Advanced Thermoforming, 2nd Edition

Chapter 39Approaches for More Sustainable Rigid Packaging Through Thermoforming

Written in cooperation with Michael Maier, Illig Maschinenbau, Germany

In rigid plastic packaging, retailers are trying to save material for sustainable reasons but also because of economic pressure. Quite a number of injection molding rigid packaging applications are shifting toward thermoforming. When design and shapes are comparable, thermoforming allows reduction of wall thicknesses while maintaining the mechanical properties versus injection molding. Barrier properties can be incorporated quite easily into packaging by means of thermoforming with minimal material effort. These environmental and sustainability facts, as well as the economic aspects, have led to the development of a thermoforming line that enlarges the part range, eliminates limitations for tool layout, and provides higher output and reduced change over time (Figure 39.1). This is achieved through a large forming area that can be fully used even with higher cups and thicker films. There are almost no restrictions for the tool layouts. The machine development also focused on precision for extended tool service life. Improved cleanliness and availability are also part of user requirement specifications.

The development was conducted by Illig, and the RDM 76Kb‐line was the result of it.

Technical data

• Forming area: 760mm × 540 mm
• Closing force: 900 kN
• Maximum part height: 255 mm

  Figure 39.1 RDM 76Kb for the production of sustainable ...