Developing a design method and tool for producing customizable forming shoulders

In the flow packaging process, the forming shoulder plays a key role. The shoulder guides the film from a planar state into a tunnel shape. The shape of forming shoulders determines the quality of the final packaging. If the surface of the shoulder has irregularities this is visible in the final packaging. Each product needs a unique forming shoulder. Due to this and the complex surface the production of forming shoulders is complicated. This thesis creates a method and tool to make the production of forming shoulders reproducible, easier, and more accurate. To set a basis, common threads in creating forming shoulders are gathered through literature research. Based on literature, the forming shoulder is deconstructed and fully defined with mathematical descriptions. Prototypes are made to check the geometry and the models are adapted until the results are satisfactory. Eventually, the mathematical model is translated to a tool linked to a 3D model. A manual explains the tool and provides help when issues occur. The model, tool, manual, and this report provide knowledge for producing forming shoulders. Still, there are many parts left to further research, however, a solid basis is created to start with the production of forming shoulders.