TF/F/S for Trays, Cups & Portion Packs

Automated packaging machinery that thermoforms trays, cups, or portion packs from roll-fed film, fills the cavities with product, and seals them in a continuous operation. Commonly used for single-serve foods, dairy, condiments, and medical doses.

Category Explained

Thermoform/Fill/Seal (TF/F/S) equipment for trays, cups, and portion packs is designed to produce custom-formed packaging by heating and shaping plastic film into compartments or cavities, then precisely filling them with product and sealing them for distribution. These machines are ideal for producing unit-dose or portion-controlled packages in a clean, efficient, and high-speed environment. TF/F/S systems are widely used across the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries, particularly for products that require consistent sizing, tamper evidence, or extended shelf life. The machinery supports flexible package design and offers efficient use of materials, often incorporating MAP (modified atmosphere packaging) or vacuum sealing for sensitive contents.

Typical products and applications include:

  • Yogurt, pudding, or dairy snacks: Portion-packed in thermoformed cups for retail multipacks
  • Ketchup, salad dressing, or sauces: Filled in single-serve cups for foodservice and to-go meals
  • Nut butters or snacks: Packaged in sealed trays for lunch kits or convenience snacking
  • Pharmaceutical tablets or gels: Unit doses sealed in blister-style thermoformed packaging
  • Personal care samples (e.g., lotions, shampoo): Portioned for individual use in foil-sealed trays

Additional Considerations:

  • Highly customizable tray and cup shapes: Ideal for brand-specific designs and niche formats
  • Offers precise dosing and clean sealing: Reduces waste and ensures product integrity
  • Compatible with MAP or vacuum technologies: Preserves freshness and extends shelf life
  • Automated, in-line format: Improves throughput and reduces manual handling
  • Supports print registration and film branding: Enhances shelf presence and product traceability