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Slide 1: Material Handling Trays: The Benefits of Thermoformed Plastic Packaging
Slide 2: Material Handling Trays Material handling trays are produced using a variety of materials, including molded pulp, expanded polystyrene and thermoformed plastic. Comparing major characteristics, thermoformed plastic provides the most benefits over the other two material types. These trays are used in diverse applications and provide numerous benefits, including durability, reusability, efficiency and cost savings.
Slide 3: Material Handling Trays Custom thermoforming refers to the manufacturing process of heating and molding plastic materials into packaging solutions. Material handing trays are used in diverse applications in a variety of industries, especially electronics and medical. In general, these trays can be manufactured in either disposal or reusable packaging.
Slide 4: Material Handling Trays Some of these applications include: Robotic processes. Robotic assembly has made huge inroads in manufacturing processes. When companies use automated handing equipment during production, they require trays and pallets designed to precise specifications. For example, when large volumes of products move through the production process, robotic systems place them in packaging trays. This automation requires each product to be placed in the material handling trays in exactly the same position per the specifications. The products must remain in a fixed position and not move while traveling from one location to another.
Slide 5: Material Handling Trays Protective shipping dunnage. Dunnage refers to the packing that helps to enclose freight during shipment. Its purpose is to prevent damage during transport. In the past, lumber was typically used to protect freight shipments. However, today’s thermoformed plastics provide superior part protection, cost savings and storage efficiencies.
Slide 6: Material Handling Trays Medical glass bottle transport. Plastic trays protect sensitive packaging during transport. The trays are designed so the specific product can snap into place and be held firmly to prevent damage while moving. Production line fixtures. These trays are designed to be integrated within the production process. When production is completed, the trays become part of the final packaging protection and display.
Slide 7: Material Handling Trays Benefits of Thermoformed Plastic Material Handling Trays Thermoformed plastic is the preferred handling tray material for numerous reasons, some of which include the following: Durable. The plastics used during production create an end packaging product that provides exceptional chemical resistance. In addition, these trays are crack resistance, provide good rigidity and are strong enough to tolerate high impacts. Reusable. Along with durability, these trays are easy to clean so they can be reused efficiently in the packaging process. Reusability positively impacts competitiveness as material handling trays can serve multiple purposes, including assembly fixtures, transport trays or packaging.
Slide 8: Material Handling Trays Efficient. Since thermoformed plastic material handling trays can be stacked on top of each other, they save storage space. Also, the ability to nest inside one another reduces restocking labor within the supply chain. Plus, these trays are lightweight and easy to handle. Economical. Because plastic material trays can be reused, they benefit companies economically. In addition, thermoformed plastic materials are easily recycled and therefore these material handling trays produce much less production waste. The lightweight nature of the material reduces transportation costs when compared to wood or other heavier materials.
Slide 9: Material Handling Trays Thermoformed plastic material handling trays are the packaging option of choice for many applications. Compared to other materials, thermoformed plastic provides a better end product that offers more advantages. Regardless of the application, thermoformed plastic material handling trays are designed for moving products in the most efficient and protected way possible.
Slide 10: About the Author Jim Boley is VP of Business Development at Flexpak Corporation, a world-class supplier of custom thermoforming and packaging solutions since 1974. For more information about material handling trays, please visit http://www.flexpakcorp.com/plastic-packaging.php today.