FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for thermoforming hollow articles like
cups, lids, dishes and more particularly to a system for thermoforming hollow
articles which would be less labour and energy Intensive thereby cost-effective,
user friendly and favour controlled and effective thermoforming of the hollow
articles. The system of the invention is robust and provides for a more firm and
precision movement of the platen means used to activate the moulds in the system
for carrying out the thermoforming operation. The system is found to be highly
productive with interact accuracy and would also enable troubleshooting with
possibility or the user to see the troubleshooting points on screen while carrying out
the operation instantly for ready corrective measure as and when found desirable.
BACKGROUND ART
The Invention is basically concerned with thermoforming operation wherein a web or
sheet of thermoplastic material is first softened by heat and then formed or shaped
while in this stretch condition of the plastic by being drawn or pressed against the
contours of a mould or the under the influence of pressure. Basically, such apparatus
for effecting thermoforming operations usually comprise of upper and lower platens
one of which carries a male mould assembly and the other a female mould
assembly. Usually, the male mould assembly is supported by the lower platen which
can however, be also selectively provided in the upper platen. Also, a damping
assembly found to be a part of the male moulding assembly is caused to trap the
sheet or thermoplastic material about the entrance into the female mould or the
pressure block assembly including, a cooperating damping grid. Subsequently, the
male mould of the male mould assembly is caused to pass through the plane of the
thermoplastic material and eventually form the hollow articles. The relative
movement of male and female mould assemblies is effected by a hydraulic cylinder
or electric motor together with associated cams, gears, support arms etc. to effect
the forming process.
It is found that hydraulic cylinder or electric motor assemblies have large energy
requirements. Moreover, the die cutting of the holfow article thus formed is generally
carried out in another apparatus including die cutting elements into which is
introduced the web or sheet of thermoplastic material. Thus, such die cutting is a
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separate operation and usually suffers from problems of alignment and splitting and
like and are also labour and cost extensive.
Some such problems of the known art have been addressed by providing of
thermoforming apparatus including forming moulds and die cutting moulds disposed
in spaced apart relationship wherein the web or sheet of thermoplastic material is
sequentially moved or indexed in an integrated operation whereby an article round
in the fanning mould is advanced into proper alignment with respect to the die
cutting moulds and die cut, and subsequently withdrawn to an appropriate storage
assembly.
It is also known that the characteristic of the article or of the thermoplastic material
from which the articles are being formed can vary and some materials require a
greater length of time far effective forming than others. To meet such varying
requirements of length of forming, such thermoforming machines are usually
adapted for cyctic operation and it is usually difficult if not impossible to change the
time durations of one stage of the cycle without proportionately affecting the time
duration of the other stages of the cyde. Therefore, simply by slowing down the
main drive to extend the time period of the mould closing stage or the mould closed
stage of the cycle is usually not practicable. In such situations, it is required to stop
the main drive for a given period of erne at some point in cyde. However, providing
such time lag for the cycle involves complexities of drive components and
consideration of mechanical load practice.
It would be apparent form the above state of the art that while thermoforming
machines have been known and made available to the art, it has been difficult to
provide for effective control over the performance of such machines in continuing
wrth the thermoforming operations.
Importantly, it is found that the forming machines presently available have problems
of vibration, which affect the quality and character of the article formed apart from
causing unwanted disturbance for the operator of the unit Further, considering that
the conventional can driven arrangements of forming machines are required to
follow a specific cycle for which the cam and the operating shaft are designed, It is
practically impossible to reorient the height of the motion of the platen causing the
forming in combination wrth the mould and accordingly there is no possibility of
adjustment of tfie platen motion path depending upon the height of the article to be

