By Ron Shinn
Gabler Thermoform unveiled a fourth model to its M-Line series of large-scale production machines at K 2025, the M100 Evo.
The trim-in-place M100 Evo features a maximum film width of 49.6 inches, a significant increase over other M-Line models, and a minimum film width of 17.7 inches. The M98, the next biggest in the series, is limited to a maximum film width of 34.7 inches and minimum width of 17.7 inches.
Closing force on the new M100 Evo, which the German manufacturer calls its flagship model, is 127 tons. Forming area is up to 44.5 inches by 22.4 inches for PP products and 45 inches by 22.4 inches for PS. Depth of draw is up to about 8.3 inches.
The machine combines forming and cutting into one step.
Christian Kissinger, North American sales director, said hourly output rates of more than 250,000 items is possible. The high output means the lowest production cost per product, he said.
Maximum cycle rate is 43 times per minute. The cycle rate is boosted by improvements in the forming air supply system and quicker filling and venting.
The M11 Evo is especially well-suited for producing cups, the company said. Because the machine uses cast steel and linear guides, PET and PP sheet up to 3mm thick can be processed.
A new control system and Gabler’s Movidrive C technology provides energy savings, Gabler said. It estimates the M100 Evo uses 37 percent less energy than earlier models.
Just two operators are required for product handling.
A new stacking system with linear guides, an electric drive and patented retaining bar control improves product handling with pull-out depths up to 210mm.
The machine uses separate servo drives for lifting and swiveling movements. This provides maximum precision.
The top heater uses 160 kilowatts (kW), and the bottom heater is a 106kW unit.
Contact:
Gabler North America, Charlotte, N.C., www.gabler-thermoform.com
