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Illig, Europe’s leading manufacturer of thermoforming and packaging systems, has launched an innovative new fully automatic pressure forming machine. Called the RDM 75K, the new machine is the latest in Illig’s most recent and advanced generation of thermoforming systems and, in common with other machines in the range, enables end users to make significant increases to production speeds while improving product quality and reducing both scrap and energy consumption.
The new RDM 75K has been developed for the high speed production of a wide range of thermoformed components, including containers and cups for food and beverage applications, using different types of materials such as APET and RPET. The system can be run off-line, from roll materials, or in-line with a flat-film extruder, has a forming area of 735 x 465mm and is capable of running at speeds of up to 38cycles/minute; this is approximately 30% quicker than the previous generation of Illig machines and also considerably faster than most competing systems of similar specification, which typically run at under 20 cycles/minute.
In addition, the new system incorporates sophisticated computer and variable speed drive control of all process stages, plus a number of unique features designed to provide an exceptionally high level of precision and efficiency. For example, a specialised multiple valve configuration is now used to control the flow of forming air to each mould cavity, while carefully regulated water cooling technology provides accurate and consistent cooling temperatures, using up to four individually controlled cooling circuits in each mould tool. Similarly, directly cooled and independently controlled downholders help to regulate material distribution, while a new stacking mechanism enables formed components to be cooled quickly and efficiently within just one machine cycle before being stacked.
The result of these innovations includes far more consistent distribution of formed materials in each mould cavity, enabling high quality components to be produced with thinner wall dimensions or even greater structural rigidity; for example, variations in the rim thickness of typical containers can be reduced to just a few tenths of a micron. Additionally, the volume of forming air required for each machine cycle has been cut by up to 50%, offering considerable energy savings, while material usage and scrap can also be minimised.
The new control technology also makes machine setup, operation and tool changeovers far simpler and faster, helping to improve overall productivity still further.
The new RDM 75K is backed by full technical support, installation and commissioning services, plus long term preventative maintenance contracts from Illig’s dedicated UK operation.
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