Products
thermoforming Automation Systems
Smarter Automation. Stronger Production.
Custom-engineered automation solutions designed around your manufacturing process.
At Modern Machinery of Beaverton, we understand that improving production efficiency requires more than just the right thermoforming machine. It requires equipment and processes that work together seamlessly. Our custom thermoforming automation systems are designed to streamline material handling, reduce repetitive manual tasks, improve production consistency, and help manufacturers maximize their equipment investments.
From automatic part loading and unloading to insert placement, part stacking, and integrated material transfer systems, MODERN develops automation solutions tailored to your equipment, application, and production requirements. Whether you're investing in a new thermoforming machine or looking to automate an existing operation, our engineering team can help identify opportunities to improve workflow, reduce bottlenecks, and increase overall productivity.
Visualize. Customize. Modernize.
Custom Automation Built Around Your Operation
No two manufacturing environments operate exactly alike. Material requirements, part configurations, cycle times, tooling, available floor space, and production goals all influence the automation solution that makes the most sense.
Modern Machinery approaches automation with an application-specific engineering mindset. Rather than forcing your operation to fit a standard system, we evaluate how automation can complement your existing process and support your long-term manufacturing goals.
Our automation capabilities can be incorporated into new thermoforming equipment or evaluated as additions to existing machinery.
The Benefits of Thermoforming Automation systems.
Actual performance improvements depend on machine configuration, application requirements, cycle times, and the scope of automation.
Increased Productivity
Reduce unnecessary handling and improve the flow of materials and finished parts.
Improved Consistency
Support repeatable material positioning, part handling, and production sequencing.
Improved Workplace Safety
Reduce certain manual handling demands while incorporating appropriate guarding and safety controls.
Reduced Manual Handling
Automate repetitive tasks and allow operators to focus on higher-value responsibilities.
Reduced Cycle Delays
Identify opportunities to minimize waiting time between production stages.
Better Equipment Utilization
Maximize the value of existing equipment with targeted automation improvements.
Automation Solutions for a Range of Manufacturing Applications.
Modern Machinery supports manufacturers with equipment and automation requirements across a variety of industries and processes.
Our engineering capabilities can be applied to:
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Automotive Manufacturing: Material handling, insert loading, part removal, and automation for interior and other thermoformed components.
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Industrial Thermoforming: Custom loading, unloading, and material transfer for vacuum and pressure forming applications.
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Compression Molding: Material preparation, feeding, heating, and transfer integration for compression molding operations.
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Continuous Inline Production: Coordinated material movement, part removal, and downstream handling.
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Custom Manufacturing Applications: Specialized automation engineered around unique materials, parts, equipment, and production challenges.
Every project begins with an understanding of the manufacturing process and the improvements the customer wants to achieve.
Our Thermoforming Automation Systems Capabilities.
Automated Material Handling & Transfer
Move materials efficiently between production stages with automation engineered for your equipment configuration. MODERN can develop material feeding, positioning, and transfer solutions to support integrated manufacturing operations.
Benefits Include:
- Reduced handling time
- Improved material positioning
- Fewer interruptions between production steps
Automatic Insert Loading
For applications requiring inserts or additional components during production, automated loading can help improve placement consistency and reduce repetitive operator tasks.
Benefits Include:
- More repeatable positioning
- Reduced manual placement
- Improved process consistency
Machine Controls & Process Integration
Move materials efficiently between production stages with automation engineered for your equipment configuration. MODERN can develop material feeding, positioning, and transfer solutions to support integrated manufacturing operations.
Benefits Include:
- Reduced handling time
- Improved material positioning
- Fewer interruptions between production steps
Automated Part Removal & Stacking
Streamline downstream operations with systems designed to remove, transfer, organize, and stack finished thermoformed parts. Solutions can be developed around the geometry, handling requirements, and production volume of your application.
Benefits Include:
- More organized part handling
- Reduced repetitive labor
- Smoother downstream operations
Automatic Part Loading & Unloading
Benefits Include:
- Reduced operator intervention
- More consistent handling
- Improved production flow
Our Approach to Custom Automation.
Engineered around your equipment. Focused on your production goals.
1. Evaluate Your Application
We review your current equipment, production requirements, materials, part specifications, and operational challenges.
2. Identify Automation Opportunities
Our team evaluates where automated handling, machine integration, or process improvements could provide measurable value.
3. Engineer a Custom Solution
We develop an equipment concept around your production goals, machine configuration, and available manufacturing space.
