Custom thermoformer T.O. Plastics, Inc. is expanding its processing and cleanroom capabilities with the addition of a KMD 90 pressure former from Kiefel GmbH.
Crystal Pierson, the value stream manager of the company's Life Science & Custom Solutions, said the new machine will allow the Minnesota-based manufacturer of medical packaging and other thermoformed products to meet growing customer demand for more difficult part geometries and cleaner product.
"The KMD 90 provides outstanding repeatability, with better process controls and monitoring capabilities," she said. "It's also more self-contained and processes larger rolls of material, decreasing the likelihood of contamination, which is critical for the sterile barrier products we manufacture."
The machine will be largely dedicated to forming packaging and processing trays for medical applications and will be housed in T.O.'s Class 8 cleanroom.
"The company started searching for a new pressure former about two years ago, as customers began reporting a greater need for a domestic thermoformer with superior cleanroom capabilities," Pierson explained.
Pierson said T.O. took delivery of the machine in January, with an initial start-up in mid-February and full production to begin in March. With a maximum forming area of 34"x36", it will process mostly medical-grade PETG as well as polystyrene and polyethene terephthalate.
The company plans to invite customers to an open house and unveiling event in late summer.
