A comprehensive guide for material experts: Classification and Applications of Vacuum Forming Machines

A blister machine, also known as a thermoforming machine, operates on the principle of using vacuum suction generated by a vacuum pump to form heated and softened thermoplastic sheets such as PVC, PET, PETG, APTT, PP, PE, and PS into various shapes like vacuum covers, blister trays, and blisters through a mold. This involves heating plastic sheets (or boards) and using molds, vacuum, or pressure to deform the sheets (or boards) to meet the required shapes and dimensions, supplemented by auxiliary processes to achieve the intended application.

Feeding system: Responsible for conveying plastic sheets to designated locations, providing raw materials for subsequent processing.

Material Pull SystemThe transmission is typically achieved through chain drive or belt drive methods, which can accurately control the conveying length and speed of plastic sheets, ensuring continuity and stability in production.

Heating systems: Common heaters include electric heaters, crystal radiators, and infrared heaters, which can heat plastic sheets to an appropriate softening temperature for thermoforming.

The vacuum system consists of a vacuum pump, air tank, valves, pipelines, and vacuum gauge. It creates negative pressure to adhere softened plastic sheets to the surface of the mold, forming the desired shape.

Compressed air system: provides power for demolding, external cooling of initial products, and manipulation of mold frames, and can also be used to assist the forming process to ensure better adherence of the products to the mold.

Cooling system: Methods such as air cooling, water cooling, or mist cooling can be used to rapidly cool and set the formed products, thereby improving production efficiency and product quality.

Demolding system: By means of vacuum suction holes, blowing air in the opposite direction, ejector mechanisms, or vibrations, the product is smoothly removed from the mold to prevent damage to the product.

Control system: includes the control of various parameters and actions during processes such as vacuum thermoforming and finishing. Control methods include manual, electro-mechanical automatic control, and computer control.

Classified by forming power

Compression Molding Vacuum Forming Machine: Also known as a mechanical stretch forming machine, it uses single or double molds and, with the aid of external mechanical pressure or its own weight, forms plastic sheets into various parts. It is generally suitable for all thermoplastic materials.

Differential pressure thermoforming machine: relies on the pressure difference between the negative pressure generated by the vacuum system and atmospheric pressure to suction the heated and softened plastic sheet onto the mold surface, achieving the forming process.

Classified by mold type

Single male mold thermoforming machine: The mold is convex-shaped, and the heated and softened plastic sheet is formed into a certain shape by mechanical means. This process is also known as male mold forming, bending forming, or vertical forming.

Single-sided vacuum forming machine: The mold shape is concave, and vacuum suction is used to make the plastic sheet adhere to the surface of the concave mold, forming the desired shape. This is also known as concave mold forming.

The mold of the thermoforming machine consists of the male mold, female mold, clamps, and other accessories, and can simultaneously form both sides of the plastic sheet, ensuring that the products have more precise dimensions and shapes.

Classification by sheet thickness

Thin Sheet Thermoforming Machine: Mainly used for processing plastic sheets with relatively thin thickness, generally with a sheet thickness of 1-2mm or even thinner. It is suitable for producing various small thermoformed packaging products, such as toy packaging and electronic product packaging.

Thick sheet vacuum forming machine: Used for processing thicker plastic sheets, it can produce products such as inner and outer shells for home appliances, luggage, display stand accessories, and more.

Classified by forming power

A thermoforming machine, also known as a mechanical stretching forming machine, uses a single mold or a pair of molds, with the help of external mechanical pressure or gravity, to form plastic sheets into various parts. It is essentially suitable for all thermoplastic materials.

Differential pressure forming vacuum machine: Relies on the difference between the negative pressure generated by the vacuum system and the atmospheric pressure to adsorb the heated and softened plastic sheet onto the mold surface, achieving the forming process.

Categorize by mold type

A single positive mold vacuum forming machine: The mold is convex in shape, and it shapes the heated and softened plastic sheet into a certain form using mechanical means. It is also known as convex molding, bending molding, or vertical molding.

Single-sided vacuum forming machine: The mold shape is concave, and the plastic sheet is made to conform to the concave mold surface through vacuum suction, forming the desired shape, also known as concave molding.

For a matched-mold thermoforming machine: the mold consists of a male mold, a female mold, a clamp, and other accessories. It is capable of simultaneously forming both sides of the plastic sheet, enabling the product to achieve more precise dimensions and shapes.

Classify by sheet thickness

Thin Sheet Thermoforming Machine: Mainly used for processing plastic sheets with relatively thin thickness, generally between 1-2mm or even thinner. It is suitable for producing various small blister packaging products, such as toy packaging and electronic product packaging.

Thick sheet thermoforming machine: Used for processing thicker plastic sheets, capable of producing products such as inner shells and outer cases for household appliances, luggage, display rack accessories, and more.

In the plastic packaging industry, blister packaging is widely used for packaging of plastics, batteries, toys, gifts, hardware, home appliances, electronics, stationery, and decorations. It provides good protection and display effects for products.

The food packaging industry: can be used to produce fast food boxes, fruit trays, biscuit boxes, etc., meeting the hygiene, aesthetic, and practical requirements of food packaging.

The pharmaceutical industry: Used for pill packaging and tablet packaging, ensuring the quality and safety of medicines, while facilitating the storage, transportation, and sale of medicines.

In the industrial field: able to manufacture cooling tower water deflectors, industrial panels, etc., to meet various needs in industrial production.

The decoration industry: capable of producing three-dimensional relief patterns, plastic ceilings, wall panels, and other decorative materials, providing diverse options for interior and exterior decoration.