Optimization of the IR-Heating Phase in Thermoforming of Thermoplastic Sheets: Characterization and Modelling

Abstract

The thermoforming industry is currently seeking for methods to increase process monitoring and control. The present paper addresses this topic by focusing on the heating phase in thermoforming. A coupled experimental-modelling approach was developed to characterize the heating equipment on site. This allows taking local effects such as ambient air or machine specific heating efficiencies into account. The characterization results in a machine specific data set which is subsequently used to optimize the heating of the thermoplastic sheet. An optimization script was developed which proposes directly applicable machine settings in order to obtain a through-thickness temperature profile within the desired forming range.