4. Build & Integrate
Approved solutions are manufactured and integrated according to the project requirements, including appropriate controls and safety considerations.
5. Support Your Operation
MODERN provides technical assistance and equipment support to help maintain reliable long-term performance.
Automation for New & Existing Thermoforming Equipment.
Integrated automation for new machines.
Automation is most effective when considered early in the equipment design process. MODERN can engineer automation into custom thermoforming machinery, coordinating material movement, machine functions, tooling requirements, and operator interaction. Our custom equipment capabilities include vacuum and pressure forming machines, rotary systems, shuttle machines, inline formers, and other specialized manufacturing equipment.
By considering automation as part of the complete machine design, manufacturers can establish a more coordinated production process from the beginning.
Automation upgrades for existing machines.
Improving production efficiency does not always require replacing an existing thermoforming machine. Modern Machinery can evaluate opportunities to add automation to existing equipment, including part handling, loading and unloading, material transfer, and machine control integration.
These upgrades may help manufacturers address labor-intensive processes, reduce production bottlenecks, and extend the usefulness of their existing machinery.
Ready to Automate Your Production Process?
Let's build a smarter manufacturing solution.
Whether you're looking to automate a single operation or integrate multiple processes into a more efficient production system, Modern Machinery has the engineering experience to help you explore the possibilities.
From initial concept through equipment integration and ongoing support, we're committed to helping manufacturers improve performance and maximize their investment.
Visualize. Customize. Modernize.
TESTIMONIALS
“Modern Machinery consistently delivers outstanding support and valuable insights, not only for their own equipment but also for machines produced by other manufacturers. Their team is highly responsive, addressing issues promptly and making sure every task is completed with precision and care. This commitment to service excellence truly sets them apart in our industry.”
“Modern Machinery has been a valuable partner to SAY Plastics as we continue to deliver high-quality heavy-gauge thermoformed components and custom plastic solutions to our customers. Their team provides responsive service, knowledgeable support, and dependable equipment solutions that help us maintain the precision, efficiency, and reliability our customers expect.”
“My experience with Modern Machinery has been nothing but positive, from design changes during a demo, all the way to years after installation has been complete. The amount of support and knowledge from Modern Machinery is nothing short of extraordinary, and a major component in our production lines staying operational and running properly.”
“Working with Modern Machinery has been an outstanding experience, thanks to their exceptional customer service and responsiveness. Their team consistently delivers innovative engineering solutions and reliable support that add real value to our operations.”
"I have worked with MODERN for the past few years and have come to appreciate their willingness to try new things and provide to their customers what they want. Their customer service and support is by far better than any big machine manufacturer that I have worked with in the past or present. I would highly recommend them to anyone I talk to for Vacuum Forming machines."
“Robinson Industries has used Modern Machine to help them overcome many different hurdles over the years. More recently, after our Fire in 2022, MODERN was instrumental in getting two of the machines that mostly survived the fire back into production mode. We are constantly leaning on MODERN to improve all aspects of our machines. Their innovation to provide a quality service and help improve the life of our machines is tough to compete with. I would recommend them to work on any project.”
“We’ve developed a relationship with Modern Machinery seven years ago and have purchased several pieces of production equipment in that time frame. Modern Machinery has consistently met our expectations by building quality equipment and meeting our often, demanding timelines. The real strength of Modern Machinery is their customer service and follow up on any issues. They back what they sell and take a personal interest in solving any issue we’ve had. Modern Machinery has been a great company to work with and would recommend them for any custom production equipment.”
"After purchasing several other Brand machines in the 1990's I inquired about a new large thermoformer from Modern Machine. I immediately was impressed with Tom Pohlman and his statement " we will build whatever you want". Along with Tom and his team we started to discuss and design a machine built to handle a sheet size of 10' x 18' with a 36" draw and rugged enough to take any miscues that happen from time to time with thermoform operators. This machine is tough, dependable and has performed nonstop since 2005 running some of the largest parts ever produced on the West coast. Throughout the past few years MODERN has identified areas of improvement from our discussions and has continued to upgrade the software side of the machine to improve the ease of programming and provide additional capabilities of the machine. We just received our third MODERN machine a 3 station pressure former that has been running since October 2012, four days after its arrival. Built to our custom requirements this is by far the best machine I have ever purchased. My congratulations to MODERN for their outstanding performance in building Ray Products the best thermoforming equipment available in our Industry!"