Case Study: Plastic packaging firm improves efficiency and saves space

Thermoformed rigid plastic packaging manufacturer, Phase 3 Plastics, says it has improved production efficiency and saved space with the acquisition of a Ridat 8040AVF automatic vacuum-forming machine. 

Prior to commissioning the machine in June 2012, manufacturer Ridat made a variety of customisations to the machine to fulfil Phase 3’s requirements, from the overall size of the machine to its colour.

Southampton-based Phase 3 Plastics needed a machine with a large forming area, however, the available space within their facility could only accommodate a small machine footprint. Phrase 3 says Ridat were the only manufacturer they approached who were able to meet its requirements. 

The 8040AVF machine was reduced to 4740mm x 1144mm overall size, compared with other machines that required 4740mm x 2070mm, a space saving of over 40 percent without the need to sacrifice the forming size of the 2000mm x 1540mm.

The goal for Terry Lucas, Managing Director of Phase 3 Plastics, was to improve production efficiency. “Ridat have been exceptionally flexible in their approach to this project, the adjustments they made to the machine enabled us to streamline our manufacturing process,” he commented.  “The size of the machine was a major consideration, having found a solution we discussed how the machine would fit within our existing production process to give us complete in-line manufacturing.”

“Ridat, unlike other equipment OEMs we spoke to, were are able to change the configuration of the machine to run right to left and utilise the same narrow web material as our other machines. We wanted to be able to run the machine continuously using a roll of film, which Ridat accommodated by adding a pneumatic lifter to the end of the machine.  These customisations have significantly boosted our ability to manufacture medical devices efficiently.”

The Ridat 8040AVF’s special features include a clamping system for materials up to 12mm thick. It has top and bottom heating with a closed loop digital heating control system providing accurate zone temperature control. Features such as automatic sag control, photo-electric safety curtain, quick cooling of formed product, bubble facility, quick mould changes and a user friendly micro-processor system that assists with fault faulting are also included.