Team Weissbacher
Kiefel is displaying its extensive portfolio of innovative, sustainable solutions for the packaging industry at Brueckner Group’s booths W6361 and W6560 in the West Hall at NPE 2024, held from May 6 -10 in Orlando, Florida. Visitors will experience live demonstrations of two types of packaging machine showing some of the many products they can produce: the SPEEDFORMER KMD 90.1 Premium machine equipped with a 6-cavity Sencorp tool for 100% postconsumer recycled PET lids for aluminum ready-meal pans; and the NATUREFORMER KFT Lab producing natural fiber-based bowls.
Easy integration of existing tools into the KMD 90.1 Premium machine
At NPE 2024, one focus will be on the KMD 90.1 Premium steel rule cutting machine, presenting benefits such as its well-proven performance and process control, as well as its customized configuration with proven down-stacking and Pick&Place stacking. The KMD 90.1 Premium allows for efficient production of various types of high-quality thermoformed polymer packaging for food and nonfood applications, including trays, containers, lids and technical packaging, among others.
“This technology solution stands out due to its compatibility with standard tooling, benefiting customers by allowing existing tools, like the Sencorp 2500 series, to be easily integrated into the KMD 90.1 Premium through a simple adaptation process”, emphasizes Armin Dietrich, Global Director of the Polymer Packaging Division at Kiefel.
Furthermore, the KMD 90.1 Premium offers a faster, ergonomic, automated tool change in a unique tool block, taking only 1.5 hours. This facilitates film switching between production runs and increases machine utilization.
New SPEEDFORMER KTR 6.2 for increased output and taller polymer cups
In addition, Kiefel is providing a preview of its latest tilting machine, the SPEEDFORMER KTR 6.2 designed for the mass production of thermoformed polymer high-end cups. This cutting-edge machine presents a larger forming area and a faster forming time thanks to an improved cooling process.
The KTR 6.2 offers over a 30% higher output of cups and coffee capsules than its predecessor, depending on production parameters, such as the film material, amount of tool cavities and product characteristics. Furthermore, this new solution gives customer the opportunity to produce taller cups. Its more powerful drive system at the Trim-in-place station offers more possibilities for processing a wider variety of materials.
Sustainable and innovative natural fiber packaging solutions
Kiefel is also a partner for brand-owners and converters who want to efficiently produce sustainable packaging such as lids and sip-lids, coffee capsules, bowls, cups, and flower pots, from biodegradable natural fibers. Its team of experts offers support from the very first steps of material research and testing, to complete turnkey projects, product development and technology demonstrations at its Customer Innovation Centers in Europe and the US.
“Kiefel is excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new lid production system, the KFL 90.1”, highlights Richard Hagenauer, Head of Product Management of the Fiber Packaging Division at Kiefel. “This reliable system will allow customers to manufacture lids up to 40mm tall for various food applications including hot and cold drinks, margarine, fresh cheese, ice cream, hot brew, and more.”
This innovative solution will be part of the fiber thermoforming machine portfolio, which includes the compact KFT Lab machine -presented at the show- for research and development purposes, as well as the KFT 90.1 known for the highest process reliability thanks to enhanced Kiefel Steam Flow Technology, its precise temperature control and its optimized HMI interface. With a global network of experienced technicians, prompt after-sales support is ensured to maximize system up-time and productivity