Products

Vacuum Shuttle Thermoforming Machines

Shuttle Thermoforming Machines

At Modern Machinery, we design and manufacture custom shuttle thermoforming machines that deliver the flexibility, precision, and reliability manufacturers need for demanding production environments. Whether your application requires vacuum forming, pressure forming, or a fully customized solution, our shuttle machines are engineered to maximize productivity while providing long-term performance.

Our shuttle thermoforming machines are available in single station, pressure, and double-end configurations and can be customized to meet your exact production requirements. Every machine is built with advanced PLC controls, intuitive HMI operation, precision oven controls, and programmable forming sequences that allow operators to optimize performance for a wide range of materials and products. Unlike one-size-fits-all equipment, Modern machines are designed around your process, tooling, and production goals.

Watch a Features Walk Thru of one of our Modern Machinery Single Station Machines.

Double-End Shuttle Thermoforming Machines

Improve Productivity Through Coordinated Heating and Forming Operations

MODERN's double-end shuttle thermoforming machines are engineered to help manufacturers improve material flow and production efficiency. 

With two shuttle positions, these systems can support coordinated loading, heating, forming, and unloading activities, depending on the machine configuration. This design can help reduce idle time and improve equipment utilization by allowing certain operations to overlap.

Double-end shuttle systems can be customized to accommodate production volume, part size, material requirements, and operator workflow.

Benefits Include:

  • Improved production flow and equipment utilization
  • Reduced idle time through coordinated operations
  • Flexible material loading and unloading
  • Custom heating and forming configurations
  • Integration with automated material handling
  • Consistent and repeatable processing
  • Engineered solutions for demanding production environments
Pressure Shuttle Thermoforming Machines

Precision Forming for Detailed and Demanding Applications

MODERN's pressure shuttle thermoforming machines combine controlled heating, vacuum forming, and additional air pressure to produce detailed parts with improved material definition.

Pressure forming is particularly beneficial for applications requiring sharper features, defined surface details, and more complex part geometries. Our pressure shuttle systems can be customized with advanced forming controls, precision heating systems, and automated features to help manufacturers maintain repeatable production conditions.

Benefits Include:

  • Improved definition of complex part features

  • Controlled pressure and vacuum forming sequences

  • Consistent heating and material processing

  • Custom tooling and forming station integration

  • Programmable operation for repeatable production

  • Flexible machine configurations for specialized applications

Single Station Shuttle Thermoforming Machines

Flexible, Efficient Solutions for a Wide Range of Applications

MODERN's single station shuttle thermoforming machines provide manufacturers with a practical and versatile solution for vacuum forming operations.

Designed for applications requiring flexibility, precise control, and reliable performance, these systems can be customized to accommodate different forming areas, material thicknesses, tooling configurations, and production requirements.

Single-station systems are especially valuable for operations requiring frequent product changes, specialized tooling, or customized forming sequences.

Benefits Include:

  • Flexible forming capabilities for diverse applications

  • Customizable forming areas and platen configurations

  • Advanced oven temperature control

  • Programmable machine operation

  • Integration with specialized tooling

  • Optional automated features to improve efficiency

  • Accessible equipment layout for operation and maintenance

Manufacturers choose Modern Machinery because our equipment is built for reliability, repeatability, and ease of operation. We offer extensive customization options including electric platens, advanced quartz oven systems, automated material handling, custom clamp frames, tooling integration, machine upgrades, and automation solutions that improve efficiency while reducing maintenance requirements.

Our engineering team works closely with every customer throughout the design, manufacturing, installation, and support process to ensure every shuttle machine delivers exceptional long-term value. With decades of thermoforming experience and worldwide installations, Modern Machinery has earned a reputation for building dependable equipment backed by responsive service and technical support.

Advanced Features & Customization Options.

Engineered around your equipment. Focused on your production goals.

Automation & Material Handling

MODERN can incorporate automated material handling, tooling connections, part removal, and other custom automation solutions into shuttle thermoforming equipment.

These options help reduce repetitive manual operations, improve production flow, and support more consistent manufacturing processes.

Advanced PLC Controls & HMI Systems

MODERN shuttle machines can incorporate Allen-Bradley PLC controls and intuitive HMI interfaces that give operators direct control over critical machine functions.

Programmable forming sequences, oven settings, machine diagnostics, and operating parameters help simplify setup, troubleshooting, and production adjustments.

Custom Clamp Frame Systems

MODERN's clamp frame solutions are engineered to securely hold material throughout the heating and forming process.

Our 4-Way Adjustable Clamp Frame technology provides additional flexibility for changing sheet dimensions and tooling requirements while helping reduce manual setup time.

Precision Oven & Heating Systems

Consistent material heating is essential to successful thermoforming. Modern Machinery designs advanced oven systems to provide controlled heating profiles suited to your materials and forming requirements.

Available solutions include quartz heating elements, configurable oven zones, programmable temperature profiles, and quick-change heating components.

These systems help manufacturers manage heating consistency, optimize processing conditions, and simplify equipment maintenance.

Precision Forming Stations

Our forming stations can be engineered with electric or hydraulic platen systems, guided motion, custom tooling integration, and programmable forming sequences.

These capabilities help manufacturers achieve controlled movement, consistent forming conditions, and dependable equipment performance.

Applications for Shuttle Thermoforming Machines

MODERN shuttle thermoforming machines can be engineered for a wide range of industrial applications, including:

  • Automotive interior and exterior components

  • Heavy-gauge plastic components

  • Industrial housings and equipment covers

  • Transportation and recreational vehicle components

  • Material handling trays and containers

  • Custom plastic enclosures

  • Large-format thermoformed products

  • Specialty manufacturing applications

Each system is designed around the customer's materials, product geometry, production requirements, and tooling specifications.

Built for Today. Engineered for Tomorrow.

    Investing in new thermoforming equipment is about more than meeting current production requirements. It's about building a manufacturing operation that can adapt as your needs evolve. 

    Modern Machinery designs shuttle thermoforming systems with flexibility, reliability, and long-term value in mind.

    Whether you're expanding capacity, replacing aging equipment, introducing a new product, or improving an existing process, our engineering team can help develop the right solution.

    Let's Build Your Next Shuttle Thermoforming Machine.

    Your production requirements. Our engineering expertise.

    Ready to improve your thermoforming capabilities?

    Connect with Modern Machinery to discuss your application, tooling requirements, production goals, and equipment options.

    From concept through installation and ongoing support, we're here to help you maximize your investment.

    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.”

    Dennis Fall
    Federal Foam Technologies

    “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.”

    Bobby May
    SAY Plastics

    “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.”

    Nik Rudd
    Cadillac Products Automotive Company

    “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.”

    Brian Stewart
    Corvac Composites

    "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."

    John Noruk
    AME Manager, (Vac Forming and PU Technologies), International Automotive Components

    “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.”

    Jason Pahl
    ORBIS Corporation (formerly Robinson Industries, Inc)

    “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.”

    Randy Behm
    Cadillac Products

    "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!"

    Dan Sweet
    Ray Products