What is a thermoformer how does it work and why should i buy one?
Thermoformers or flow formers as some people refer to them are a reliable, efficient, effective and attractive way to package all kinds of goods but are particularly suitable to packaging food.
The process consists of two flat sheets (film) of plastic material, one for the base of the package and one for the lid. The lower film is advanced into the forming station where it is clamped between an aluminium die, the top of the die has a heater plate and the lower die or form has a pocket the same shape as the final pack.
The lower film is heated and then by means of compressed air is stretched into the aluminium pocket below to form the pack.
Once the pack has been formed, the machine advances the lower film toward the sealing station where the product can be loaded.
Next the pack enters the sealing station where the pack is evacuated, gas injected and then sealed before finally being cut from the film and ejected from the machine.
Any shape pack can be produced on a thermoformer and the depth of the pack adjusted easily by inserting or removing spacers within the forming die.
Thermoformers also have the flexibility (depending on options ordered) to produce full vacuum packs, MAP packs, skin pack and seal only packs in both flexible and semi rigid plastics (resembling trays from a tray sealer).
The packaging process is very efficient with little film wastage and short cycle times.
click the below link to see one in action: