Fiber Thermoforming

Wet Thermoforming

photo of kiefel thermoformer

The PDC partnered with Kiefel Packaging to install Kiefel’s lab-scale unit.

Kiefel packaging’s commercial NatureFormer KFT90 unit uses a suction process in combination with cold pre-processing technology to produce the residual moisture to approximately 60%. The final pressing is accomplished with a heated tool that lowers residual moisture to approximately 7%. Bring your feedstocks and recipes to run trials, or work with the PDC to produce or source needed materials.

Kiefel molds available:

  • cup
  • shallow dish
  • deeper dish
  • or bring your own!

Dry Thermoforming

The PDC has installed a lab-scale Gralex Thermoformer for drying thermoforming applications.

This lab-scale dry thermoformer is used to press, mold, and crease paperboard into 3D shapes, primarily food packaging. This equipment is an important step in our Sustainable Packaging Initiative.

Gralex dies include:

  • plates
  • trays
  • bowls
  • or bring your own!
image of Gralex dry thermoformer

If you are interested in learning more about our thermoforming units, please contact Colleen Walker at: colleen.walker@maine.edu