Widely used in manufacturing and packaging applications, thermoforming uses vacuum to mold plastic into a variety of products. The key to the thermoforming process lies in choosing the best vacuum pump for thermoforming.
Thermoforming is a versatile manufacturing process that can be approached many different ways. One thing all thermoforming applications have in common is the need for a powerful thermoforming vacuum pump to ensure that a clearly defined vacuum is applied to draw the material gently into the mold.
What Is Thermoforming?
Thermoforming is a manufacturing process where a plastic sheet is heated to a malleable forming temperature. The sheet or “film” is heated to a high enough temperature that it can be stretched into or onto a mold using vacuum. The plastic is then cooled, so it holds the shape and is ready for use.
The process of thermoforming is cost effective, efficient, and simplistic relative to other plastic molding processes. Thermoforming technology results in a smooth, uniform product that is free of air bubbles and impurities.
Because of these advantages, thermoforming is a widely used means of production in manufacturing and packaging processes, with a variety of applications including automotive, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment.
Role of a Vacuum Pump in Thermoforming
A vacuum pump is the core component of a vacuum thermoforming machine. The precise application of vacuum determines the production effect of the plastic suction machine. In order to extract the air in the mold in a short time, a high-volume vacuum pump is required. In addition, the vacuum pump may be operated for a long time in order to obtain the vacuum, so energy efficiency is another important consideration.
Best Vacuum Pump for Thermoforming
The best vacuum pump for thermoforming is therefore a pump that can produce deep vacuum. Oil sealed rotary vane vacuum pumps are popular for both thin gauge and heavy gauge thermoforming because they can achieve deep vacuum levels efficiently and are good for handling dry air. The typical vacuum requirement for thermoforming is 21 to 24” Hg.
Kerr recommends the MD Kinney KVO (or KVA) series rotary vane vacuum pumps for thermoforming applications due to their deep vacuum capabilities. Another advantage of MD Kinney’s rotary vane vacuum pumps is their unique, bullet style exhaust filter design that decreases downtime and allows for quickest preventative maintenance in the industry.
Alternate choices include the MD Kinney KVC series or the Piston Pump. Kerr does not recommend liquid ring pumps for thermoforming applications, particularly if any solvents pass through the molds.
Oil-Sealed Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump – KVO
MD Kinney’s KVO series oil-sealed rotary vane vacuum pumps make an ideal thermoforming vacuum pump. The KVO series supplies high-volume air for thermoforming applications up to 29.91” hgV (with gas ballast) for continuous operation.
The KVO Series is an oil-sealed, multi-vane, single-stage, air cooled, and direct-driven vacuum pump. This design is rugged and durable with a heavy-duty construction for continuous duty applications.
Some of the features of the KVO vacuum pump that make it particularly suitable for thermoforming applications include:
- Ultimate vacuum down to 29.91” hgV/0.375 Torr (with standard gas ballast) and 29.92” hgV/0.075 Torr (without gas ballast) to support thermoforming
- Easy maintenance with oil separator elements accessible from the pump
- High efficiency NEMA premium framed motors
- Premium oil separator system that removes 99.997% of oil from the air
- Low power
- Compact design
KVO oil sealed rotary vane vacuum pumps are simple, quiet, and efficient, offering a very attractive $/ CFM ratio. There are several KVO model options with capacity ranges from 35 to 903 CFM.
To learn more about the MD Kinney KVO model vacuum pump, watch the video:
KVC Dry Claw Vacuum Pump
KVC Series claw pumps are another good thermoforming vacuum pump option. KVC series pumps offer a compact footprint, oil-free compression, and contactless operation through claw rotor design. These claw vacuum pumps have high energy efficiency.
The KVC Series offers high-volume air required for thermoforming applications up to 27″ HgV (75 Torr) for continuous operation. Capacity of KVC series pumps ranges from 43 to 671 CFM.
Some of the features of the KVC vacuum pump that make it particularly suitable for thermoforming applications include:
- Ultimate vacuum down to 27”HgV / 75 Torr to support thermoforming applications.
- Low service/maintenance intervals up to 20,000 hrs.
- Top of class CFM/HP efficiency and low power consumption
- High-efficiency NEMA premium framed motors
- Oil-free compression
- Air cooled
- Fully synchronized gears for maximum efficiency in rotor movement
- Contactless operation to ensure minimal wear of parts within the pumping chamber
Thermoforming is a popular process in manufacturing and packaging due to quick production, high quality of end products and low tooling costs. Selecting the right thermoforming vacuum pump ensures an efficient, low maintenance process that works reliably.
Kerr Thermoforming Vacuum Pumps
Kerr offers a selection of MD Kinney vacuum pumps that are ideal for thermoforming applications, with the most popular thermoforming vacuum pumps fully stocked and available. These MD Kinney vacuum pumps offer the best vacuum pump price and fastest reliable delivery in the industry.