Fumed and other related parameters. However, since the forming machines are
required to generate articles of varying depth, it is always desirable mat the platen
movement be effectively controlled as per the required draw depth and facilitate
cost effective and high speed operation of the machine.
Moreover, it is usually experienced that while operating the forming apparatus there
can be situations when one need to continuously monitor the operation of the
machine such that there is no faulty operation of the unit resulting in unwanted
defective formation of articles. In particular, since the thickness of the material and
the amount of neat required to make it suitable for the forming operation is
extremely Important the same need to be constantly monitored since depending
upon the sheet material and the desired characteristic of the formed articles, the
heating arrangement along with the duration of heating and the required draw depth
all need to be constantly monitored and favorably regulated. However, in the
absence of effective online control to monitor such parameter while generating the
formed articles, it has been extremely difficult to make such machines adapt to the
required operating conditions as per the end user requirements and product
specifications. Apart from the above, it is also found that in ususl forming apparatus
at the time of initlating a batch process, there is always an initial formation of
defective or non-specific generation of articles until the system and its various
operating conditions are fine adjusted and accordingly, Such Improper generation of
products are found to be assembled along wrth the subsequent quality specification
products and after the operation erf the batch, it is important to manually discard the
improperly formed articles from the products as per required specifications
generated in the batch. This, therefore, adds to the complexities and is also Found to
be labour intensive and cost extensive. It is, therefore, a requirement in the art to
provide for a more robust and anti-vibration and possible automatized system for
generation of formed articles which would have mechanism for better operative
control depending upon the desired products specifications.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is thus the basic objecl of the present invention to provide for a micro processor
based system for thermoforming of articles in particular, hollow articles which would
provide for more precision and firm movement of the platen preferably the bottom
4

platen and advantageously also the option to control the bottom platen movement:
as per the draw depth.
Another object of the present invention is directed to a system for thermoforming of
hollow articles which would be user friendly and would enable continuous monitoring
and adjustments as and when required of the operative controls ,in particular, the
platen movement thereby ensuring generation of quality products reducing
possibility of rejections.
Another object of the present invention is directed to a high precision bottom platen
movement for thermoforming machines which would enable adjusting the cutting
height in micron level and favour good trim quality of the formed products.
Yet further object of the present invention is directed to a high precision, robust and
Structurally vibration proof smooth operative motion of the forming units in a
thermoforming apparatus having provision for continuous monitoring and
adjustments of the operating, conditions for the forming operation such as the
desired heating and cooling cycles depending upon the sheet thickness and also the
article/product specifications to be generated.
Yet further object of the present invention is to provide for a micro processor based
thermoforming apparatus with thyristor module which would enable effective multi
heating at multi heating zones and thereby effecting better control and uniformity in
the product formation using such apparatus.
Another object of the present invention is to provide for a micro processor based
precision and firm movement of bottom ploten of thermoforming machines which
would have heating managements adapted such that even the thickest material can
be heated with minimum material stress to suit the product being formed assisted
by multi heating zone controlled micro processor with thyrisor module.
Another object of the present invention is to provide for micro processor rosed high
precision bottom platen motion as per draw depth and facilities for higher speed
which would have the option to adjust the heater trolley In height and width as per
required web width as well as shape and size of the product.
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Another object of the present prevention is directed to a micro processor based
precision forming apparatus which would have possibilities for accurate indexing of
sheet (web) by spiky chain conveyor and driven by servo motor.
Another object of the present invention is directed to a micro processor controlled
high precision forming system having means to control web length at mm difference
with precise sheet indexing via micro processor.
Yet another object of the present invention is directed to a micro processor
controlled high precision forming machine with provision for piercing heater at the
side of chain for smooth conveying of the sheet through spiky chain.
Another object of the present invention is directed to a micro processor controlled
high precision forming machine which would have dose control of various stages by
a particular comprehensive range of controls provided in the machine through micro
processor.
A further object is directed to a high precision thermoforming system which would
be easy to operate and would be user friendly with possible screen options for
continuous viewing of operating parameters and also provide for accurate and
micron positioning of controls to ensure high quality and optimum utilization in the
forming process.
A further object of the present invention is directed to a high precision forming
system with firm movement of bottom platen which would include anti sagging
arrangement on both Sides of the chain conveyor to control the sag.
Yet another object of the present invention s directed to a high precision forming
system with or without cut which would enable avoiding post-scrap generation and
minimize labour cost and at the same time increase the anting tool life.
A further object of the present invention is directed to a micro processor based high
precision forming system with firm motion of the bottom platen which would be
adapted to run the machine at the automatic mode after setting up manually and
vice versa.
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Yet further object of the present invention is directed to a high precision forming
system with firm movement of the bottom platen having high degree of punching
and cutting forces which would enable good quality and smooth edges of the
product.
A further object of the present invention is to provide tor a high precision forming
system which would be capable of saving time of producing formed articles with high
productivity with micron accuracy and possible on spot troubleshooting points visible
on screen instantly during the operation of the system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVETION
Thus according to the Basic aspect of the present invention there is provided a
thermoforming apparatus for forming a hollow plastic article from a sheet of
thermoplastic material inducting upper and tower platens having upper and lower
forming molds, respectively, means for heating sard sheet of thermoplastic material
to thermoforming temperatures, means for advancing said heated sheet of
thermoplastic material through said thermoforming apparatus between said upper
and tower platens, and means for relative motion there between said lower platen
and said upper platen to form said article with said upper and lower forming molds
comprising a high precision ball screw driven by servo motor.
According to a preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided In a
thermoforming apparatus for forming a hollow plastic article from a sheet of
thermoplastic material Including upper and lower platens having upper and lower
forming molds, respectively, means for heating said sheet of thermoplastic material
to thermoforming temperatures, means for advancing said heated sheet of
thermoplastic material through said thermoforming apparatus between said upper
and tower platens, and means for relative rnotion there between said lower platen
and said upper platen to form said hollow article with said upper and lower forming
molds comprising said bottom platen operatively connected to a high precision ball
screw driven by servo motor.
The above provision of the bottom platen operatively connected to a high precision
ball strew driven by servo motor provides for a firm and controlled relative
movement of the bottom platen with respect to the upper platen in the process of
closing and opening the mould for the forming operation. Advantageously, the
7

