Thermoforming

Thermoforming

Plug-Assist Coating Improves Surface Quality and Formability

Manufacturers and users of plug-assist tooling have a new technique to improve the surface finish and cycle time of thermoformed parts.

Read More
Thermoforming

Blow Molders and Thermoformers Try Plastic Rapid Tooling

Rapid prototyping (RP) equipment is increasingly being used to manufacture prototype and short-run production molds for blow molded and thermoformed parts.

Read More
Thermoforming

Coatings Give Aluminum Molds Cost/Performance Edge Over Steel

New cost-effective technologies are designed to make aluminum an attractive alternative to tool steels in a range of plastics molding processes. One method uses a plasma technique to convert the aluminum surface into a hard, dense, wear-resistant ceramic. Another approach uses electro-deposition to apply a surface coating with high hardness, corrosion resistance, and chemical resistance.

Read More
Automation

K 2007 Thermoforming: Packaging Lines Grow Bigger and Faster

There was plenty of news in thermoforming at K 2007 as suppliers rolled out continuous roll-fed packaging systems with greater output, enhanced cooling, reduced air consumption, and more automation.

Read More

Branched PVDF Gains Melt Strength For Film, Blow Molding, Thermoforming

Chain branching opens up lots of new processing opportunities for these fluoropolymers.

Read More
Thermoforming

What's New at the Show in THERMOFORMING

Continuous in-line packaging systems will be the main emphasis in thermoforming at K 2007.

Read More
Postprocessing

Dual-Cure PUR Coatings Boost Performance Of In-Mold Decorating Films

A new version of in-mold decorating technology, developed initially for exterior auto body components, uses dual-cure coating technology to provide a paint film that is both stretchable for good thermoformability and also provides the high gloss and durability of conventional paints.

Read More

Thermoforming: Ready for In-Mold Labeling?

After several fits and starts over the last decade, thermoforming IML appears ready for prime time, thanks to improvements in output and labeling technology. For now, the action is mostly in European packaging.

Read More
Thermoforming

Low-Scrap Thermoforming Competes In Medical Orthotics Manufacturing

An example of how thermoforming is expanding into more and more sophisticated and high-tech applications is the case of orthopedic devices to improve posture, function, and mobility.

Read More
Thermoforming

Extruding Biopolymers: Packaging Reaps Cost Benefit of Going 'Green'

Plastics made from renewable carbon chains, not fossil carbon from oil or gas, are suddenly a solid commercial reality. The draw isn鈥檛 just 鈥済reen鈥 marketing, but the 鈥済reen鈥 of stable prices not linked to petrochemicals.

Read More
Plastics Size Reduction
Blending & Dosing
Process Cooling