Method and machine for cutting thermoformed packages

摘要

A method is provided for cutting packages out of a composite film in a thermoform packaging machine by previously detecting the position of the sealed seams and by suitably adapting the position of a cutting pattern. Additionally, a thermoform packaging machine is provided for executing the above-mentioned method.

主权项

1. A method for cutting packages out of a composite film in a thermoform packaging machine, said method comprising the steps of:
thermoforming a package in a first film in a thermo-forming packaging machine; sealing the package with a sealing film in a sealing station to form one or more sealed seams, the one or more sealed seams defining a composite film comprised of the first film and the second film; producing a reference element in a fixed spatial relation to said sealed seams in said sealing station, wherein the reference element is produced outside an outer contour of the sealed package; detecting a position of the reference element at a downstream position from the sealing station using an identification device; orienting a cutting unit based upon the detected position of the reference element; and separating the sealed package from the composite film with the cutting unit by cutting the composite film along the outer contour of the package.