What is vacuum forming?

Vacuum forming is a thermoforming process where a thermoplastic sheet is heated to a pliable forming temperature, stretched over a mold, and shaped using vacuum pressure. It is one of the most cost-effective methods for producing large plastic parts with relatively low tooling costs compared to injection molding.

What is the difference between vacuum forming and thermoforming?

Thermoforming is the broad category of plastic forming processes that use heat. Vacuum forming is a specific type of thermoforming that uses vacuum pressure to shape heated plastic sheets over a mold. Other thermoforming methods include pressure forming and twin-sheet forming.

What materials can be vacuum formed?

Common vacuum forming materials include ABS, PMMA (acrylic), Polycarbonate (PC), TPO, HDPE, Polystyrene (PS), PET, Polypropylene (PP), PVC, and PLA.

What is heavy gauge vs light gauge thermoforming?

Heavy gauge thermoforming processes cut sheets typically 2-12mm thick for structural parts. Light gauge thermoforming uses thin roll-fed film under 2mm for high-volume packaging. Machinecraft manufactures machines for both.

What industries use vacuum forming machines?

Vacuum forming machines are used across automotive, aerospace, medical, packaging, sanitary, agriculture, signage, and many more industries.

What sizes of vacuum forming machines does Machinecraft manufacture?

Machinecraft manufactures custom vacuum forming machines ranging from 1000x1200mm forming area up to 6000x2200mm (XL).

What is a closed chamber vacuum forming machine?

A closed chamber vacuum forming machine features an air-sealed forming chamber that enables pre-blow bubble formation and zero sag control. This European-concept design is standard on all Machinecraft PF1-X Series machines.

What are the AM-V and AM-P thin gauge roll-fed forming machines?

The Machinecraft AM-V (vacuum forming) and AM-P (pressure forming) are continuous roll-fed forming machines designed for thin gauge packaging, medical trays, and deep draw containers.

What is the ATF Series?

The Machinecraft ATF series is a range of automatic large format thermoforming machines designed for high-speed, continuous roll-fed production. Material is reel-fed into a 2-stage pre-heating station and vacuum formed. Formed sheets are automatically separated by a double-acting guillotine and pushed out via the delivery conveyor.

What materials can the ATF process?

The ATF processes a wide variety of thermoformable materials including PVC, PS, APET, GPET, PP, and PE. The dual ceramic heaters (top and bottom) handle sheet thicknesses up to 2.5mm with PID-controlled temperature management.

What is the largest forming area available?

The ATF-1218 model offers a 1200×1800mm forming area with 300mm stroke — the largest in the ATF range. The ATF-1210 (1200×1000mm, 300mm stroke) and ATF-8080 (800×800mm, 200mm stroke) models are available for smaller format requirements.

Is a pressure forming version available?

Yes. The ATF-P (pressure forming) version is available as an option, enabling higher definition forming for applications requiring sharper detail and tighter tolerances.

What tooling is compatible with the ATF?

The ATF accepts both male and female moulds fitted to either top or bottom platen. Machines are compatible with tooling from major European manufacturers, making it easy to integrate into existing production lines.

What are the typical applications?

Typical applications include chocolate box inserts, biscuit trays, roofing and ventilation panels, heat exchange and underfloor heating panels, drainage systems, automotive protection covers, blisters, transit trays, cosmetic inserts, displays, and cooling tower fills.

What is the lead time for an ATF machine?

Standard lead time for an ATF machine is 16–24 weeks from order confirmation, depending on the model and configuration. Contact sales@machinecraft.org for a detailed timeline.

ATF SeriesRoll-Fed

Non-Stop Production.
Zero Downtime.

The Machinecraft ATF series of large format thermoforming machines is designed for high-speed production of thermoformed components. Its versatility is made possible by its large forming area, continuous roll-fed operation, and proven reliability for multi-shift production. Thermoformable material is reel-fed into a 2-stage pre-heating station and then vacuum formed. Multi-cavity formings are separated from the plastic web by a double-acting guillotine and pushed out via the delivery conveyor.

PVCPSAPETGPETPPPE

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MACHINECRAFT ATF SERIES

ATF Series in Action

Watch the ATF large-format roll-fed thermoforming machine in continuous production.

ATF Series Large Format Roll-Fed Thermoforming Machine

Quick Overview — AI Narrated

AI Narrated

How It Works

How Does the ATF Roll-Fed Thermoforming Process Work?

The ATF series operates as a fully automatic, continuous production line. After initial setup via the HMI operator panel, the machine runs unattended — no operator intervention required.

Roll Feed

Thermoformable material is fed from a reel via a dance roller for controlled, consistent material supply.

2-Stage Heating

Upper and lower ceramic heaters provide balanced temperature distribution. PID-controlled via HMI for precise zone management.

Vacuum Forming

High-capacity reservoir tank and rotary vane pump deliver instant vacuum. Plug assist available for deep-draw products.

Sheet Separation

Double-acting guillotine cleanly separates formed sheets from the continuous plastic web.

Delivery

Formed sheets are pushed onto a pallet or carton by the delivery conveyor for subsequent removal.

Engineering

What Are the Key Features of the ATF Series?

Automatic Roll-Fed Operation

Material is reel-fed into a 2-stage heating station and then vacuum formed. Formed sheets are separated and pushed out by the delivery conveyor for continuous, unattended production.

Accurate Servo Indexing

Spike chain transport system powered by servo-drive motor ensures quick and accurate material positioning with adjustable index length via HMI.

