THERMOFORMING | MACHINERY
Recent thermoforming innovations include a material grade for a new autonomous vehicle, ways to boost recyclability and machines with superior visualisation and output
Quick on the draw: latest in thermoforming
Digitalisation is a growing element within manufac- turing, and thermoforming machinery has not been slow to adopt it – with many machine makers incorporating the latest technologies into their designs. The new Speedformer KTR 6.2 Speed tilting machine from Kiefel includes a compact, standard- ised automation solution from Siemens. Kiefel says this helps it deliver up to 50% higher output and 10% lower energy consumption. The model processes PET or R-PET in a single forming and punching step. “What matters to our customers is how they can
operate profitably with our solutions,” said Michael Staudinger, product manager at Kiefel. “Pure output is only one aspect – energy costs, flexibility, and usability are just as important.” A Simatic S7-1518 TF controller, combined with Sinamics S120 drive system, manages all machine processes including integrated safety functions. The
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visualisation is based on Simatic WinCC Unified. “With WinCC Unified, we have developed a modern visualisation system – for short training times, fast recipe optimisation and efficient error handling,” he added. Modular software blocks and option handling in
the TIA Portal helps cut commissioning time by up to 40%, while a digital twin allows virtual testing and training before the real machine goes into operation. Here, Kiefel and Siemens are mapping the know-how and technologies of the KTR series in a digital twin based on Simatic PLCSim Ad- vanced, Simit, and NX MCD. “This allows us to simulate machine operating scenarios on the model – such as training users before the real machine goes into operation,” he said. “It also allows us to simulate errors or test performance limits without any risk to the actual machine.”
Main image: Sekisui Kydex supplied a
thermoforming material for Holon’s
autonomous vehicle
� March 2026 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 13
IMAGES: SEKISUI KYDEX
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