aforesaid possible selective and firm movement of the bottom platen with respect to
the upper platen in the forming process provides for ttie much desired option to
control the bottom palten movement as per the draw depth and facilitate higher
speed and cost-effective production which was not possible following the
conventional cam driven cycles of motion of the platens provided in conventional
thermo forming machines presently available.
Preferably, in the system of the invention, the said high precision ball screw driven
by servo motor is provided over a rigid support for a firm movement of bottom
platen, importantly, such said high precision ball screw driven by servo motor is
adapted to control the bottom ptaten movement such as to adjust the cutting height
in micron level with good trim quality.
In accordance with an aspect the above thermoforming apparatus can comprise
duplex sandwich heater arrangement adapted such that even the thickest material
can be heated with minimum material stress optionally with multi-heating zone
controlled by micro processor with thyristor module. Also, preferably the System
can include means for adjusting a heater trolley in heights and width as pet the
required web width as well as the shape and size of the produce Further, a piercing
heater means provided at the start of both side of chain for smooth conveying of the
sheet through spiky chain.
It is also possible by way of Spiky chain conveyor and driven by a servo motor in the
above thermoforming apparatus to achieve accurate indexing of sheet. The system
enables, controlling the web length at HM difference with precise sheet Indexing via
microprocessor means.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention the thermoforming system or
the invention can include a micro processor bdsed comprehensive range of control
parameters for controlled forming operation. Such microprocessor based operative
control preferably is provided with user friendly screen options. The system can be
adapted to run automatically after adjustments depending upon product
specifications desired and/or manually. Thus the micro processor based system can
8

be adapted to indicate the trouble shooting points visibly on the operators screen.
such a system can be adapted to run with or without cut and thereby enable
avoiding post scrap generation and minimize labour cost and the cutting tool life is
also increased.
In accordance with a further aspect the thermoforming apparatus includes anti-
saging arrangement provided on both sides of the chain conveyor to control
sagging.
In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided :
a thermoformating apparatus for forming a hollow plastic article from a sheet of
thermoplastic material including upper and lower platens having upper and lower
forming molds, respectively, means for heating said sheet of thermoplastic material
to thermoforming temperatures, means for advancing said heated sheet of
thermoplastic material through said thermoforming apparatus between said upper
and lower platens, and XXX for relative motion there between said tower platen
and said upper platen to from said hollow article with said upper and lower forming
molds comprising said bottom platen operetivety connected to a high precision ball
screw driven by servo motor;
an upper finishing tool positioned on and mounted to said upper platen and a
cooperating lower finishing tool positioned on and mounted to said lower platen, said
finishing tools being spaced apart from said forming molds, means for sealing said
finishing tools in an air tight manner, said finishing tools cooperating to remove said
hollow article from said sheet of thermoplastic material prior to withdrawal of said
sheet from said apparatus and means for cooling said finishing tools.
In accordance with an embodiment the said upper and lower finishing tools can be
Integrally formed with respective upper and lower fanning molds. The finishing
tools can indude die cutting tools for excising said hollow article from said sheet of
thermoplastic material.
9

