POLYSTYRENE: positioning of reel or pedestal.
HEATING PLATE: direct contact or by infra-red radiation , the plate elevates polystyrene to a temperature of 120°-150°C.
FORMING UNIT: when the pneumatic or electrical punch pre-draws the sheet, the plate over the mould cools and the shape coagulates.
DISPENSER: various technologies allow filling the shapes with different products (milk, yoghurts, cereals, toffee...).
SEALING UNIT: "sealing the cups". A heated electrode (150°-220°C) electro-plates the lidding material on a small surface, creating a furrow in the polystyrene.
MARKING: "indicating sell-by date".
CUTTING STATION: Two types, "hammer/anvil" or "punch/matrix", it forms packs of 4, 6 or more. Pre-cuts the sheet to facilitate separation by the consumer.
LIDDING MATERIAL: roll of ready-for-cutting lidding material.
EXIT: the cup packs are filled, sealed with the lid material and pre-cut. They can now be packaged for the end-user.