Introduces the latest innovations in thermoforming materials, processes, and applications Advanced Thermoforming brings readers fully up to date with the latest standards, processes, materials, and applications in the field. From forming to filling to sealing processes, the author explains everything that can now be accomplished using the most advanced thermoforming technologies available. Moreover, readers learn how to fully leverage these technologies in order to design and manufacture products that meet all specifications at minimum cost and maximum efficiency. Emphasizing the application of advanced thermoforming for the production of technical parts and packaging, the book: Guides readers through all facets of development, design, and machine and mold technology Recommends new technologies that offer higher productivity, better quality, and lower costs Describes common raw materials used in thermoforming, including how specific materials affect the production process Explains the proper handling of semi-finished products and formed parts Sets forth the basic principles of extrusion, an essential process underlying thermoforming Introduces the latest software techniques to simulate the thermoforming of new products Throughout the book, readers learn about the latest innovations in thermoforming, from thermoformed automobile body parts to fully automated packaging assembly lines. The author offers valuable content from his interviews with leading industrial thermoformers, sharing insights and tips from their years of hands-on experience with readers. With Advanced Thermoforming as their guide, polymer and plastics engineering professionals and students can now explore and exploit the full range of possibilities that thermoforming technology offers.

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.

This book presents the proceedings from the 5th NEWTECH conference (Belgrade, Serbia, 5–9 June 2017), the latest in a series of high-level conferences that bring together experts from academia and industry in order to exchange knowledge, ideas, experiences, research results, and information in the field of manufacturing. The range of topics addressed is wide, including, for example, machine tool research and in-machine measurements, progress in CAD/CAM technologies, rapid prototyping and reverse engineering, nanomanufacturing, advanced material processing, functional and protective surfaces, and cyber-physical and reconfigurable manufacturing systems. The book will benefit readers by providing updates on key issues and recent progress in manufacturing engineering and technologies and will aid the transfer of valuable knowledge to the next generation of academics and practitioners. It will appeal to all who work or conduct research in this rapidly evolving field.

"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."

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.

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. p”emThermoforming: 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.

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