It is also possible that the forming molds indude cutting edges for scoring said
hollow article during formation thereof in said forming molds.
The die cutting tools formed with peripheral cutting edges and having ejector
means for removing said excised hollow article frorn said die cutting tools.
The system also includes as usual means for coding said forming molds, likewise as
in conventional systems the heating means can Be incorporated into said lower
forming mold mounted to said lower platen.
The system further advantageously includes means comprising pressurized air blow
to eject the formed articled from the apparatus for external collection.
It is thus possible by way of above disclosed high precision ball screw driven by
servo motor to achieve a firm precision movement of bottom platen in a
thermoforming machine with tne option to control the bottom platen movement as
per the draw depth and with facilities for improved productivity at higher speed.
Importantly, the system construction is specifically adapted to be robust with
preferably overall box type extruded heavy duty structural frames and rnounted on
anti-vibradon pad for smooth and XXX running. The system also optionally
indudes means for possible adjusting of the cutting height in micron level which
would favour achieving good trim quality. The afore discused ball screw and servo
motor based forming system in accordance with the invention is provided with a
high degree of punching and cutting forces which enable good quality and smooth
edges for the product. Irnportantly the system achieves the desired requirement to
save time resulting high productivity with micron accuracy. The micro processor
based operative connection for continuous monetoring of the operative conditions
based on the desired product forming enables troubleshooting points to be visible on
screen instantly and to take any possible modifications/corrective measures at the
appropriate moments for desired end result.
Preferably, in accordance with an aspect of the invention, the system involves the
use of duptex sandwich heater arrangement adapted to allow even the thickest
material to be heated with the minimum material stress to suit the product being
10

formed and is also assisted by a muluheaung zone controlled by micro processor
with thyristor modules.
In accordance with a further preferred aspect, the system optionally Includes means
to adjust the neater trolleys in height and width as per required web width as wall as
shape and size of the product. Importantly also, the system is provided with means
for accurate indexing of sheet (web) which can be done by spiky chain conveyor and
driven by a servo motor. Optionally, to control web length at mm difference with
precise sheet indexing via micro processor is also possible.
According to another aspect, the system Involving the high precision ball screw
driven firm movement of the bottom platen in the forming machine of the invention,
a XXX heater is provided at the start of the both sides of the chain for smooth
conveying of the sheet through spiky chain.
Importantly, the micro processor based operative connection and the operators'
panel provide for dose control of various stages by way of a possible comprehensive
range of controls provided in the machine through micro processor. This facilitates
accurate and micron positioning control with high quality and optimum utilization of
material and energy consumption during the process. The system is, therefore,
incorporated with easy and operator friendly screen options. The above, therefore,
provides for the option to run the machine at the automatic mode after setting up
manually and vice versa.
In accordance with a further aspect, the high precision ball screw driven forming
system of the indention also include ano-saggino. arrangements which are provide
on the both sides of the chain conveyor to control the sag.
Optionally, the system of the invention can be run with or without cut, which would
enable avoiding post-scrap generation and minimize the labour cost and at the same
time importantly increase the cutting tool life.
The details of the invention, its objects and advantages are explained hereunder in
grater detail in relation to the non-firmiting exemplary illustration of the system for
therrnoformlng of articles in accordance wth the present invention as per the
accompanying figures.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
Figure 1 : is a percpetliue view of the system the thermoforming of articles in
accordance with the present invention.
Figure 2 : is a front view of die operators panel providing for the micro
processor based control operation of the system of figure 2 above.
Figures 3A & 3B: are sectional views Illustrating the provision of the ball screw
driven bottom platen arrangement for firm movement of the bottom
platen in accordance with the system of the invention as per figure 1
above.
Reference is first invited to accompanied figure? 1 which Illustrates the system for
thermoforming of articles including the servo motor based ball screw driven bottom
platen motion in accordance with the present invention. As further illustrated clearly
in accompanied figures 3A & 3B, the system of figure 1 is advantageously provided
with mechanism for a more controlled and selective firm motion of the bottom
platen with respect to me upper platen for carrying out the forming operation using
the male - Ferrule moulds connected to the respective platens. As would be dearly
apparent from figures 3A & 3B, the system for such puipose dearly avoids the use
of any complex and energy intensive gam medianism to operate the paltens and
instead proposes to include a ball screw (1) which is operatively connevted at one
end to the servo motor (2) via the XXX belt (3) and at its other end to the bottom
platen (4).
Importantly, such an arrangement snowies fat a more high precision micron level
and firm movement of the bottom platen with the option to control the bottom
platen movement as per the draw depth preferably upto about 120mm and facilitate
higher speed. Moreover, such an arrangement provides for option to adjust the
cutting height in micron level which enables good trim quality. As further evident
from figure 1, the system construction is very robust With overall box type extruded
heavy duty structural frame and mounted on anti-vibration pad for smooth and
noiseless running. It is possible using the above system to further achieve accurate
indexing of sheet (web) by use of the spiky chain XXX which is driven by the
servo motor. The Stem also enables the option to control web length at mm
difference with precise sheet indexing via a microprocessor based operative control.
12

