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Journal articles
Data-efficient determination of machine-specific process windows in thermoforming using the example of PCR materials, TAPPI Journal July 2025
ABSTRACT: In an industrial context, process windows for thermoplastics in thermoforming processes are still often determined through time-consuming trial-and-error approaches. This results in increased effort when commissioning new machines, implementing new technologies, or substituting sheet materials. One key reason is the lack of methods that allow for efficient, process-related assessment of material behavior and a quantitative definition of a “target state” of the heated sheet in relation to geometry and process conditions. In this study, we present the In-Situ Thermoforming Characterization (ITC) method as an application-oriented approach that enables format-independent evaluation of material behavior directly within the forming station of a thermoforming system. The method was successfully applied to a material substitution case, replacing conventional virgin polypropylene (PP) with post-consumer recyclate (PCR) — in this case, recycled PP (rPP) — in the production of a defined cup geometry. The results enabled the transfer of existing process knowledge from the virgin material to the recyclate, thereby accelerating material qualification. Based on the collected data, material behavior under process conditions could be mapped within the design space, making it possible to identify machine settings that deliver equivalent forming results in our test setup. Overall, the method shows strong potential for efficient and precise determination of machine-specific process windows.
Journal articles
Computer simulation of film blowing, TAPPI JOURNAL, August 1996, Vol.79(8)
Computer simulation of film blowing, TAPPI JOURNAL, August 1996, Vol.79(8)
Journal articles
Extruder temperature control with adaptive reset, TAPPI JOURNAL, February 1996, Vol. 79(2)
Extruder temperature control with adaptive reset, TAPPI JOURNAL, February 1996, Vol. 79(2)
Journal articles
Recycling laminated flexible-packaging materials, TAPPI JOURNAL, March 1996, Vol. 79(3)
Recycling laminated flexible-packaging materials, TAPPI JOURNAL, March 1996, Vol. 79(3)
Journal articles
Technical evaluation: methods for sealing paper/foil aseptic food packages, TAPPI JOURNAL, June 1997, Vol. 80(6)
Technical evaluation: methods for sealing paper/foil aseptic food packages, TAPPI JOURNAL, June 1997, Vol. 80(6)
Journal articles
A comparison of the oil, oxygen, and water-vapor permeation rates of various polyethylene blown films, TAPPI JOURNAL, March 1997, Vol. 80(3)
A comparison of the oil, oxygen, and water-vapor permeation rates of various polyethylene blown films, TAPPI JOURNAL, March 1997, Vol. 80(3)
Journal articles
Performance control of reactive hot melt adhesives based on polyether, TAPPI JOURNAL, June 1998, Vol. 81(6)
Performance control of reactive hot melt adhesives based on polyether, TAPPI JOURNAL, June 1998, Vol. 81(6)
Journal articles
Starch-based hot melts for adhesive applications, TAPPI JOURNAL, September 1994, Vol. 77(9)
Starch-based hot melts for adhesive applications, TAPPI JOURNAL, September 1994, Vol. 77(9)
Journal articles
Characterization of vapor deposited aluminum coatings on oriented polypropylene films, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 1994, Vol. 77(4)
Characterization of vapor deposited aluminum coatings on oriented polypropylene films, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 1994, Vol. 77(4)
Journal articles
Nanotechnology Functionality in Flexible Packaging; New Methods of Manufacturing, The PLACE, December 2006
Nanotechnology Functionality in Flexible Packaging; New Methods of Manufacturing, The PLACE, December 2006