KIEFEL GmbH

Enhancing production and efficiency - the thermoforming specialists at KIEFEL GmbH, Freilassing, have focused on the continued development of the tried-and-tested cup-forming machines for the KTR 5.2 Speed. An integrated approach has allowed Kiefel to succeed in achieving its goals. Christian Stockinger, Head of Engineering & Design at Kiefel Packaging, explains: "The new generation KTR 5.2 Speed excels with higher output, lower energy consumption, and shines with robust machine design and intuitive user guidance. Despite achieving a significant increase in performance, we have not had to increase the footprint."

Optimizations along the entire KTR 5.2 Speed cup-forming system ensure considerable performance enhancements and process improvements: Starting with film transport via the heating, forming station, forming air supply, tool cooling, tooling and tool change through to the new stacking system with downstream automated carton packaging.

The Kiefel designers focused on higher productivity, process control and availability, as well as trend-setting intuitive user guidance with considerable added value in operation and maintenance. The heating system is ready for use within a very short time and excels with a 20% higher heating capacity - despite reduced energy consumption! In combination with the servo drives' energy recovery system this leads to considerable energy savings.

The new KMD generation not only saves energy, but film too! A newly developed film feed table safely and gently guides the film to the film transport system. The proven station drives stabilize and work symmetrically. The further optimized forming air vacuum system enables customers to produce superior molded parts. The ergonomic tool change systems can significantly shorten set-up times. The many improvements and details add up to significantly increase the up-time of the KMD 78.2 Speed.

The thermoforming specialists have launched the SpeedPacker. This powerful module is not only suitable for the Kiefel KMD Speedformer, but is also compatible with other manufacturers’ steel rule cutting machines. The SpeedPacker is a buffering and unloading station that is fully integrated into the steel rule cutting machine. Buffering is key to reducing personnel requirements and achieving tremendous cost savings. The ergonomically optimized SpeedPacker ensures safe operation. The level of the unloading belt can easily be adjusted to the suit the height of the operator. Retrofitting is also possible for machines already in use.

Kiefel machines are modular and can be expanded as required. Various stacking solutions, quality control, and packing units are available. Automation is a considerable success factor for efficient manufacturing and enhanced productivity.