5 things you must know when buying a sauce cup thermoforming machine

When it comes to the production of food packaging, especially small portion sauce cups, choosing the right sauce cup thermoforming machine is crucial. These cups are widely used in fast food chains, catering services, supermarkets, and takeaway packaging. A well-designed and properly selected machine ensures not only production efficiency but also product quality, safety, and long-term business profitability.
1. Choose the Right Machine Model:

Three-Station Positive and Negative Pressure Thermoforming Machine
One of the most important decisions you need to make is selecting the right machine model. For sauce cup production, the three-station positive and negative pressure thermoforming machine is the ideal choice.
This advanced model integrates forming, punching, and stacking functions into one unit. Unlike older single-station or manual machines, a three-station system allows continuous automated production, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs.

Positive and negative pressure forming combines vacuum suction and compressed air blowing. This dual-forming process ensures the cup wall is evenly shaped, making the cups both durable and lightweight.
The three-station structure separates forming, cutting, and stacking. This division optimizes speed and ensures higher consistency in finished cups.
It supports different plastic sheet materials, such as PP, PS, PET, and multilayer barrier sheets, which are widely used for food safety packaging.
When comparing different models, always pay attention to forming precision, production speed, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance. A positive and negative pressure thermoforming machine will give you a clear advantage in mass production of sauce cups.

2. Mold Design Must Be Reasonable
Even the best thermoforming machine cannot perform well without a properly designed mold. The mold is the core part that shapes your sauce cup, and poor design will lead to problems such as uneven thickness, cracks, or unstable product quality.
For sauce cups, you should consider the following mold design points:
Multi-cavity structure: To increase production capacity, the mold should allow multiple cups to be formed simultaneously.
Uniform wall thickness: Uneven cup walls may cause leakage or collapse under pressure. A well-engineered mold ensures stability.
Material choice: Stainless steel or high-strength aluminum molds with efficient cooling channels extend mold life and improve forming quality.
Customization: Different customers may request different cup sizes (30ml, 50ml, 100ml, etc.), so flexible mold options are necessary.
Working with an experienced mold design team will help reduce trial-and-error costs and ensure your thermoforming machine runs at its full potential.
3. Cup Body and Lid Fit Must Be Precise
A sauce cup is not complete without a lid. The lid and cup body must fit together precisely. If the fit is too tight, customers will struggle to open the cup, creating a poor user experience. If the fit is too loose, the lid may fall off during transportation, leading to product waste and complaints.
Here are the key considerations:
Snap-fit accuracy: The lid should snap securely onto the cup with just the right resistance.
Standardized dimensions: Both cup and lid should be designed with industry-standard tolerances.
Consistency across production batches: Advanced machines and molds guarantee consistent size and fit across thousands of cups.
High precision in cup-lid engagement is critical not only for consumer satisfaction but also for maintaining your brand’s professional image.
4. Sealing Performance Must Be Excellent
Sauce cups often contain liquids such as ketchup, mayonnaise, chili sauce, or salad dressing. If the sealing is not reliable, leakage will occur during storage or transport, causing hygiene problems and financial loss.
A high-quality sauce cup thermoforming machine ensures strong sealing performance by:
Forming smooth and even cup rims for better lid contact.
Supporting heat-sealing film or foil lids, which provide additional protection.
Maintaining consistent forming pressure to avoid deformation at the sealing point.
Good sealing also extends the product’s shelf life, keeping sauces fresh and safe. For food packaging businesses, sealing performance is a key factor that directly impacts market reputation.

5. Brand Recommendation: SIVITE Machinery
Finally, when investing in a thermoforming machine, choosing the right brand is just as important as choosing the right model. One trusted name in this industry is SIVITE Machinery.
SIVITE has years of experience in manufacturing advanced plastic thermoforming equipment. Their three-station positive and negative pressure thermoforming machines are designed for high-speed, high-precision, and stable operation. They specialize in food packaging solutions, including sauce cups, yogurt cups, disposable bowls, and more.
Key advantages of SIVITE Machinery include:
Strong technical support: Professional engineers provide installation guidance, training, and after-sales service.
Customized solutions: Molds and machines can be tailored to your specific product requirements.
High reliability: Machines are built with durable components and advanced automation systems.
Global presence: With customers worldwide, SIVITE has built a solid reputation in the packaging industry.
By choosing SIVITE, you ensure your investment is backed by proven technology and reliable service.
Buying a sauce cup thermoforming machine is a major investment for any food packaging business. To make the right decision, you must consider the machine model, mold design, precision of cup-lid fit, sealing performance, and brand reliability.
Among all options, the three-station positive and negative pressure thermoforming machine stands out for its efficiency, precision, and suitability for sauce cup production. Combined with proper mold design and reliable sealing, it ensures your products meet the highest standards of safety and usability.