Kiefel Showcasing New Equipment and Sustainable Solutions

Looking for the latest in thermoforming, particularly in packaging and other thin-gauge thermoformed items? You can visit Kiefel which is presenting its new Speedformer KMD 90.1 and new sustainable solutions. Innovations such as cutting-edge technology for efficient polymer cups and fiber sip-lid production are being introduced here. Visitors can see live demonstrations of two types of packaging machines showing some of the many products they can produce: the Speedformer KMD 90.1 Premium machine equipped with a six-cavity Sencorp tool for 100% PCR PET lids for aluminum ready-meal pans; and the Natureformer KFT Lab producing natural fiber-based bowls.

One focus is the KMD 90.1 Premium’s steel rule cutting machine, which offers benefits such as proven performance and process control, as well as a customized configuration with proven down-stacking and pick-and-place stacking. The KMD 90.1 Premium enables efficient production of various types of high-quality thermoformed polymer packaging for food and nonfood applications, including trays, containers, lids and technical packaging, among others. Says global director Armin Dietrich for Kiefel’s polymer packaging division, “This technology stands out due to its compatibility with standard tooling, benefiting customers by allowing existing tools, like the Sencorp 2500 series, to be easily integrated into the KMD 90.1 Premium through a simple adaptation process.” It also offers a faster, ergonomic, automated tool change in a unique tool block, taking only 1.5 hours, which facilitates film switching between production runs.”

Kiefel is also providing a preview of its latest tilting machine, the Speedformer KTR 6.2 designed for the mass production of thermoformed polymer high-end cups. This cutting-edge machine presents a larger forming area and a faster forming time because of an improved cooling process. The KTR 6.2 offers more than a 30% higher output of cups and coffee capsules than its predecessor, depending on production parameters, such as the film material, amount of tool cavities and product characteristics. Also, this new solution gives customer the opportunity to produce taller cups. Its more powerful drive system at the trim-in-place station offers more possibilities for processing a wider variety of materials.

Kiefel is also a partner for brand owners and converters who want to efficiently produce sustainable packaging such as lids and sip-lids, coffee capsules, bowls, cups and flower pots from biodegradable natural fibers. As such, the company is announcing the upcoming launch of its new lid production system, the KFL 90.1, part of its fiber thermoforming machine portfolio. According to head of product management Richard Hagenauer for Kiefel’s fiber packaging division, this system will enable customers to manufacture lids up to 40 mm tall for various food applications, including hot and cold drinks, margarine, fresh cheese, ice cream and hot brew.