Wrapping Machinery launched a new In-Line thermoforming machine for the production of PP cups.This line, model INTEC 900, is composed of a 150mm single
screw extruder, a horizontal sheet calender and a thermoformer (punch and die in-mould cut) with a lower tilting platen which rotates by 75 degrees.

The maximum tool dimensions are 880 x 520mm thereby allowing 57 cavities for a 200cc drinking cup with a 70mm diameter.

The line achieved a production output of 120,000 cups per hour during pre-delivery trials and was equipped with downstream ancillaries including a stacker system,
rim roller and packaging equipment, as well as an in-line granulator, which recycles the production scrap and returns it to the mixing and feeding group above the extruder.

The line is based on the newly developed thermoformer, the FT 900.  This latest model completes the existing range of in-mould cut machines with tilting lower
platen, which comprises four versions with the following forming dimensions: 570 x 350, 705 x 400, 750 x 480 and 800 x 520mm.

The (patented) tilting mechanism of the lower platen is achieved through a combination of cams and levers which are driven by a servomotor to guarantee
absolute precision and repeatability of movement with a calibrated distribution of force during the tilting movement and cutting phases. 

All of the FT series machines are equipped with servomotor driven plugs that ensure a uniform and controlled distribution of the material in the cavity.

It is in fact possible to set different speeds and timings to allow notable improvements in the aesthetic appearance of transparent articles, reducing the
plug marks on the material.

The heating section, upper and lower, uses infra-red heating elements which are controlled in longitudinal rows.  There is also the option to have a proportional
heating zone and transverse temperature control which optimises the heating according to the material being processed.

Control of the machine is based on an industrial microprocessor, with a control panel with colour monitor mounted on a moving arm for ease of operation.  All set-
up data can be saved on a USB ‘memory stick’ with no limit to the number of tool settings that can be saved.

There is a stacking system which allows various solutions according to the type of article being produced, which enables the transfer of the different rows of formings to the handling and packaging sections automatically.  This facilitates the production of a vast range of formings other than cups, such as yoghurt pots,
margarine tubs, ice-cream pots, lids, etc.

As usual, the FT series of machines is also available as an OFF-LINE version, fed by pre-extruded reels of material as opposed to the IN-LINE version which includes an extrusion group with sheet calender and scrap recycling system.