Thermoforming. (What to See at NPE 2003).

There will be fewer thermoforming machines on display at NPE 2003 than at many recent NPEs. The adverse business climate contributed to decisions by some key suppliers to skip the event or avoid putting machines on the floor.

Yet thermoforming is still worthy of attention at NPE. One evident theme is large-platen systems offering higher outputs for in-line extrusion and thermoforming of packaging. Also in the limelight are new machines for roll-fed, thin-gauge packaging.

For industrial parts

Sheet-fed industrial systems are relatively scarce at the show, but ZMD International is demonstrating the growing use of thermoforming for in-mold decorating of injection molded parts with preformed inserts. ZMD will operate a machine forming decorative appliques for cell-phone housings.

In addition, Brown Machine will show a new single-station Titan former designed for entry-level markets, as well as a new generation of PC/PLC controls for more sophisticated machines. Advanced Ventures in Technology will show a new 3 x 5 ft shuttle machine with 100-ton clamp force. And Maac Machinery plans to show a stripped-down, cost-efficient Comet single-station unit. C.R. Clarke of the U.K., which supplies mainly prototyping machines, will introduce a compact (24 x 24 in.) single-station model for small-parts production.

Packaging ups the pace

OMV-USA is showing a pair of large-platen versions of its in-line extrusion/forming system. The new OMV F57 CST, with 60 x 57 in. platen, is the largest in-line system ever made, claims Kent Johansson, OMV-USA's president. The unit forms 7-oz APET or HIPS cups using a post-trim press at 345,000 units/hr. It also comes in an F57 CMT version specifically for PP drink and stadium cups. With 42 x 38 in. platen and in-mold trim, it makes 42-oz cups at 60,000/hr.

Germany's Adolf Illig GmbH plans to unveil a new automatic roll-fed pressure former. The RDK 80 performs at 35 cycles/min using pressure or vacuum. Forming area is 29.9 x 22.6 in. and depth of draw is 4.7 in. Integration of steel-rule dies into the forming tool assists trim accuracy. The Illig unit offers computer-aided set-up and has servo motors to ensure precise setting of strokes and speeds.

Among other thin-gauge packaging exhibits to appear at NPE, Canada's GN Plastics plans to demonstrate what it calls "dual-mold forming." This patented system employs two molds that alternately swing back and forth between forming and parts-removal stations, creating a system that gets the productivity benefits of two molds while requiring just one trim station. The dual-mold model GN1914TM has a 19 x 14 in. forming area and is well suited to PP and PS parts.

Irwin Research & Development is showing an upgrade of its Model 50 system with a vertical trim press for foamed PS food disposables, as well as a form/trim-in-place system aimed at solid PP cups.

Zed Industries will exhibit a 30 x 30 in. model of its new SF (Servo-Form) line of servo-driven pressure formers for high-output packaging. This series uses a cam drive in place of a toggle system to improve smoothness of platen movement.

Thermoforming Systems LLC will unveil a roll-fed system using a heavier frame design that can support a 52 x 52 in. mold, 9-in, draw depth, and 100-psi forming pressure. This Low Flex design reportedly offers potential for higher output and improved part definition. The unit integrates a trim press of matching heavy-frame design.

DT Industries plans to publicize a new generation of form-trim-and-stack system for food containers and medical parts. The initial Gen II machine has a 32 x 34 in. forming area. It includes a Siemens Simatic FC670 controller and PLC, making all forming operations programmable. A robot automatically removes and stacks finished pieces directly from the trim press. A non-contact infrared scanner is installed on the unit to monitor sheet temperature.

Brown Machine is introducing a version of the LRT200 lip-roller tailored for PP cups. Kiefel Technologies will form hinged APET fruit trays on its in-line KMD75-BFSS system.

Exhibitor Listings

Includes forming and trimming machinery, auxiliaries, components, and controls. New developments appear in boldface.

ACCUFORM SRO 

Booth 10748 (Exhibiting w/Compuplast International)

Czech company is showing updated T-Sim thermoforming simulation software, as well as a new database on viscoelastic behavior of thermoforming materials.

ADVANCED VENTURES IN TECHNOLOGY INC.

Booth 12816

Demonstrating a new shuttle-style, sheet-fed pressure former capable of running single or twin-sheet tools. Unit has a 100-ton clamp force and 3 x 5 ft forming area.

AUTOMATED VISION TECHNOLOGY

Booth 11307

Introducing TrayInspector in-line vision system that detects pinholes and thin spots on thermoformed trays.

BROWN MACHINE LLC

Booth 1409 (Exhibiting with Brown Plastics Machinery LLC)

Demonstrating new single-station Titan former for entry-level markets, and a version of the LRT2000 lip roller dedicated to PP containers. Also showing new-generation PC/PLC controls for demanding forming machines and high-precision trimming equipment.

CANNON THERMOFORMING SYSTEMS

Booth 638 (Exhibiting w/Cannon USA)

Presenting information on new forming systems. Will emphasize twin-sheet thermoforming, including systems for auto fuel tanks.

C.R. CLARKE & CO.

Booth 12637

Supplies single-station vacuum formers mainly for prototype work, but will introduce a 24 x 24 in. former aimed at production of smaller industrial parts.

CMT MATERIALS, INC.

