Thermoforming film for FFS machines

Thermoforming film for FFS machines is reel material used to form the lower, shaped part of the pack. The equipment forms a cavity from the film to suit the product, the fill is placed in it, and the pack can then be sealed with lidding film. The transparent, flexible version can be chosen for automatic vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging systems. We determine the right film based on the forming depth, the product and the machine together, along with the matching top web.

Forming to the product geometry

During thermoforming, the material distribution changes, so the starting thickness must be chosen for the shape of the finished pack. The depth of the cavity and the design of the side walls and corners all influence the material required. The right version can be refined from the 100, 150, 200 and 300-micron variants with a machine trial. The size and shape of the product and any sharp parts are further considerations. The aim is for the formed pack to behave properly both when the fill is inserted and during further handling. It is also worth checking the material distribution at the corners on the formed, still empty pack.

The relationship between bottom and top web

The thermoformable bottom web must be chosen together with the lidding film. The fit of the sealing surfaces, the continuity of the seal and the desired ease of opening are properties of the whole pack. In vacuum or modified atmosphere processes, the protective role of both films and the seals is equally important. The pack rim must be kept clean during filling so that the seal is sound. The trial packing therefore examines the process from forming to final sealing, with the actual product and the chosen top web.

Reel data for the FFS line

The range includes reels 425 mm wide in 600, 400 or 200-metre lengths, and 365 mm wide in 350-metre lengths. The right width is determined by the machine and the tooling layout; we agree the reel length together with the chosen material. Details of the core, the permitted reel diameter and film guidance are also needed for the choice. With these, it can be checked how the film fits the material supply and reel changes of the specific packaging line.

Checking on the finished pack

During setup, the forming temperature and machine operation must be determined to suit the material. In the trial, we assess the shape of the cavity, the condition of the corners, the appearance of the film and the seal. With the filled pack, the position of the product and the loads during handling also become visible. It is advisable to finalise the choice taking storage and transport conditions into account, so that the formed pack suits the entire planned use.

When looking for thermoforming film for an FFS machine, please tell us the type of equipment, the tooling dimensions and the forming depth. A product sample, the desired packaging process and the details of the lidding film used help with precise agreement. On this basis, at Kollár Pakk we choose the starting thickness and the right reel version.