Thermoforming
In thermoforming, plastic sheet is heated to a pliable temperature then shaped into a part by a male and female mold with the help of a vacuum. Categorized as thin-gauge or thick-gauge, the process is used to create products like clamshells, trays, and cups.
ESSENTIAL READING
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‘Back to Basics’ Fuels More Innovation at Thin-Gauge Former
Shift from private to capital ownership give Tray-Pak a boost.
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Thermoforming PLA: How to Do It Right
Polylactic acid (PLA) resins are made from 100% renewable resources such as corn, sugar beets, or sugarcane.
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How to Thermoform Top-Quality IMD Inserts
Wider adoption of in-mold decorating (IMD) for demanding industries like automotive, appliances, and consumer electronics will require thermoformers to have the right know-how and equipment.
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Latest Thermoforming News And Updates
Interactive Training for Injection, Extrusion and Other Processes
Paulson has four in-booth stations demonstrating its various training solutions.
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High-Throughput, Robust Thermoformer
NPE2024: WM Thermoforming’s new generation of FC1000 IM2 offers the highest throughput per square feet.
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Upgraded Former is Faster, More Precise
New features reportedly offer more efficient production of trays, containers, hinged boxes, pallets, blisters, lids and technical products.
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Winners Announced for SPE Thermoforming 2023 Parts Competition
More than 30 entries were considered, including 10 in the Sustainability category.
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Hagan Named SPE Thermoformer of the Year
Fifty year veteran of thermoforming industry to receive award during October’s conference.
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SPE Thermoforming Division Announces Biennial Parts Competition Call for Entries
This year’s parts competition includes two new categories with a focus in innovations in the use of sustainable thermoforming and in applications for electric vehicles and batteries.
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Featured Posts
Kiefel Showcasing New Equipment and Sustainable Solutions
NPE2024: Kiefel is demonstrating its Speedformer KMD 90.1 Premium machine and cutting-edge technology for efficient polymer cups and fiber sip-lid production.
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US Merchants Makes its Mark in Injection Molding
In less than a decade in injection molding, US Merchants has acquired hundreds of machines spread across facilities in California, Texas, Virginia and Arizona, with even more growth coming.
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Ingenuity Is Part of This Former’s Name, and in Its DNA
Plastic Ingenuity started in a garage in 1972 and through a commitment to developing best-in-class products stands today as one of the largest custom thermoformers in the world.
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Cobot Creates 'Cell Manufacturing Dream' for Thermoformer
Kal Plastics deploys Universal Robot trimming cobot for a fraction of the cost and lead time of a CNC machine, cuts trimming time nearly in half and reduces late shipments to under 1% — all while improving employee safety and growth opportunities.
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Clock's Ticking: Register Now for 2023 SPE Thermoforming Conference
Three-day event kicks off Oct. 24 in Cleveland.
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Thermoformer Maximizes Productivity with 3D Printing
Productive Plastics has created an extensive collection of 3D printed manufacturing aids that sharply reduce lead times.
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FAQ: Thermoforming
How to fix a thermoformer?
Some shot-to-shot misalignment may occur even if the above adjustments to the rail are made. When issues arise, especially today, when OEMs’ technicians can’t travel to service and maintain equipment in person, it can be helpful to have a checklist for troubleshooting.
Here are 10 of the most important steps for troubleshooting misalignment and other common issues in thermoforming.
Thermoforming Supplier Categories
- Thermoformers
- Thermoforming Molds
- Nonferrous Metals for Molds
- Mold/Die Management Systems
- Mold Steels
- Cutting, Stamping, Trimming Dies
- Mold Making and Repair Equipment
- Mold Components
- Mold Grease
- Compression/Transfer Molds
- Mold-cleaning and Maintenance Chemicals
- Nonmetallic Tooling Materials
- Compression/Transfer Presses
