoforming equipment displays at K 2001 focus on innovations in trim-in-place packaging, especially for PP food containers. There is also action in improving productivity of heavy-gauge industrial forming machinery.
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LCPs Break New Ground in Film Coextrusion and Thermoforming
Liquid-crystal polymer extrusion resins cost over $10/lb, but when used sparingly in 2-5 micron layers, they can be cost-effective in barrier packaging films.
Read MoreThermoforming Equipment at NPE 2000 Highlighted Enhanced Continuous Roll-Fed Forming Machinery
New capabilities for continuous roll-fed forming machinery were unveiled at NPE. They include forming heavier sheet, forming lids with a tamper-evident band, and producing in-mold decorating preforms with preprinted sheet. Tooling also advanced with a new and easier way to keep the forming inserts and trim-in-place punch level after the punch is sharpened.
Read MoreHeating & Cooling
Band-heater developments at the show are focused on high-temperature applications such as “thixomolding” and on prolonging heater life by minimizing leaks. Process cooling gets a lot more attention, however, as reflected in dozens of new chillers, both portable and central, designed for long life, minimal leaks, small footprint, and energy-efficient operation. There’s even a new generation of “micro” chillers for the smallest machines. New hot-water and oil systems are just as numerous and reflect similar performance concerns. Also look for new mold-water regulators and products that provide a stream of cooled air.
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