PROCESSING | THERMOFORMING
To do this, the company’s software designers first defined a basic mathematical model. Then, with a series of on-machine tests, they tuned that model so that the estimates matched the actual readings on the machine. “That mathematical model also allowed us to
save material with each new production startup,” said Boffelli. With the previous system – when making a new piece – the operator had to begin by testing and experimenting. For example, setting temperature based on experience. If this was too high, the machine would stop; if too low, the piece would not be formed correctly. This led to wasted material. “With the new software, even a less-experienced
Above: Illig and Neste are developing thermoformed products that have a reduced carbon footprint
quality and property of products and the perfor- mance of value chain infrastructure. “With Illig, we can verify the drop-in nature of our solutions and the shift to more sustainable raw materials in very practical demonstration cases – which can serve as blueprints for large-scale and real value chains,” he added.
Ease of use WM Thermoforming says that making machinery user-friendly is a key aim – which it has done by developing its software in-house. “For some time, we have been working to simpli- fy the use of our machines,” said Fabio Boffelli, head of software development at WM. “Examples include: simplifying the graphics of the interface; reducing the set-up operations for the operator; and developing a self-adjusting algorithm.” The self-adjusting algorithm allows for one or
more auto-setting sections – reduce the effort needed by the operator. Now, an operator only needs to enter a small number of parameters: material data, product data and little else. After that, the machine automatically processes all the operating parameters, says Boffelli.
operator can start right away with a more effective approach,” he said. WM’s thermoforming machines have a modem connection giving remote access to what an operator is doing. There are two diagnostic operations involved: in case of an anomaly, WM can understand where and how it occurred; and, operators can continually monitor working condi- tions, save the parameters and view any relevant variation – to restore optimal conditions quickly. The ‘connected factory’ – in which machine data
is integrated in the factory system – is an emerging trend. “We have incorporated automation and Industry 4.0 technologies into our machines – and have developed an efficient way to collect, manage and process data in real time so that the customer can define machine performance,” said Boffelli.
Triple bubble At K2022, Kuhne Anlagenbau showed a large- scale line for biaxially oriented thermoforming films using its Triple Bubble technology. With a thickness of 80 to 120 microns, the films
are only about half the thickness of conventional cast films used in food packaging, says Kuhne. The
each detail matters for unrivalled performance
Only a company who has a constant focus on the productivity of its customers thinks ahead and creates extrusion solutions that leave the rest standing. SML specialises in the development of extrusion lines for film, sheet, coating and lamination as well as multifilament spinning lines.
Extrusion lines – engineered to perform.
www.sml.at
IMAGE: NESTE
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