What the AM-X runs

All three models run the clear and white packaging sheets: PET, HIPS and PVC. The Mid and Pro heat the sheet from both sides and add pressure, which brings in PP and ABS and gauges up to 1.5 mm.

HIPS

High-impact polystyrene

AM-X Eco, AM-X Mid, AM-X Pro

Model	Gauge
Eco	0.3–1.0 mm
Mid	0.3–1.5 mm
Pro	0.3–1.5 mm

140–185 °C

Easy to form, stiff, prints well, takes colour and conductive grades.

6 (PS)

Chocolate and confectionery inserts, electronics trays, nursery trays, yoghurt cups

Chocolate box insert Nursery plug tray Electronics handling tray

PET

Amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET), also RPET

AM-X Eco, AM-X Mid, AM-X Pro

Model	Gauge
Eco	0.3–1.0 mm
Mid	0.3–1.5 mm
Pro	0.3–1.5 mm

120–160 °C

Glass-clear, tough, food contact, widely recycled. Forms at low temperature; above about 165 °C it starts to haze.

1 (PET)

Punnets, produce trays, cup lids, bakery clamshells, medical trays

Fresh-cut vegetable tray Berry punnet Dome lid for cold cups Bakery clamshell, hinged Medical device tray

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride

AM-X Eco, AM-X Mid, AM-X Pro

Model	Gauge
Eco	0.3–1.0 mm
Mid	0.3–1.5 mm
Pro	0.3–1.5 mm

120–160 °C

Clear, rigid, seals well to blister card; forms at low temperature.

3 (PVC)

Retail and hardware blisters, clamshells for non-food goods

Hanging retail blister

PP

Polypropylene

AM-X Mid, AM-X Pro

Model	Gauge
Mid	0.3–1.5 mm
Pro	0.3–1.5 mm

150–166 °C

Microwave-safe, chemical resistant, light. Its forming window is narrow (about 150–166 °C), so it needs heat from both sides and close temperature control.

5 (PP)

Ready-meal trays, microwavable containers, reusable trays

Ready-meal tray

ABS

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

AM-X Mid, AM-X Pro

Model	Gauge
Mid	0.3–1.5 mm
Pro	0.3–1.5 mm

145–185 °C

Tough and impact resistant, good surface finish, for technical parts in heavier gauges.

7 (other)

Drawer and tool organisers, technical covers, returnable trays

Drawer organiser insert

Why PP needs the Mid or Pro

PP forms in a narrow window, about 150–166 °C. Heated from one side only, the surface overheats before the core is soft. The Mid and Pro heat from top and bottom, with a pyrometer reading the sheet, and the Pro closes the loop on sheet temperature.

Clear PET without haze

PET forms at a low temperature and starts to haze above about 165 °C. Zone-by-zone heater control keeps it clear across the web.

Note: forming windows are the values used in the AM-X simulator. The exact recipe depends on the sheet supplier and grade.