Six FC780 E IM2 Speedmaster Plus electric thermoforming machines manufactured by WM Wrapping Machinery - headquartered in Switzerland - were recently purchased by British processor Kobusch (a subsidiary of the US-based Capital Partners Sun company) to produce aPET and rPET food packaging containers. This supply was followed by a further order for another three of these machines, which will be delivered in the course of 2013.
The Speedmaster Plus mod. FC780 E IM2 has tool dimensions of 780 x 570 mm and a maximum positive/negative forming height of 130 mm. The machine movements are guaranteed by servomotors that make it possible to achieve production rates of up to 54 cycles per minute. The sheet heating section comprises an upper and a lower heater bank, each of which is equipped with infrared ceramic heating elements with independently controlled zones to optimise heating according to the type of material being processed.
Forming, which is achieved through the use of compressed air up to 8 bar and a vacuum, can be programmed in the desired sequence with quick changeover between the upper and lower platens.
The forming unit, with toggle clamping system guided by four tie bars, develops a power of 75 tons over eight points of the platen; this allows firmer mould closing, a more even distribution of the force applied, and the possibility of moulding and cutting the product in a single station.
The system features electric regulation of upper and lower platen heights and electric (independent) motion of the plugs. The cutting unit also has toggle clamping guided by four tie bars and develops a maximum power of 60 tons. This results in increased rigidity and planarity and better cutting force distribution.
The machine is compact, as the electric panel is integrated within its structure; it offers ease of access on the operator side, which facilitates rapid tool change using special tool extraction supports.