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| VACUUM FORMING PETE PACKAGING - EXAMINATION QUESTION |
| V. Ryan © 2011 |
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Using notes and diagrams, explain/describe how the fruit packaging is vacuum formed. |
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| DIA 1. The former/mould is placed in a
vacuum forming machine and a sheet of PETE is placed above it. The heater
is then switched on. The PETE slowly becomes pliable. After a few minutes, it is ready for forming, around the ‘former/mould’. DIA 2. When the PETE is very soft / pliable, the heater is turned off and lifted away. The former / mould is pushed upwards into the pliable PETE, using the handle at the side of the machine. The PETE stretches over the former / mould. DIA 3. The vacuum is then turned on, air is pumped out of the area below the PETE and the PETE is pressed down on the surface of the former / mould by atmospheric pressure. Once the formed PETE has cooled, it is removed and waste material trimmed away, leaving the finished fruit packaging. |
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