Thermoformed packaging

In thermoformed packaging, the machine makes the pack in the line itself: it heats film from a roll, forms it in a mould, the product is loaded and a second film closes the pack. This is the process of thermoforming packaging machines, also known as horizontal form-fill-seal.

Studio render of a stainless-steel thermoforming packaging line

How a thermoformer works

1. Forming

The bottom web runs from the roll, is heated and formed in the mould by vacuum or compressed air. On our thermoformers, forming depth reaches 120 mm.

2. Loading

The cavities move to the loading zone, where the product is placed by hand or by an automatic feeder.

3. Vacuum, gas and sealing

At the sealing station a vacuum is drawn, gas is injected if needed and the top film is heat-sealed.

4. Cutting

Cross and longitudinal cutters separate the packs, which leave on the discharge conveyor.

Films for thermoformed packaging

Flexible film: the classic vacuum pack for sausages, cheese or meat. Rigid film: packs with a stable shape, for MAP or skin. Aluminium composite film: shallow forming with a high barrier, as on the NEX-420S.

The bottom web width sets the machine size: 322 mm on the NEX-320A, 422 mm on the NEX-420A and 522 mm on the NEX-520A.

Advantages of thermoformed packaging

No tray stock

The pack is made in line from rollstock: you do not buy or store preformed trays.

Continuous production

Designed for repetitive formats and steady output: 4–6 cycles/min on standard models and up to 12 cycles/min under vacuum on the NEX-420A-U.

Made-to-measure format

The mould defines the shape and the number of cavities per cycle. Changing format means changing the tooling.