HIPS/ABS Cutlery Tray Production

HIPS/ABS Cutlery Tray Production | Makser Thermoform

Cutlery trays made from HIPS or ABS sheets are manufactured through a professional vacuum–thermoforming process. Once the sheet is shaped inside the mold, trimming and finishing steps produce drawer organizers with consistent dimensions, smooth surfaces and long-term durability.
Makser Thermoform machines provide uniform heating, strong vacuum performance and fast mold change, enabling higher productivity with reduced scrap.

What Is a Cutlery Tray? Which Materials Are Used?

A cutlery tray is a thermoformed drawer insert used to organize forks, knives, spoons and other kitchen accessories. In industrial production, the most common materials are:

HIPS — High Impact Polystyrene

• • Ideal for low–medium heat applications
  • Smooth surface and easy formability
  • Typical thickness: 0.8–2.5 mm

ABS — Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

• • Higher impact and heat resistance than HIPS
  • Available in matte or glossy finishes
  • Ideal for premium-quality trays

Optional Additives

• • Antibacterial compounds
  • Food-contact compliant grades
  • Recycled content
  • Pigment masterbatch for custom colors

Quick tip:
HIPS is suitable for high-speed, cost-sensitive production. ABS is preferred for premium surfaces and improved durability.

HIPS ABS cutlery tray production

Step-by-Step Production Process

1. Sheet Conditioning

HIPS/ABS sheets (0.8–2.5 mm) are conditioned to balance moisture and temperature levels before forming.

2. Heating

Multi-zone upper and lower heaters soften the material uniformly according to the HIPS/ABS recipe.

3. Vacuum Thermoforming

The heated sheet is placed on the mold; vacuum draws the material into all cavities, forming detailed pockets.

4. Cooling & Demolding

After cooling, the geometry stabilizes—minimizing warpage and dimensional drift.

5. Trimming & Cutting

CNC trimming or blade trimming removes excess edges, defines holes and finalizes the outer profile.

6. Surface Inspection & Packaging

Each tray is checked for scratches, thinning, warping, orange peel texture or tolerance deviations before packaging.

Makser recommendation:
Use a multi-cavity mold to produce multiple trays per cycle—reducing total cycle time and lowering cost per unit.

Makser Thermoform — Core Advantages

✔ Uniform Heating

Independent heat zones ensure even softening across HIPS/ABS sheets.

✔ Strong Vacuum & Controlled Cycle

Ensures clean detailing, consistent wall thickness and low reject rates.

✔ Fast Mold Change

Ideal for flexible production with multiple tray models.

✔ Energy Efficiency

Smart heating modes and heat recovery options.

✔ Data Logging

Records temperature, vacuum level and cycle times for repeatable quality.

✔ Plug-Assist Compatibility

Improves material distribution in deep pockets.

Technical Parameter Guide

(Typical ranges — final values depend on project requirements)

• • Sheet thickness: 0.8–2.5 mm
  • Heating temperature: 140–200°C (material datasheet dependent)
  • Vacuum level: –0.7 to –0.95 bar
  • Cooling time: 2–8 seconds
  • Cycle time: 8–20 seconds (multi-cavity molds increase total output)

Tip:
Prepare a parameter card for each model and pin it to the operator screen—this reduces quality variation.

Quality Criteria & Inspection Points

• • Wall thickness consistency: Avoid thinning at corners and pocket bases
  • Surface finish: No orange peel, flow marks or cloudiness
  • Dimensional accuracy: Proper draw ratio compensation, clean radii, no burrs
  • Functional tests: Drawer fitment, load tests, anti-slip base compatibility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

HIPS or ABS — which should I choose?

• • HIPS: Better for fast and economical production
  • ABS: Better for scratch resistance, premium finish and higher heat stability

What is the ideal thickness?

• • 0.8–1.2 mm for shallow pockets
  • 1.5–3.5 mm for deep or large organizers

What surface finishes are available?

Matte, semi-matte, gloss, textured, antibacterial or antistatic options.

How is trimming done?

Via CNC trimming, blade trimming or additional routing depending on the design.

Why Makser?

Makser Thermoform machines feature a robust frame, precise heat control, powerful vacuum and fast tooling transitions—offering a reliable solution for cutlery tray manufacturing.
Share your material, product size and target cycle time, and our team will recommend the most appropriate mold–machine configuration. 📩 For inquiries and demo requests, contact us.