Control for a Thermoformer using Matlab Ident and Control Toolbox

This article presents the process of reconversion and automation of a vacuum thermoforming machine with a single station and manual operation starting from diagnosis, with which the components, capacities, and operation of the systems and their operation as a whole are identified, facilitating the redesign of the mechanical and pneumatic systems and the design of the thermal, electrical and control systems for manufacturing, assembly and commissioning. Thanks to the automated thermoformer, the sequential operation was possible for series work with controlled temperatures, higher levels of heating, reduced energy consumption, and an adequate machine-operator interaction for adjusting the variables and characterizing the thermoforming process on each material. The upgrade and automation proposed for this type of machine represent an alternative of technological capacity with an important potential benefit for small companies in the plastic forming sector.