Eventos Anais de eventos
COBEM 2017
24th ABCM International Congress of Mechanical Engineering
Improvement of thermoforming process aiming higher productivity
Submission Author:
Milton Pereira , SC
Co-Authors:
Heron Silva, Aurélio da Costa Sabino Netto, Milton Pereira
Presenter: Milton Pereira
doi://10.26678/ABCM.COBEM2017.COB17-1978
Abstract
Thermoforming is a widely used polymer processing technique capable of producing in high production rates. In this process, an extruded polymer sheet is heated to its softening temperature and then deformed against a mould to reach a final shape. However, to achieve high productivity associated to an adequate tool and machine life, thermal managing and geometric compliance are key issues. This paper describes four optimization approaches applied to improve the performance of a high productivity thermoforming machine for polypropylene cups production. The use of a PID controller for the sheet heater produced a well-defined and uniform temperature distribution. The cold water flow management through the mould block also produced a well-defined and uniform temperature distribution. The optimization of the mould geometry enhanced the heat transfer. And the manufacturing and assembly tolerances allowed a more precise machine operation. After the modifications, the machine showed to be more robust and efficient.
Keywords
Thermoforming, Thermal management, Mould geometric compliance, Thermoforming productivity
