Industrial thermoforming machine, thermoforming machine
MÉCANUMÉRIC offers industrial thermoforming machines. These digitally controlled machines are designed for the manufacture of complex parts with a high forming depth. This process is widely used in industry for the mass production of mouldings or the manufacture of single parts. Thermoplastic materials are perfectly suited to this type of CNC-controlled production.
Industrial thermoforming
MÉCANUMÉRIC is presenting MECAFORM, vacuum thermoforming equipment for thermoplastics. This easy-to-use process uses a powerful air suction system. Two thermoforming methods are available.
The first is more specifically designed for the manufacture of protective shells or packaging without the need to fill the mould afterwards. A model is used as the basis for making a mould. This is known as "positive" thermoforming. The second technique is called "negative" thermoforming. It is suitable for reproducing objects. The plate to be thermoformed is applied to the hollow mould, which can then be filled.
How a thermoforming machine works
Today's thermoforming machines are equipped with high-performance, intuitive digital controls. Using a dedicated software interface, the operator selects the material to be used according to its characteristics and the requirements of the intended application. The operator then selects the thickness of the plastic film or sheet and the temperature required for forming. Once programming is complete, the CNC transmits the production order to the machine.
The plastic sheets are placed on a removable mould support. The work itself begins by heating the machine, followed by a suction process. The material to be formed is moved to the mould and applied with a specific pressure. The parts cool down quickly and a new mould can be started without delay.
The output produced by this type of machine is very high. The most diverse and complex shapes can be produced for many industrial applications. Depending on the CNC machine model used, the maximum sheet size that can be formed varies between 1550 and 2550 millimetres. The moulding depth can be up to 500 millimetres.
Models can be saved for later use in the production of new series of parts.
The applications
The thermoforming process is ideally suited to the needs of the ground transport and aeronautics industries. Many of the parts that make up the seats of a train or metro can be thermoformed using this low-cost process. Galleys and other luggage compartments on aircraft can also be made using this machining technique.