The thermoforming machines are specifically designed for high volume production of thin walled plastic cups, bowls, boxes, plate, lip, tray etc. The following are the main features and processes of thermoforming machines for the production of disposable cups, bowls and boxes.
Material Loading: The machine requires a roll or sheet of plastic material, usually made of polystyrene (PS) , polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene(PET), to be loaded into the machine. The material can be pre-printed with branding or decoration.
Heating zone: The material passes through the heating zone and is uniformly heated to a specific temperature. This makes the material soft and pliable during the molding process.
Forming Station: The heated material moves to a forming station where it is pressed against a mold or set of molds. The mold has the inverse shape of the desired cup, bowl , boxs, plate, lip, tray etc. The heated material conforms to the shape of the mold under pressure.
Trimming: After forming, excess material (called flash) is trimmed away to create a clean, precise edge to the cup, bowl or box.
Stacking/Counting: Formed and trimmed cups, bowls or boxes are stacked or counted as they leave the machine for efficient packaging and storage. Cooling: In some thermoforming machines, a cooling station is included where the formed part cools to solidify and retain its shape.
Additional processes: On request, thermoformed cups, bowls or boxes can be subjected to further processes such as printing, labeling or stacking in preparation for packaging.
It is worth noting that thermoforming machines vary in size, capacity and capabilities, depending on production requirements and the specific product being manufactured.
