HOME Selected Articles Thermoforming Die Cutting Guide and Applications

Latest News

11.Sep.2024
Selected Articles

Thermoforming Die Cutting Guide and Applications

Share:

Thermoforming Die Cutting Guide and Applications

Ever wondered how all those different shapes of plastic packaging come to life? From drink cups to cookie boxes and cake containers, these everyday items are all made using Thermoforming Die Cutting technology. But what exactly is thermoforming, and how do the tools used in the die-cutting process influence the final product's quality? In this guide, Hung-shuh will break down the essentials of thermoforming and highlight why die-cutting tools are so crucial. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of the processes that bring these convenient packaging solutions to your everyday life.

The Thermoforming Process: How It Works and Where It's Used

Thermoforming is behind many of the plastic packaging products we use every day. The process starts by heating plastic sheets until they’re soft, then shaping them with vacuum or pressure. Once the plastic cools and takes on its new form, die-cutting tools trim it to the final desired shape. This last step—die-cutting—is critical to ensuring the quality of the finished product. Below, we’ll dive into the details of how this process works and what makes it so essential.

 

 

Thermoforming Process

 
  • PLASTIC SHEET ROLL

  • HEATING TO SOFT

  • VACUUM & COOLING 

  • UNMOLD

  • ELIMATE EXCESS

  • FINISHED

Thermoforming Processh

1. Mold Creation:

Typically, aluminum alloy or other metal materials are selected to create molds that match the product's shape and size.

2. Material Selection:

Different plastic types are used for various products. For example, PP is used for food packaging, PS for toy packaging, and PET for general commercial packaging. PP is also used for products requiring more durability and rigidity. Therefore, the appropriate plastic material is selected based on specific needs before production.

3. Heating and Shaping:

The plastic material is placed on the mold and heated until it softens. Once the plastic is malleable, vacuum or pressure is applied to make it conform tightly to the mold's surface, creating the desired shape.

4. Cooling and Demolding:

After cooling, the formed product is removed from the mold.

5. Cutting and Shaping:

Using appropriate die-cutting tools, the product is trimmed to retain the necessary parts, with excess material removed to meet design specifications, thus completing the process. 

What is Vacuum Forming?

 
Various plastic sheets can be thermoformed and vacuum-formed into different three-dimensional shapes to create a wide range of products or meet packaging needs.
 

Die cutting for thermoforming products

 

Die cutting is essential in shaping thermoformed products. After forming, it trims excess material, ensuring precision and clean edges. This process is crucial for producing accurate, high-quality items.

 

Features of Thermoforming

Why opt for thermoforming technology? It offers four key advantages:
  • Cost Reduction and Efficiency Improvement

Compared to plastic injection molding, thermoforming allows for the mass production of multiple products at once. The cost of mold  production is lower, and the process requires less manual labor, which reduces the per-unit production cost and boosts overall efficiency.
  • High Customization

Molds can be tailored to the specific size and shape of the product, allowing for the creation of a wide variety of packaging and products, making it suitable for many industries.
  • Utilizing the Transparency of Plastics for Product Display

Since thermoforming primarily uses plastic materials, which are often transparent, it not only serves as packaging but also allows for clear product display, expanding its range of applications.
  • Dust and Moisture Resistance, Enhanced Product Protection

Thermoformed packaging conforms closely to the product’s shape, providing better protection by preventing dust and moisture from entering.
Application Field                                                    Common Products
Household Item Packaging Toys, stationery, lampshades, and various household items and packaging
Food Packaging Cake boxes, cookie boxes, plastic meal containers, fruit boxes, drink cups and lids, frozen food packaging, etc.

Medical Packaging
Pharmaceutical packaging, Press Through Package, disposable medical instruments, surgical trays, protective covers, medical equipment packaging, etc.
Electronics Industry 3C products, Consumer Electronics packaging, electronic component trays, etc.

Hung-shuh's Top 2 Best-Selling Die-Cutting Rule for Thermoforming

In the thermoforming process, while shaping the plastic is crucial, the post-forming cutting step is equally important. If the necessary products aren't cut with precision and finesse, it can result in poor-quality, unrefined packaging. Worse, improper cutting can lead to issues like debris, stringing, or rough edges that might cause injury. Therefore, the cutting stage in thermoforming is a critical aspect of the entire process.
To achieve precise and delicate cuts, the die-cutting blades used must be of high quality: they should offer accurate cutting, durability, and customizability (in terms of thickness, hardness, height, or features like perforations or toothed edges). At Hung-shuh, we offer two types of die-cutting blades specifically designed for thermoforming:
 TYPE GR-ground rule SG-Super ground rule
Characteristics
  • Blade edge has vertical grain aligned with cutting direction, making it more efficient and easier to use.
  • harp tip easily penetrates materials, reducing dust and angel hair.
  • Low roughness at the tip for smoother cuts.
  • Sharp edge with a smooth bevel reduces friction for easier cutting.
  • Superior surface with minimal grain visibility, perfect for
Applicable Industries Widely applicable, often used by clients with moderate or small production needs. Industries that require high-quality cuts, such as cosmetic, medical,electronic and semiconductor sectors
Suitable for Cutting Thermoformed products, films, gaskets, food containers, pharmaceutical boxes, cosmetic boxes, etc.   

Comparison with Other type of cutting rule - Magnified cross-section of PET and Stress Curve Chart

Stress-strain curve

 

Specifications for TYPE GR and SG

Recommended Die-Cutting Rule for Thermoforming: Hung Shuh Enterprises Co., Ltd.

As one of the top three die-cutting blade manufacturers in the world, Hung Shuh continuously strives for excellence in materials, equipment, and technology. With a craftsmanship-like dedication to professionalism and high quality, we focus on in-depth development in the blade manufacturing field.

If your company needs thermoforming die-cutting rules or has related industry requirements, please feel free to contact us.

 

Search

Inquriy

    Please Enable cookies to improve your user experience

    In accordance with the EU's implementation of the Personal Data Protection Act, we are committed to safeguarding your personal information and providing you control over it. We have updated and will regularly update our Privacy Policy to comply with this personal data protection law. Please refer to our latest Privacy Statement.
    This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. To learn more about how this website uses cookies, please click here.