Introduces the latest innovations in thermoforming materials, processes, and applications
Advanced Thermoforming brings readers fully up to date with the latest standards, processes, materials, and applications in the field. From forming to filling to sealing processes, the author explains everything that can now be accomplished using the most advanced thermoforming technologies available. Moreover, readers learn how to fully leverage these technologies in order to design and manufacture products that meet all specifications at minimum cost and maximum efficiency.
Emphasizing the application of advanced thermoforming for the production of technical parts and packaging, the book:
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Guides readers through all facets of development, design, and machine and mold technology
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Recommends new technologies that offer higher productivity, better quality, and lower costs
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Describes common raw materials used in thermoforming, including how specific materials affect the production process
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Explains the proper handling of semi-finished products and formed parts
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Sets forth the basic principles of extrusion, an essential process underlying thermoforming
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Introduces the latest software techniques to simulate the thermoforming of new products
Throughout the book, readers learn about the latest innovations in thermoforming, from thermoformed automobile body parts to fully automated packaging assembly lines. The author offers valuable content from his interviews with leading industrial thermoformers, sharing insights and tips from their years of hands-on experience with readers.
With Advanced Thermoforming as their guide, polymer and plastics engineering professionals and students can now explore and exploit the full range of possibilities that thermoforming technology offers.
Table of Contents
Preface xi
1. Introduction 1
2. Basics of Thermoforming and Thermoplastics 5
3. Production of Semifinished Products, Extrusion, and Coextrusion 12
4. Introduction to Technical Parts 28
5. Antenna Radome Manufacturing 29
6. Fuel Tank Production on Sheet Machines 33
7. Automotive Body and Commercial Vehicle Applications 41
8. Production of Refrigerator Liners 48
9. Paint Replacement in Automotive Applications 61
10. Motor Air Intake Made from PA 6 GF 15 70
11. Sanitary Equipment (Sheet Machine) 72
12. Thermoforming and Milling of Large-Scale Formed Parts (Sheet Machine) 76
13. Changeover of Sheet Machines 84
14. Chromed Parts 92
15. Applications in Aircraft and Mass Transportation 94
16. High-Quality and Fully Transparent Products (Sheet Machines) 103
17. Deco Molding and Multi-deco Molding 106
18. Automotive Body Parts Made of PA + ABS 119
19. Softfeel Made from ABS/TPU Material 121
20. Introduction to Packaging 124
21. Optimizing a Thermoforming Process for Packaging 125
22. Analysis of Thermoforming Films 137
23. Advanced Analysis of Thermoforming Films 144
24. Analysis of Thermoformed Products 151
25. Analysis of Completely Formed, Filled, and Sealed Containers 160
26. Automated Packaging 167
27. Production of Flowerpots 179
28. Steel Rule Die Punching 197
29. Production of Meat Trays 200
30. Multilayer Films for Thermoforming Applications 208
31. PET in Thermoforming Applications 211
32. Thermoformed Packaging Made of PLA 227
33. Peel and Reseal 232
34. Foam Packaging with PP and PS 250
35. Blister Packaging of Syringes 257
36. The Production of Drinking Cups 264
37. Ultrasonic Sealing and Cutting in Thermoforming 287
38. Understanding the Brittle Behavior of Polystyrene Cups 293
39. Preprinted Film for Lid Thermoforming 308
40. Flexible Films 311
41. Simulation 316
42. Recycling 324
Glossary 328
Index 329