Booth 4422 (Exhibiting w/Thermoformer Parts Suppliers)

Showing Metapor air-permeable aluminum-epoxy material for plug assists and tooling.

COMMODORE MACHINE CO.

Booth 8443

Supplies thermoforming systems and tooling for PS foam.

DT CONVERTING TECHNOLOGIES

Booth 5549

Introducing Gen II roll-fed, form-trim-and-stack thermoforming machine for thin-gauge parts. System on display incorporates a stacking robot and infrared non-contact sheet-temperature monitor.

ELKOM NORTH AMERICA

Booth 10535

German supplier will show recent platen designs and preheating, cooling, and vacuum equipment for thermoforming. Offers Mikutherm and Vacutherm equipment for vacuum forming. Corian solid-surface sheet.

EPCO MACHINERY LLC

Booth 1409 (Exhibiting w/Brown Plastics Machinery LLC)

Offering new EM-3 retrofit control for thermoformers. It has a PC-based operator station and Barber-Colman MACO DS architecture.

FORMECH INC

Booth 881

Describing enhanced single-station, sheet-fed forming systems featuring fast-set-up and turbo-cooling.

GABLER MASCHINENBAU GMBH

Booth 10466

Supplies roll-fed, trim-in-place, servo-driven, plug-assist forming equipment for polyolefin packaging.

GEISS THERMOFORMING USA LLC

Booth 6165

German-based supplier, new to North America, will emphasize new TT-In-One single-station vacuum former with in-line CNC trimming station. Also has fast-acting halogen heaters and handles sheet up to 250 x 73 in.

G.N. PLASTICS CO. LTD.

Booth 9533

Supplier of in-line, roll-fed forming equipment plans to display new dual-mold machine for PP packaging. Also showing new cut-in-place system with integrated robotic stacker able to handle containers with complex geometries.

GRAPHICS INTERNATIONAL GROUP

Booth 5171

North American distributor of industrial forming machines for Meico of Italy.

ADOLF ILLIG MASCHINENBAU

Booth 9125

Introducing high-speed RDK 80 pressure former that runs 35 cycles/min. Unit incorporates form/trim tools with steel-rule dies. It has 29.9 x 22.6 in. forming area and 4.7-in, draw depth. Tool change takes 30 min.

IRWIN RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Booth 9701

Demonstrating upgraded Model 50 roil-fed former for foamed PS with integrated vertical trim station and automated packaging. Also showing rim roller for PET and HIPS.

KIEFEL TECHNOLOGIES

Booth 1850

Exhibiting servo-driven, in-line KMD75-BFSS equipment running APET trays. Also showing the KVH83 preheater for PP and PE.

MAAC MACHINERY CORP.

Booth 4310

Featuring cost-effective line of single-and twin-station units and three- or four-station rotaries. Showing new controls with advanced diagnostics.

MEICO S.R.L

Booth 9161

Demonstrating new servo-driven, roll-fed FCS 750 E form-cut-stack pressure former. Forming area is 29.5 x 20.9-in.

MYUNG-IL MACHINERY CO.

Booth 9030

Korean company offers a vacuum form-trim-stack packaging machine that boasts a small footprint and high energy efficiency.

OMV-USA INC.

Booth 9510

Introducing F57 CST in-line extrusion/forming system with 60 x 57 in. platen (the largest for an in-line system) and capacity for 345,000 units/hr when running 7-oz APET and HIPS cups with a separate trim press. Also new is the F57 CMT version for PP with 42 x 38 in. platen and in-mold trim. It makes 42-oz cups at 60,000/hr.

RAJOO ENGINEERS LTD.

Booth 13313

Indian company will show for the first time in the U.S. the Dispocon RETF 6530 in-line machine for PP packaging. Unit has a preheater, ceramic heaters, and PLC controller. It runs up to 39 cycles/min.

EDWARD D. SEGEN

Booth 8335 (Exhibiting w/Alpha Mold)

Div. of Tooling Technology Group supplies thermoforming tools and tool components. A range of customized and standard tooling components will be displayed, including quick change locks, pressure boxes, and mold bases.

TFT SRL 

See Meico SRL.

THERMOFORMER PARTS SUPPUERS (TPS)

Booth 4422

Introducing low-cost electric indexing package for roll-fed forming machines, using a variable-frequency drive. Also displaying toggle assemblies, clamp frames, and chain slide rails.

THERMOFORMING SYSTEMS LLC

Booth 5587

Showing a thermoformer with high-strength Low-Flex frame design said to improve productivity and part definition.

TONG SHIN PACK CO. LTD.

Booth 10629

Supplies vacuum formers and tools. Also sells extruders for PP and PS sheet and auxiliary equipment for thermoforming.

VALE PACKAGING LTD.

Booth 13513

Supplies low-profile Ikon thermoformers for packaging. Offers cup and tray formers and radiant-heat forming machines for OPS, PET, and HIPS.

WM WRAPPING MACHINERY SA

See Meico SRL.

ZED INDUSTRIES INC.

Booth 4726

Exhibiting new SF (Servo-Form) roll-fed pressure former series with a 30 x 30 in. model. Absence of toggle allows smooth movement of upper and lower platens.

ZMD INTERNATIONAL

Booth 4766

Operating an In Mold Decorating (IMD) former, the V-222DHCG, running formed appliques for cell phones and other molded appearance parts. Also showing HD-300 4 x 4 ft single-station former.