Products
Thermoforming Machine Retrofits & rebuilds
modernize your equipment. maximize your investment.
Improve machine performance, increase production efficiency, and extend equipment life with custom-engineered thermoforming retrofits and rebuilds.
Your existing thermoforming equipment may have years of productive life remaining. Before investing in an entirely new machine, consider what strategic upgrades, retrofits, or a complete rebuild could accomplish. At Modern Machinery of Beaverton, we specialize in designing and implementing custom thermoforming machine retrofits and rebuilds that help manufacturers improve performance, reliability, safety, and production capabilities. With over 40 years of industry experience, our engineering and manufacturing teams understand the challenges of aging equipment, outdated controls, inefficient heating systems, and worn mechanical components. We work with customers to identify opportunities for improvement and develop solutions tailored to their equipment and production requirements.
Whether you need a targeted system upgrade or a comprehensive machine rebuild, MODERN provides the engineering expertise to help you get more from your existing investment. When equipment requires more than a targeted upgrade, a comprehensive machine rebuild may provide an effective alternative to purchasing new machinery. MODERN evaluates existing thermoforming equipment to determine which mechanical, electrical, heating, and control systems should be repaired, replaced, or redesigned.
Depending on machine condition and project requirements, a rebuild may include:
- Mechanical inspection and refurbishment
- Replacement of worn platen components
- Updated bushings, shafts, and guide systems
- New electrical controls and wiring
- Oven replacement or modernization
- Updated drive systems and motors
- Clamp frame modifications
- Safety system improvements
- Machine cleaning, preparation, and refinishing
- System integration, testing, and troubleshooting
Our goal is to retain valuable existing equipment wherever practical while incorporating improvements that support current production requirements. From individual components to extensive equipment rehabilitation, MODERN develops rebuild solutions based on your machine's condition, application, and long-term operational goals.
Consider a retrofit when:
- The machine's primary structure remains in good condition
-
Specific systems have become outdated or unreliable
-
Production requirements have changed
-
Additional automation or process control is needed
-
You want to improve a particular aspect of machine performance
Consider a rebuild when:
- Multiple mechanical or electrical systems require attention
-
Equipment has experienced significant wear or damage
-
Major components have become obsolete
-
The machine requires extensive refurbishment
-
You want to restore and modernize an existing equipment platform
upgrade What Matters Most.
Custom solutions designed around your existing machinery.
Not every machine needs to be replaced to meet changing production demands. In many cases, upgrading key components can significantly improve equipment functionality, repeatability, and operating efficiency. MODERN offers a comprehensive range of thermoforming equipment retrofits designed to address specific production challenges, replace obsolete technology, and integrate modern machine capabilities.
MACHINE CONTROL SYSTEM UPGRADES
Not every machine needs to be replaced to meet changing production demands. In many cases, upgrading key components can significantly improve equipment functionality, repeatability, and operating efficiency. MODERN offers a comprehensive range of thermoforming equipment retrofits designed to address specific production challenges, replace obsolete technology, and integrate modern machine capabilities.
Benefits Include:
- Improved operator interface and usability
- Enhanced machine diagnostics and troubleshooting
- More precise process control
- Replacement of obsolete electrical components
- Improved production consistency
- Integration with modern automation systems
Oven Retrofits & Heating System UPGRADES
Consistent, controlled heating is essential to producing quality thermoformed parts. Aging oven systems may struggle with temperature uniformity, energy efficiency, and process repeatability. MODERN engineers custom oven retrofits incorporating quartz, panel, and other application-specific heating technologies.
Benefits Include:
- Improved heating consistency and control
- Advanced heating zone configurations
- More accurate temperature management
- Reduced heating inefficiencies
- Improved process repeatability
- Updated oven controls and diagnostics
Form Station & Platen Drive UPGRADES
Modernizing the forming station can improve machine movement, positioning, and overall process control. MODERN offers custom form station retrofits, including electric drive systems that can replace existing hydraulic configurations when appropriate for the application.
