Top 5 Vacuum Forming Factories in Italy

Vacuum forming, a type of thermoforming¹, is a manufacturing process where a plastic sheet is heated to a pliable temperature, stretched over a single-surface mold, and shaped using vacuum pressure. Italy, renowned for its advanced manufacturing sector², is home to several leading companies excelling in this technology. This blog explores the top five vacuum forming factories in Italy, their specialties, and the significance of the vacuum forming process.

Vacuum forming in Italy is spearheaded by Comi S.p.A., Veripack S.r.l., Coligroup Spa (Colimatic), OMV Machinery Srl (OMV Technologies), and Marchesini Group Spa, each excelling in innovative, customizable solutions for industries like packaging, automotive, and medical.

Understanding the vacuum forming³ process and its applications is key to leveraging its benefits across various industries. Read on to discover how these factories contribute to Italy’s manufacturing prowess and how vacuum forming compares to other technologies.

What are the Top 5 Vacuum Forming Factories in Italy?

Italy’s vacuum forming industry thrives due to the innovation and quality delivered by these top five factories:

1. Comi S.p.A.

• Overview: A leader in thermoforming machines⁴ for refrigeration, automotive, and sanitary industries.

• Key Offerings: The LaborForma series processes materials like HIPS, ABS, PMMA, PP, and PVC, suitable for bathtubs, refrigerator liners, and signage.

• Strengths: Over 45 years of experience, 1,300+ plants installed globally, and expertise in process engineering.

2. Veripack S.r.l.

• Overview: Specializes in high-output thermoforming machines for food and medical packaging⁵.

• Key Offerings: Machines like the Freedom series support flexible and rigid films, with features like PLC control and up to 99 programmable cycles.

• Strengths: Strong presence in India, focus on sustainability, and over 30 years of experience.

3. Coligroup Spa (Colimatic)

• Overview: Known for its Colimatic brand, focusing on thermoforming lines for food and medical packaging.

• Key Offerings: The THERA series supports paper packaging and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).

• Strengths: 45 years of experience, global technical support, and energy-efficient machinery⁶.

4. OMV Machinery Srl (OMV Technologies)

• Overview: A leader in thermoforming and extrusion machinery, known for precision and efficiency.

• Key Offerings: Closed-loop in-line extrusion and thermoforming systems, including the RM77 “Revolver” thermoformer.

• Strengths: 60 years of expertise, advanced R&D, and a reputation for high-speed processing.

5. Marchesini Group Spa

• Overview: A global leader in pharmaceutical and cosmetic packaging, offering thermoforming machines for blister packaging.

• Key Offerings: The FB Series supports deep-drawn thermoforming for vials, ampoules, and syringes.

• Strengths: Over 9,000 machines produced, presence in 92 countries, and integration of robotic feeding systems.

What is the Vacuum Forming Process?

The vacuum forming process is straightforward yet highly effective, consisting of these key steps:

1. Material Selection: Choose a thermoplastic sheet based on application requirements.

2. Heating: Uniformly heat the sheet to its forming temperature.

3. Forming: Drape the heated sheet over a mold and apply vacuum pressure.

4. Cooling: Cool the formed part to set its shape.

5. Trimming: Remove excess material using cutting tools.

6. Finishing: Perform secondary operations like printing or assembly.

Key Parameters:

• Heating Time and Temperature: Must be controlled to prevent material degradation.

• Vacuum Level: Ensures proper adhesion to the mold.

• Cooling Time: Affects dimensional stability.

What Materials are Used in Vacuum Forming?

Vacuum forming utilizes a variety of thermoplastics, each chosen for specific properties:

• Polystyrene (PS)⁷: Excellent clarity, ideal for display packaging.

• Polypropylene (PP)⁸: High heat resistance, suitable for food packaging.

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)⁹: Rigid and chemical-resistant, used in blister packs.

• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): Strong and impact-resistant, used in automotive parts.

• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Clear, recyclable, used in trays and containers.

Material Impact:

• Forming Temperature: Varies significantly (e.g., PS at ~120–150°C, PVC at ~150–180°C).

• Shrinkage: Materials like PP have higher shrinkage rates (~1–2%).

What are the Applications of Vacuum Forming?

Vacuum forming serves a wide range of industries, including:

• Packaging: Blister packs, clamshells, trays.

• Automotive: Interior trim, dashboards.

• Medical: Trays for surgical instruments.

• Construction: Signage, architectural models.

• Aerospace: Prototyping and interior components.

How Does Vacuum Forming Compare to Other Technologies?

Here’s a comparison of vacuum forming with other plastic forming technologies:

Technology	Pros	Cons
Vacuum Forming	Lower tooling costs, fast setup, suitable for large parts, design flexibility	Limited to thinner walls, less detail for complex shapes, lower precision
Injection Molding10	High precision, complex shapes, suitable for high volumes	High tooling costs, longer setup times, less suited for large parts
Blow Molding11	Ideal for hollow parts, efficient for bottles and containers	Not suitable for flat/shallow parts, requires parison, limited materials
Rotational Molding	Uniform wall thickness, suitable for large hollow parts	Slower production, limited to simple shapes, higher material costs

Conclusion

Italy’s top vacuum forming factories—Comi S.p.A., Veripack S.r.l., Coligroup Spa (Colimatic), OMV Machinery Srl (OMV Technologies), and Marchesini Group Spa—are driving innovation in thermoforming technology. Their expertise spans industries like packaging, automotive, and medical, offering cost-effective and high-quality solutions. By understanding the vacuum forming process, materials, and applications, businesses can harness this technology to meet diverse manufacturing needs.