Thermoforming Line
for Drinking Cups
with IC-RDM 70K
dules used for general process optimization, e.g. the self ad-
aptive start-up (sas-up) during material or mold change, mainly
IC modules are employed which ensure high productivity and
reliability of a production line and at the same time help to mi-
nimize operation costs.
The new SZA 73c stacking machine is suitable for all tasks
which so far were performed by three stacking systems: SE 73,
SZA 73 and SZS 73. For this purpose the SZA 73c can be
equipped variably with different discharge options. When the
application changes the discharge system can be easily adju-
sted thanks to the modular design. The following variants are
available: Infinitely per cage or counted per cage, counted in
layers or counted in stacks. Existing molds can still be used.
Due to the fact that now a servo drive is employed as well, se-
quencing of forming station and stacking unit can be opti-
mally synchronized.
Thermoforming systems where in the past the performance
was limited by the stacking units can now achieve higher pro-
ductivity with existing molds as well. The SZA 73c performance
exceeds the performance of previous versions with speeds of
up to 40 cycles per minute achieved with latch stacking and 33
cycles per minute with brush stacking.
A
t Chinaplas, Shanghai, hall E1, stand A45, ILLIG will pre-
sent a fully automated, state-of-the-art production line for
drinking cups, completely from one source, April 25 to 28. In
this thermoforming system where the individual machines are
optimally synchronized the IC-RDM 70K automatic roll-fed ma-
chine serves as forming machine. Drinking cups, diameter 89.5
mm, are manufactured on this machine with a 14-up mold
out of APET, forming area 680 mm x 300 mm. Current ma-
chines are equipped with the IC operating concept (ILLIG In-
telligent Control Concept), so the high productivity of these
servo driven thermoformers can be utilized easily, reliably and
fast to the full extent. The trade fair machine is combined with
the new, also servo driven SZA 73c stacking machine.
Thanks to its modular design the stacking machine can be
equipped with different discharge options. Automatic feed to
downstream machines can also be realized with the new SZA
73c, here to a rimming machine to automatically form the lip
roll of the drinking cups.
Machines of the RDM-K series are specifically designed for the
economic production of cups out of thermoplastic materials
in different shapes and sizes. Frequently the machines are also
used as inline systems with pre-linked extruders, e.g. for large-
volume production of drinking cups in quantities of millions.
The ILLIG IC operating concept also supports the aspects rele-
vant for large-volume production very effectively. Besides mo-
Extrusion International 2/2016
39