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
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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OMV Technologies Gets New CEO
Kooper brings 33 years of experience in the industrial and consumer packaging industries to OMV--the closed-loop, turnkey, inline extrusion, thermoforming and tooling systems manufacturer.
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Enhanced Digitization in Thermoforming
Illig’s Easy product family includes the newly developed Human Machine Interface, Illig Easy Touch.
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New Illig Tool Network for North America
Mexico’s GIC becomes Illig’s first certified thermoform tooling partner.
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Featured Posts
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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Automation in Thermoforming on the Rise
Equipment suppliers’ latest innovations exemplify this trend driven by factors such as labor shortages, higher-speed thermoformers and tighter quality control.
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Novel ‘Clamtainer’ Extends Thermoformer's Reach in Packaging
Uniquely secure latching expands applications for Jamestown Plastics’ patented clamshell package design.
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Thermoforming PCR: An Equipment Supplier’s Pointers
Thermoforming PCR is not radically different from forming virgin, but variation in recycled materials can require extra care to get a consistent end result. Start by examining every aspect of the process from the sheet (and extrusion process if run inline) to the final trim.
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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
