For the production of cells and counterdoors for refrigerators, QS Group has developed the new VPF-T (Vacuum-Pressure and Trimming) range of thermoforming machines based on the technology which combines vacuum and pressure with trimming in the forming step. The combined use of vacuum and pressure does not require the formation of the balloon and ensures a better material distribution, allowing a  20% reduction of the sheet thickness, whilst the low temperature required for the forming step results in reduced cycle times and energy consumption.
The trimming operations take place in the same forming station, reducing (up to 40%) the machine footprint and increasing the work precision (±0.2 mm). The completely automatic mould changeover operation takes approx. 4 minutes. Such technological solutions result in a hourly output which can reach 310 cycles with a thickness of 1.2 mm.