Material Handling Trays
The increase in demand for material handling plastic trays made using the thermoforming process can be attributed to the rise in automation in many industries. As automation becomes more prevalent, the need for reliable and efficient methods of handling and transporting materials also increases.
Thermoforming is a manufacturing process that involves heating a plastic sheet to a temperature where it becomes pliable, and then forming it into a desired shape using a mold. This process is commonly used to make plastic trays, bins, and other containers that are used in material handling applications.
One of the key advantages of thermoformed plastic trays is that they can be customized to fit the specific needs of the application. For example, if a company is using robots to pick and place objects, the trays can be designed to have specific locations where the objects need to be placed in order for the robots to easily access them. This is particularly important in automation systems, where consistency and precision are crucial.
Overall, the demand for material handling plastic trays made using the thermoforming process is likely to continue to rise as automation becomes more widespread in various industries.
Thermoformed plastic trays are used in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and food processing. They are also used in many different types of material handling systems, including conveyor systems, automated storage and retrieval systems, and pallet handling systems.
As automation and the use of robots in material handling continue to increase, it is likely that the market for thermoformed trays and other types of plastic material handling solutions will also continue to grow.
Snap-fit Trays
Thermoforming is a process in which a sheet of plastic is heated and then molded into a specific shape using a mold. The resulting product is a thermoformed tray, which can be used as a component in a snap fit assembly.
There are several steps involved in developing a snap fit using thermoformed trays. These include:
Designing the snap fit: The first step in developing a snap fit using thermoformed trays is to design the snap fit itself. This involves deciding on the shape and size of the tray, as well as the size and shape of the snap fit feature. It is important to ensure that the snap fit feature is properly sized and shaped to ensure a secure fit between the two parts.
Designing the mold: Once the snap fit design has been finalized, the next step is to design the mold that will be used to create the thermoformed tray. This involves creating a 3D model of the mold, which will be used to guide the manufacturing process.
Manufacturing the mold: The next step is to manufacture the mold using a material such as aluminum or steel. This is typically done using a CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machine, which is a computer-controlled machine tool that can produce precise parts.
Thermoforming the tray: Once the mold has been manufactured, it can be used to thermoform the tray. This involves heating a sheet of plastic to a temperature at which it is pliable, and then using the mold to shape the plastic into the desired shape.
Assembling the snap fit: The final step in the process is to assemble the snap fit using the thermoformed tray. This typically involves placing the tray into a fixture, and then using a press or other tool to apply pressure to the tray until the snap fit feature snaps into place.