The ball screw and servo minor provides for high degree of punching and cutting
forces which enable good quality and smooth edges of the product.
It is possible by way of the above disclosed advantageous and selective provision of
the ball screw driven bottom platen with the servo motor drive to achieve a
cooperative micro processor based precision control in the forming operation,
importantly, me ball screw based system of precision movement of me bottom
platen can be effectively and selectively automatized involving said cooperative
microprocessor based control. Thus, all dose controls of various Sages can be
provided by way of a particular comprehensive range of controls in the system so
that the system can achieve desired results of end forming. The accurate and micron
positioning of controls ensure high quality and optimum utilization. The above micro
processes based system, therefore, serves to save time by way of high productivity
and micron accuracy.
Reference is now invited to accompanied figure 2, which Illustrates a front view of an
embodiment of the operator's panel providing for the online and possible
automatized forming using the system in accordance with the invention. As would be
clearly apparent from the figure the system and ,in particular, such operators panel
(5) providing for continuous monitoring and possible adjustment of
heat/temperature arrangements and process conditions enable a very precisian and
possible automatized generation of formed articles free or defects thereby providing
for saving of cost and material, Importantly, the system which includes passible on-
screen display (6) of troubleshooting points would Favour on the spot modifications
or corrections or adjustments of the control parameters for achieving smooth and
uniform generation of formed articles, using the above system of the Invention.
As discussed hereinbefore the above system can be adapted to run the machine with
or without cut which would enable avoiding post-scrap generation and minimize
labour cost and also favour increasing the tool life.
The micro processor basal control in the system further favours adjustments of the
required heating and cooling cycles in the process of forming. In particular, it is
possible according to a preferred aspect to use duplex sandwich heater arrangement
with possible top and bottom hotel with selective heating zones and heating
elements which would allow even the thickest material to be heated with the
minimum material stress to suit the product being formed and is also assisted by a
13

multi heating zone controlled by micro processor with ttiyristor module. It is possible
to provide options to adjust the heater XXX in height and width as per the
required web width as well as shape and size of the product. A piercing heater can
be advantageously provided ad the start or poth sides of the dialn for smooth
conveying of the sheet through spiky chain.
In accordance with a further aspect, the system also includes anti sagging
arrangements which are provided on both sides of the chain conveyor to control the
sag.
It is thus possible the above disclosed system of thermoforming of articles involving
ball screw and servo drive bottom platen to selectively control the operating
parameters and also aditeve the required firm motion of the bottom platen for
uniform product formation with high degree of cutting and punching forces enabling
good quality and smooth edges of the product. The system is directed to save time
resulting high productivity with micron accuracy.
14

