"Provides in-depth coverage of the entire thermoforming molding process from market domain and materials options to manufacturing methods and peripheral support. Second Edition furnishes entirely new information on twin sheet forming, corrugated tubing and pipe manufacturin gtechniques, plastics recycling, forthcoming equipment, and energy and labor costs."
Thermoforming is an area of plastics processing with especially high growth, applying to both production of technical parts as well as for packaging. In the area of plastics packaging, thermoforming is unrivaled as a processing method. This popular and unparalleled book has been substantially extended and revised in its second edition. New topics include thermoforming tools, decoration in thermoforming, and energy usage in thermoforming. In addition to the thermoplastic materials, all procedural steps of thermoforming as well as the essential machine types and fundamentals of making tools and molds are described comprehensively and illustrated with practical examples. This is a practical manual for both beginners and experienced professionals, based on a well-proven teaching program employed in training courses, with detailed descriptions of the principles and processes of thermoforming. It provides an introduction to the topic for students, as well as the fundamental knowledge for deeper treatment of specific problems for working engineers and technicians with practical field experience.
FROM THE FOREWORD Dr. Gruenwald has indicated the desirable properties of polymerics for differing applications; thus, his text is especially useful for polymer chemists who must "tailor" plastic materials for specific groups of applications. Engineers in extruding and calendering film and sheet will benefit from the intimate relationships elucidated between processing parameters imposed upon stocks employed in thermoforming and the products thereof. Mold designers are provided with a complete guide that will enable them to avoid the less obvious pitfalls and wasted effort so often experienced in the evolution of molds for (especially) complex parts.. Quite likely, Dr. Gruenwald's suggestions willl lead to considerable benefits to those who read and practice by this remarkable exposition of thermoforming technology. Robert K. Jordan Director-Metalliding Institute, Director-Engineering Research Institute, Scientist in Residence, Gannon University
The process of heating and reshaping plastics sheet and film materials has been in use since the beginning of the plastics industry. This process is known as thermoforming. Today this process is used for industrial products including signage, housings, and hot tubs. It also produces much of the packaging in use today including blister packs, egg cartons, and food storage containers. This process has many advantages over other methods of producing these products, but it has some limitations. This book has a twofold purpose. It is designed to be used as a text book for a course on thermoforming. It is also intended to be an application guide for professionals in the field of thermoforming including manufacturing, process and quality engineers, and managers. This book is focused on process application rather than theory. It refers to real products and processes with the intent of understanding the real issues faced in this industry. In addition to materials and processes, part and tool design are covered. Quality control is critical to any operation and this is also covered in this text. Two areas of focus in today's industry include Lean operations and environmental issues. Both of these topics are also included. Table of Contents: Introduction / Plastics Materials / Thermoforming Process Overview / The Forming Process / Part Design Mold / Tool Design / Quality Control Issues / Lean Operations / Environmental Issues
This review provides a brief discussion of the thermoforming process, including its historical development and machinery and material requirements. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library database provides useful references for further reading.
Thermoforming is a processing technique involving air pressure applied to heated plastic, and combines the earlier terminology of vacuum-formed and pressure-formed operations. A specialist in thermoforming, mechanical engineer Rosen describes the roll-fed process, properties of plastic materials, designing products, thermoforming machines, trim presses, knife-like trim dies, and off-line punch-and-die trimming. Chapters on molds cover mold design, system components, layout and base design, and cost estimating. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
This book is a comprehensive reference manual that contains essential information on thermoforming processing and technology. The field of thermoforming is experiencing rapid development driven by commercial factors; millions of tons of polymers are manufactured for use in various applications, both as commodity and specialty polymers. Building on the previous edition published about ten years ago, this edition includes new, as well as, fully revised chapters and updated information on materials and processes. The book is designed to provide practitioners with essential information on processing and technology in a concise manner. The book caters to both engineers and experts by providing introductory aspects, background information, and an overview of thermoforming processing and technology. The troubleshooting section includes flowcharts to assist in correcting thermoforming processes. “Thermoforming: Processing and Technology” offers a complete account of thermoplastics, covering properties and forming, with chapters providing perspective on the technologies involved. Readers will find it: serves as a handy knowledge source for professionals who occasionally work on thermoforming projects or need to refresh their knowledge; offers a troubleshooting guide that can help to identify and solve challenges that may arise in thermoforming processes; provides insights into process optimization, helping businesses improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance the quality of thermoformed products; acts as a course book to inform students about the thermoforming process. Audience The book will be of interest to mechanical, materials engineers, and process engineers who are involved in designing and optimizing thermoforming processes; professionals in the manufacturing and production industries who use thermoforming as a manufacturing method, such as in the production of plastic packaging, automotive components, and consumer goods; scientists, researchers, and students in plastics/polymer engineering and technology, materials science, polymer technology; professionals responsible for ensuring product quality and compliance with industry standards.
ADVANCED THERMOFORMING Overview of advanced technologies in thermoforming including forming, filling, and sealing processes, and practical applications in various industries Advanced Thermoforming offers an overview of and new insights into thermoforming by comparing current and new standards for forming and mold technologies, presenting concepts from the practitioner’s perspective in a case-study format showing the possibilities of automated processes, reviewing the forming, filling, sealing processes, and applications of technical parts and packaging. The reader is guided along the path of design and development for machine and mold technologies and production processes. Along with updated content, this revised Second Edition adds new coverage of sustainability in packaging, circular economy principles, mold technology, electromotive applications, and developments in new polymeric materials. The text opens thermoforming to new applications and demands on plastic parts by covering advances in thermoforming machines, molds, and automation. Advanced Thermoforming covers topics such as: Basics of thermoforming and thermoplastics, production of semifinished products, extrusion, and coextrusion Introduction to both heavy and thin gauge thermoforming New approaches for more sustainable rigid packaging through thermoforming Fuel tank production on sheet machines, automotive body and commercial vehicle applications, and production of refrigerator liners Sustainability and circular economy principles in thermoforming Presenting an impressive variety of advanced thermoforming technologies in a very readable form, Advanced Thermoforming is an essential reference for polymer and plastics engineers as well asprocessors, technical engineers, R & D managers, new product development managers, automotive engineers, technicians, and equipment designers.
Thermoforming of Single and Multilayer Laminates explains the fundamentals of lamination and plastics thermoforming technologies along with current and new developments. It focuses on properties and thermoforming mechanics of plastic films and in particular single and multilayered laminates, including barrier films. For environmental and economic reasons, laminates are becoming increasingly important as a replacement for solid sheets and paint finishes in many industries, including transportation, packaging, and construction. Yet the processes of film formability during the extensive deformation and elevated temperatures experienced in conventional processing technologies, such as thermoforming, are poorly understood by most engineers. This book covers production processes, such as extrusion, calendaring, and casting, as well as mechanical and impact testing methods. It also describes how testing protocols developed for metals can be leveraged for plastic films and laminates, and includes a thorough discussion on methods for performing optical strain analysis. Applications in transportation vehicles and packaging, including packaging for food, medical and electronics applications, sports equipment, and household appliances, are discussed. Safety, recycling and environmental aspects of thermoforming and its products complete the book. First comprehensive source of information and hands-on guide for the thermoforming of multilayered laminates Covers applications across such sectors as automotive, packaging, home goods, and construction Introduces new testing methods leveraging protocols used for metals
Modern thermoforming practice is a balance of practical experience and the application of engineering principles. This very practical book introduces the process, its tools and machinery, and the commonly used materials to novices and practicing engineers alike.