Benefits Include:
- More precise platen positioning
- Improved motion control and repeatability
- Reduced hydraulic maintenance requirements
- Enhanced forming capabilities
- Updated mechanical components and drive systems
- Better integration with machine controls
4-Way Adjustable Clamp Frame Retrofits
Improve production flexibility with MODERN's custom-engineered 4-way adjustable clamp frame systems. Our short-bar and long-bar configurations allow manufacturers to adjust clamping dimensions for different sheet sizes and production requirements.
Benefits Include:
- Increased flexibility for multiple part sizes
- Improved material utilization
- Reduced manual adjustments
- More efficient changeovers
- Greater adaptability to changing production demands
Rotate Drive & Mechanical System UPGRADES
Worn or outdated mechanical drive systems can affect machine movement, reliability, and production consistency. MODERN provides engineered upgrades for rotary drive systems, platen drives, mechanical assemblies, and related equipment components.
Benefits Include:
- Improved mechanical reliability
- More consistent machine movement
- Replacement of worn or obsolete components
- Reduced maintenance concerns
- Improved positioning and operating performance
Automation & Safety System Improvements
As production requirements evolve, your equipment should be capable of supporting modern operating standards. MODERN can integrate automation and safety-related improvements into existing machinery, depending on equipment design and project requirements.
Benefits Include:
- Automated material handling
- Updated machine guarding
- Light curtains and safety interlocks
- Air-activated oven retract systems
- Automated tool clamping
- Updated electrical and control components
The MODERN Retrofit & Rebuild Process.
Engineered around your equipment. Focused on your production goals.
1. Equipment Evaluation
We begin by understanding your existing machine, current operating challenges, and desired improvements.
2. Engineering & Solution Development
Our team reviews potential retrofit or rebuild options, evaluates system compatibility, and develops recommendations based on your application.
3. Custom Design & Manufacturing
MODERN designs and manufactures the necessary components, assemblies, controls, and equipment modifications to meet the approved project requirements.
4. Installation & Integration
Retrofit and rebuild components are integrated into the existing equipment, with attention to mechanical functionality, electrical systems, controls, and safety requirements.
5. Testing & Ongoing Support
Following integration, the modified systems are tested according to the agreed project scope. MODERN also provides ongoing technical support, replacement components, and service options to help keep equipment operating reliably.
Before & After: See the MODERN Difference.
Real equipment. Real engineering solutions.
From targeted component replacements to extensive machine rehabilitation, MODERN has experience transforming aging thermoforming equipment into more capable production systems. Explore our before-and-after project images to see examples of mechanical rebuilds, oven upgrades, platen modifications, and complete equipment refurbishments.
Every project is different, but the objective remains the same: improve equipment functionality and help customers maximize their manufacturing investments.
Why Retrofit Instead of Replace?
Get more value from the equipment you already own.
Investing in new thermoforming machinery is a major capital decision. When the existing machine structure remains viable, strategic modernization may provide meaningful operational improvements without the expense of replacing the entire system.
Protect Your Existing Investment
Retain valuable machine structures and components while upgrading systems that need improvement.
Address Obsolete Technology
Replace aging components and outdated controls with modern, supportable alternatives.
Improve Production Performance
Modern controls, heating systems, drives, and mechanical components can improve consistency and operational efficiency.
Improve Long-Term Reliability
Address wear, outdated components, and known performance issues before they create additional operational challenges.
Support More Efficient Capital Planning
Target investments toward the systems that deliver the greatest operational value. Actual results depend on machine condition, retrofit scope, and application requirements.
Expand Machine Capabilities
Adapt existing equipment to support new products, tooling requirements, or production processes.
Ready to Modernize Your Thermoforming Equipment?
Your next production advantage may already be on your shop floor.
Before replacing your existing thermoforming equipment, talk with MODERN about opportunities to improve its performance, capabilities, and long-term reliability.
Whether you are considering new controls, oven upgrades, electric platen drives, adjustable clamp frames, or a complete machine rebuild, our engineering team is ready to help evaluate your options.
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!"