Thermoforming
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.
Read MoreExperts Predict the Next Big Thing in Thermoforming
What changes are in store for thermoforming in this decade? We polled nine industry experts on new developments to watch out for in materials, machinery, tooling, and controls.
Read MoreProcessors' Wish List: What's Your Million-Dollar Dream?
How would you spend a windfall of $10,000, $100,000, or $1 million added to your operating budget? Here’s what owners and managers of plastics plants said they would do with this dream cash.
Read MoreThermoforming Close-Up
Exhibits by three new or relatively little-known suppliers of forming machines were among of the highlights of the SPE's Ninth Annual Thermoforming Conference, which was held last month in Chicago.
Read MoreRotary Thermoforming Gets Bigger and Better
Thermoformed Products Inc. (TPI) in Muskegon, Mich., has always been a large-parts specialist.
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