The shaping of thermoplastic sheeting with thermoforming machines provides a versatile and relatively inexpensive option for plastics manufacturing. It can be used to produce everything from horticultural packaging to truck bed liners. Results of the thermoforming process are handled every day by consumers in a wide range of plastic food and point of purchase packaging, as well as disposable plastic lids, cups and plates. With a solid thermoforming production line, you can take advantage of this vast market.

The versatility of uses for a thermoform machine also provides a wide range of choices when deciding which will be best for you. When choosing your thermoforming process equipment, take the following into consideration:

1. Use the type of thermoforming machinery that best fits your manufacturing needs.
2. Consider rotary or multi-station rotary thermoform machines to increase production capacity.
3. Cut costs by finding used thermoformers that fit your needs.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose the correct thermoforming process equipment for your manufacturing needs

Your final product will most likely determine whether you will be using a cut sheet or continuous feed thermoforming machine. Continuous rolls are usually contain thin thermoplastic sheeting that are used for smaller processes such as horticulture packages, cups, lids, and other food packaging. Pre-cut sheets are usually a thicker thermoplastic and are used for products such as automotive and airline components, truck, refrigerator, and hot tub liners, and plastic pallets. For more complex products, you should choose thermoforming machines manufacturer that offers custom designed machines.

I recommend: Brown Machine is an industry leading thermoforming machines manufacturer. It offers continuous, cut sheet, and custom designed thermoformers, as well as tooling, parts and field service. Modern Machinery of Beaverton provides continuous and cut sheet thermoforming machines, as well as clamp frames, upgrade kits, and other parts.

Use a rotary thermoform machine for high volume productivity

Rotary machines allow you to decrease your production time by allowing the loading/unloading of one station while other stations are still undergoing the heating and cooling processes. This lets you increase your production level to become a high volume manufacturer.

I recommend: MAAC Machinery was one of the first innovators of rotary thermoforming machines. They offer three- and four-station rotary thermoforming machines in a wide range of sizes and over 132 options to customize your machine to your specific needs. The Rotaryform thermoforming machine model from Cannon comes in 3 and 4 station forms with several sizes and options to choose from.

Buy a second hand thermoforming machine to reduce costs

If your production is relatively straight-forward, with few customizations required, you may be able to take advantage of a lower-cost used thermoforming machine. Many thermoforming machinery suppliers sell surplus machinery and refurbish older models to like-new condition and offer them at a reduced priced. Many of these machines will give you the same reliability as a new machine at a fraction of the cost. The key is to find a reputable and respected machinery supplier to ensure you can trust the refurbishing process.

I recommend: KD Capital Equipment is one of the largest used machinery dealers. They have a constantly updated inventory of all types of thermoforming machinery and offers to locate your desired machine if it is not available in their inventory. Plastimach offers and extensive inventory of surplus thermoforming machines of every variety, all of which are inspected by Plastimach before listing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Maintain your optimum efficiency and competitiveness by constantly monitoring new thermoforming technology and creating a long-term plan for updating and/or replacing your thermoforming machinery.