Dual Ceramic Heaters

Upper and lower ceramic heaters provide balanced temperature distribution to minimise material stress. PID-controlled via HMI for precise zone management across PVC, PS, APET, and GPET.

High Capacity Vacuum System

Large reservoir tank and rotary vane pump deliver instant vacuum supply regardless of production rate or material type. High-velocity turbo fans for rapid post-forming cooling.

Double-Acting Guillotine

Precision sheet separation system cleanly cuts formed sheets from the continuous web for consistent part quality.

HMI Operator Panel

User-friendly microprocessor controls and HMI panel for easy setup, adjustable heating temperature, index length, speed, timing, and error diagnostics. Fully automated after initial setup.

Universal Tooling Compatibility

Accepts both male and female moulds fitted to either top or bottom platen. Compatible with tooling from major European manufacturers.

Easy Front Access

Front entry for fitting forming tools and plug moulds offers easy accessibility for maintenance and mould changeovers.

Applications

What Products Can You Make with the ATF Series?

The ATF series excels at high-volume, continuous production of thermoformed components. Its large forming area, roll-fed operation, and multi-cavity tooling compatibility make it the ideal choice for packaging, construction, automotive, and industrial applications.

Chocolate Box Inserts & Biscuit Trays

High-speed multi-cavity forming of chocolate box inserts, biscuit trays, and confectionery packaging. The roll-fed continuous operation and large forming area enable high-volume production with consistent cavity definition.

PVC / PS / APET

Roofing & Ventilation Panels

Thermoformed roofing panels, ventilation grilles, and architectural cladding. Large format forming areas produce full-size panels that reduce installation joints and improve building envelope performance.

PS / PP / GPET

Heat Exchange & Underfloor Heating Panels

Precision-formed heat exchanger plates and underfloor heating distribution panels. The ATF's accurate indexing and consistent temperature control ensure uniform wall thickness critical for thermal performance.

PS / PP

Drainage & Underground Systems

Roof drainage channels, underground drainage cells, and cut-off walls for contaminated land remediation. Robust forming with deep draw capability for complex drainage geometries.

HDPE / PP

Transit & Collating Trays

Straight-on trays, tote trays, and transit packaging for logistics and industrial distribution. Multi-cavity tooling on the large format platen maximises output per cycle.

PS / APET / GPET

Automotive Protection Covers

Door protection covers, underbody shields, and interior trim panels for automotive OEMs. The ATF's compatibility with European tooling standards makes it ideal for automotive tier suppliers.

ABS / PP / PE

Blisters & Display Packaging

Blister packs for numerous applications, cosmetic box inserts, and retail display packaging. High-speed roll-fed operation with precision guillotine separation for clean, consistent edges.

PVC / APET / GPET

Cooling Tower Fills

Thermoformed cooling tower fill media and drift eliminators. The ATF's large forming area and continuous production capability are ideal for the repetitive, high-volume nature of cooling tower components.

PVC / PP

Featured Application

Underfloor Heating Panels.

The ATF series is ideal for thermoforming underfloor heating distribution panels — precision-formed plastic panels with integrated pipe channels that guide hot water tubing for radiant floor heating systems.

Material:PS / PP

Process:Vacuum formed with multi-cavity tooling

Key Requirement:Consistent wall thickness for thermal performance

Recommended Model:ATF-1210 or ATF-1218 for full-size panels

Discuss This Application

Thermoformed underfloor heating panel overview — ATF Series

Close-up of thermoformed underfloor heating panel — pipe channels and nubs detail

Detail — Pipe Channel & Nub Pattern

Find your fit

What are you running continuously?

Packaging & Trays

Non-stop production of food trays and industrial packaging without downtime.

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Industrial Custom

Continuous forming of large industrial panels and enclosures.

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South Asia

South Asian high-volume producers choosing ATF for uninterrupted output.

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Northern Europe

Nordic manufacturers running ATF for 24/7 production.

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Specifications

What Are the ATF Series Technical Specifications?

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ATF Series Technical Specifications
Model	Forming Area	Material Width	Index Length	Max Depth	Heater Output	Weight
ATF-8080	800 × 800 mm	200 mm	2500 mm	200 mm	38 kW	3 tonnes
ATF-1210	1200 × 1000 mm	200 mm	3500 mm	300 mm	56 kW	5 tonnes
ATF-1218	1200 × 1800 mm	200 mm	4500 mm	300 mm	73 kW	7 tonnes

⏱ Typical lead time: 16–24 weeks from order confirmation

📐 Pressure forming version (ATF-P) also available

Optional Features

Platen Cutting Press

Powered Roll Lift

Bulk Reel Unreeler

Edge & Centre Slitters

Pressure Forming Version (ATF-P)

Dual Guillotine

See It In Action

ATF Machine Video.

Machinecraft ATF Series — Large Format Roll-Fed Thermoforming in Action

In-Depth Articles

ATF Application Guides.

Explore technical articles about products manufactured on the ATF — car mats, trunk liners, and automotive accessories.

Automotive

Car Mats & Trunk Liners

Discover high-quality thermoformed 3D car mats and trunk liners for automotive applications. Custom-fit, durable, and easy to clean, manufactured via vacuum forming.

HDPETPOPolypropylene

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About the ATF Series.

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Talk to our engineering team about the ATF series for your roll-fed thermoforming application. We'll help you select the right model, configure optional features, and plan your production line.

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Non-Stop Production.
Zero Downtime.