Termoformet emballeringsmaskine

Hvad er en termoformet pakkemaskine?

En termoform-emballeringsmaskine er en maskine, der bruger varme til at forme plast i en form. Denne fremstillingsproces former blisters til en bestemt form og trimmer den derefter. Der findes forskellige typer termoformende pakkemaskiner, som kan bruges. Hvis du f.eks. kun har brug for sample og prototypedele, kan du nøjes med en lille maskine i laboratoriestørrelse, som kan opvarme små udskæringer af plastplader. Hvis du har brug for store mængder og komplekse applikationer og vil producere mange tusinde færdige dele i timen, skal du bruge store produktionsmaskiner til at opvarme og forme plastpladen. Disse termoform-emballeringsmaskiner trimmer også de formede dele, alt sammen i en kontinuerlig højhastighedsproces.

Hvordan fungerer termoformende pakkemaskiner?

Som tidligere nævnt arbejder en termoform-emballeringsmaskine med at forme blisters i en bestemt form. Processen er som følger: En plastplade opvarmes i en ovn til en temperatur, der er høj nok til, at den kan strækkes ind i eller på en form, hvorefter den afkøles. Når termoformningen udføres med en stor maskine, transporteres plastpladen gennem en ovn ved hjælp af et sæt indekseringskæder, der gennemborer pladen, som tilføres kontinuerligt fra en rulle. Herefter transporteres den opvarmede plade til en formstation, hvor den placeres mellem en form og en trykkasse. Disse lukker sig om pladen. Samtidig sørger et vakuum sammen med trykluft for, at al indesluttet luft fjernes, og plastpladen trækkes ind i eller på formen, så den passer perfekt til formen. Herefter skæres det overskydende materiale til og opbevares for at sikre, at det kan genbruges.

De forskellige typer termoformning

Vacuum Forming: A plastic sheet within a frame is heated until it becomes highly flexible. A vacuum extracts the air, forcing the sheet into a mould. This fast and cost-effective process is perfect for high-volume projects.

Pressure Forming: Following steps akin to vacuum forming, pressure forming incorporates an additional tool that presses the part into place while the vacuum removes air. This method yields more detailed pieces with consistent plastic thickness.

Drape Forming: In this technique, the heated plastic sheet is draped over or pressed onto a mandrel or form. Though less precise, it is an ideal option when cost is a primary concern, as it requires minimal tooling or fixtures. However, lower costs come at the expense of accuracy.

Billow Forming: Also known as "free forming," this method does not use a mould. Instead, air jets blow the heated plastic into a bubble, making it suitable for constructing domes or skylights.

Matched Mold Forming: This process employs both male and female moulds to shape a part precisely. While highly detailed, matched mould forming entails higher tooling costs due to the need for additional components.

Twin Sheet Forming: Two layers are heated and shaped simultaneously before being combined to form a single piece. This technique is optimal for creating double-walled and hollow items.

Fordelene ved en termoformet pakkemaskine

• Quick and easy process: the mould and pressure box ensure that the plastic sheet can quickly and easily be formed in the desired shape.
• Suitable for nearly all types of plastic: different types of plastic have different properties. Most thermoplastics are suitable for a thermoform packaging machine.
• Sturdy material: the plastic that is used in thermoforming is sturdy, making it ideal for different types of blister packaging.
• Versatile: the plastic sheets can be formed into or onto any shape mould, making the thermoforming packaging machine very versatile.