Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2003 SKC Communication Group Ltd.

Comi recently delivered a complete line to lingerie company, Intimamoda that included a thermoforming machine and an in-line laser cutting system. The line was designed to suit the customer's objective of producing cups for brassieres (bras) through a single, continuous process. Previously, the bra cups were produced using a thermoformer and independent mechanical cutting systems that proved to be uneconomical.

The bra cups are made of moltoprene, which consists of open-cell expanded PE (with a density 40 kg/[m.sup.3]) and a layer of polyamide on both sides. The reel of moltoprene is unwound and inserted into a chain system. It is then pre-heated by infrared ceramic heating elements and formed through a matrix-punch tool Once thermoformed, the cups are shaped using the laser cutting system. After this, the cups are Loaded on to the provided caissons and sorted according to the respective sizes. Using a 20-cavity mould an output of 1,000 pieces/hour can be achieved

Comi says its solution allows the processing of not only moltoprene but also other sponge-like materials that require cutting and profiting and for products like shoulder pads. The company also adds that with its laser cutting system it is possible to undertake complex geometries that would not be possible with traditional, die cutting equipment, especially acute angles or sharp edges. Moreover, by placing the laser cutting machine in-line with the thermoformer it is possible to achieve a higher rate of productivity and lower rejections.