WE CLAIMS
1. in 3 thermoformang system for forming a hollow plastic article from a sheet of
thermoplastic material including upper and lower platens having upper and
lower forming XXX, respectively, means for heating said sheet of
thermoplastic material to thermoforming temperatures, means for advancing
said heated sheet of thermoplastic material through said thermoforming
apparatus between said upper and lower platens, and means for relative
motion there between said lower platen and said upper platen to form said
hollow article with said upper and lower forming molds comprising a high
precision ball screw driven by servo motor.
2. A micro processor based thermoforming system fur forming a hollow plastic
article from a sheet of thermoplastic material comprising upper and lower
platens having upper and lower forming molds, respectively, means for
heating said sheet of thermoplastic material to thermoforming temperatures,
means for advancing said heated sheet of thermoplastic material through
said thermoferming apparatus between said upper and lower platens, and
means for relative motion there between said lower platen and said upper
platen to form said hollow article with said upper and lower forming molds
comprising said brXtoni platen operativety consumed to a high precision ball
screw driven by servo motor.
3. A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 or 2 said high
precision bail screw driven by servo motor is provided over a rigid support for
a firm movement of bottom platen.
4. A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 3 wherein said
high precision ball screw driven by servo motor is adapted to control the
bottom platen movement as per the draw depth and speed of operation
desired preferably operatively connected to a micro processor based control
means/unit.
5. A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 4 wherein
said high precision ball screw driven by servo motor is adapted to control the
15

bottom platen movement such as to adjust the cutting height in micron level
with good trim quality.
6. A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 comprising
duplex sandwich heater arrangement preferably top end bottom heater with
selective heating zones and heating elements adapted such that even the
thickest material can be heated with minimum material stress optionally with
multi-heating zone controlled by micro processor with thyristor module.
7. A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 6 comprising
means for adjusting the heater XXX in heights and width as per the
required web width as well as the shape and size of the product.
8. A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 6 comprising
means for accurate indexing of sheet comprising spiky chain conveyor and
9- A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 8 comprising
means to control the web length at MM difference with precise shea indexing
via microprocessor means.
10. A thermoforming system as claimed an anyone of claims 1 to 9 comprising a
piercing heater means provided at the start of both side of chain for smooth
conveying of the sheet through spiky chain.
11. A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 10 comprising
a micro processor based until providing comprehensive range of control
parameters for controlled forming operation.
12.A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 11 comprising a
microprocessor based operative control having user friendly screen options.
16

13. A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 12 comprising
anti-sagging arrangement provided on both sides of the chain conveyor to
control sagging.
14. A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 13 adapted to
run with or without ait and thereby arable avoiding post strap generation
and minimize labour tost and the cutting tool life is also increased.
15. a thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims I to 14 adapted to
run automatically after adjustments depending upon product specifications
desired and/or manually.
16 . A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 15 wherein the
micro processor based control is adapted to indicate the trouble shooting
points visibly on the operators screen.
17-A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 16 comprising
an upper finishing tool positioned on and mounted to said upper platen and a
cooperating lower finishing tool positioned on and mounted to said lower
ptaten, said finishing tools beinq spaced-apart from said forming molds,
means for sealing said finishing tools, in an air tight manner, said finishing
tools cooperating to remove said hollow article from said sheet of
thermoplastic material prior to withdrawal of said sheet from said apparatus
and XXX for cooling said finishing tools.
13.A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 17 wherein
said upper and lower finishing tools are integrally formed with respective
upper and lower forming molds.
19. A thermoforming system as daimed in anyone of claims 1 to 17 comprising
finishing tools inducting die cutting toots for excising said hollow article from
said sheet of thermoplastic material.
17

20. A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 16 comprising
forming molds including cutting edges for svoring said hollow article during
forming thereof in said forming molds.
21 - A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 20
comprising said the cutting tools fanned with peripheral cutting edges and
having ejector means for removing said excised hollow article from said the
cutting tools.
22.A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 21
comprising means fot cooling said forming molds.
23. A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone claims 1 to 22 comprising
heating means incorporated into said lower forming mow mounted to said
tower platen,
24. A thermoforming system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 23 comprising
pressurized sir blow to through the formed articled from the apparatus for
external collection.
25. A thermoforming system substantially as herein described and illustrated with
reference to the accompanying figures.
Dated this 97 day of February,2006

18

A high precision ball screw driven microprocessor based system for thermoforming
hollow articles like cups, lids, dishes and more particularly to a system for
thermoforming hollow articles which would be less labour and energy intensive
thereby cost-effective, user friendly and favour controlled and effective
thermoforming of the hollow articles. The system of the invention is robust and
provides for a more firm and precision movement of the bottom platen (4) means
involving a ball screw (1) driven by servo motor (2) to activate the moulds in the
system for carrying out the thermoforming operation. The system is found to be
highly productive with micron accuracy and would also enable troubleshooting with
possibility of the user to see the troubleshooting points on screen white carrying out
the operation instantly for ready corrective measure as and when found desirable.