The invention relates to an arrangement for supplying a semi-finished product to a thermoforming machine as a starting material for thermoforming. The arrangement has a deposition device on which cuttings of the starting material which are to be processed in succession can be provided, in each case in an at least partially automated manner, and a movable loading unit. This loading unit is set up for at least one of the cuttings to be received on the loading unit. The loading unit can be positioned to receive the cutting from the deposition device, and the loading unit can subsequently be positioned to deposit the cutting received from the deposition device in a working region of the thermoforming machine. The invention further relates to a thermoforming arrangement and to a method for supplying a semi-finished product to a thermoforming machine as a starting material for thermoforming.

A thermoforming system for forming a cushioning pod structure that includes a first and a second thermoforming station with each comprised of a film holder and a thermoforming mold holder. The system implements a thermal source that is moveable between the first thermoforming station and the second thermoforming station such that the film holders are between the thermal source and the respective thermoforming mold holder. The system also relies on intentional application of a vacuum source fluidly coupled to thermoforming stations and a movement mechanism configured to move the thermal source between the first thermoforming station and the second thermoforming station. Additional aspects contemplate the implementation of a positive pressure source to aid in the dislodgment of the formed portion, a cooling system to adjust mold temperatures, and/or a fan to efficiently thermoform the component.

A thermoforming system for forming a cushioning pod structure that includes a first and a second thermoforming station with each comprised of a film holder and a thermoforming mold holder. The system implements a thermal source that is moveable between the first thermoforming station and the second thermoforming station such that the film holders are between the thermal source and the respective thermoforming mold holder. The system also relies on intentional application of a vacuum source fluidly coupled to thermoforming stations and a movement mechanism configured to move the thermal source between the first thermoforming station and the second thermoforming station. Additional aspects contemplate the implementation of a positive pressure source to aid in the dislodgment of the formed portion, a cooling system to adjust mold temperatures, and/or a fan to efficiently thermoform the component.

A thermoplastic forming tool includes a wand that includes a handle, a tip, and a conduit coupling the handle to the tip. The tip includes a heating element, a forming shoe, and a forming shoe support. During use, heat from the heating element heats the forming shoe to a temperature at or above the glass transition temperature of a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic forming tool may be used to apply a thermoplastic material to a surface.

A re-closable packaging assembly includes a container formed at least partially by a first film, and the container has a plurality of walls that cooperate to define an interior volume. The container has an opening through at least one of the plurality of walls. A closure assembly is secured to the container adjacent the opening and comprises a second film and a portion of the first film. The closure assembly includes a lid member pivotable about a hinge portion between a first position in which the lid member releasably engages the container surrounding the opening and a second position in which the lid member is pivoted away from the opening. A first engagement feature may be disposed on the container and a second engagement feature may be disposed on the lid member to removably secure the lid member to the container when the lid member is in the first position.

A forming tool is used, which has a tool trough arranged in a stationary manner and a pressure bell, which can be lowered onto and lifted away from the tool trough. An arrangement is created in which a single- or multi-layer, initially flat, flexible laminate separates the trough interior from the pressure-bell interior in a pressure tight manner. A table, on which the 3-D substrate to be coated is located, assumes a lowered position within the trough interior; there is a considerable, free intermediate space (between the laminate and the 3-D substrate. A radiant-heater assembly is inserted into said intermediate space. The radiant-heater assembly has a carrier, on the top side of which radiant heaters that can be activated are attached and on the bottom side of which radiant heaters that can be activated are attached.

A forming tool is used, which has a tool trough arranged in a stationary manner and a pressure bell, which can be lowered onto and lifted away from the tool trough. An arrangement is created in which a single- or multi-layer, initially flat, flexible laminate separates the trough interior from the pressure-bell interior in a pressure tight manner. A table, on which the 3-D substrate to be coated is located, assumes a lowered position within the trough interior; there is a considerable, free intermediate space (between the laminate and the 3-D substrate. A radiant-heater assembly is inserted into said intermediate space. The radiant-heater assembly has a carrier, on the top side of which radiant heaters that can be activated are attached and on the bottom side of which radiant heaters that can be activated are attached.

The invention is directed to a thermoforming packaging machine (1) for producing sealed packages (2) having a planar surface (3) and a shaped recess (4) comprising a sealing station (6) with a lower sealing tool (7) comprising of a first part (8) provided with a first seal seam support (8a) for supporting a first sealed seam (9) at the outer perimeter (10) of the planar surface (3) of the moulded product (2a) and a second part (11) provided with a second support (11a) provided with a seal seam support opening (12). The second support (11a) supports a second sealed seam (12a) on the planar surface (3) of the moulded product (2a) following the perimeter (13) of the shaped recess (4). The first part (8) and the second part (11) are separate parts which are detachable connected.

The invention is directed to a thermoforming packaging machine (1) for producing sealed packages (2) having a planar surface (3) and a shaped recess (4) comprising a sealing station (6) with a lower sealing tool (7) comprising of a first part (8) provided with a first seal seam support (8a) for supporting a first sealed seam (9) at the outer perimeter (10) of the planar surface (3) of the moulded product (2a) and a second part (11) provided with a second support (11a) provided with a seal seam support opening (12). The second support (11a) supports a second sealed seam (12a) on the planar surface (3) of the moulded product (2a) following the perimeter (13) of the shaped recess (4). The first part (8) and the second part (11) are separate parts which are detachable connected.

An apparatus for thermoforming plastic containers (2) comprising at least one thermoforming device (3) suitable for thermoforming a flat sheet (4) for making a container (2) equipped with an upper flange (5) projecting outward and at least one extracting device (6) associable with the thermoforming device (3) for extracting the thermoformed container (2) from it; when the extracting device (6) is associated with the thermoforming device (3) for extracting the already thermoformed container (2), the extracting device (6) and the thermoforming device (3) define a perimetric mould (7) suitable for hot bending the annular flange (5) of the already thermoformed container (2) before it is extracted from the thermoforming device (3).