Abstract: A method for producing a thermo formed part includes closing in a mold a heated sheet (L) made of thermoplastic material in such a manner as to deform the latter, then cooling it inside the mold until complete consolidation is achieved. During cooling, the sheet is cut along at least one edge portion (E) thereof, this cutting operation causing a bending of the edge portion against an abutment surface (1s) in the mold; and removing the upper half-mold from the lower half-mold once the consolidation of the deformed sheet has been attained. During the cooling of the sheet inside the mold, subsequently to the cutting operation a folding operation is performed, this folding operation includes moving the abutment surface away from the edge portion of the sheet, and operating on the edge portion in such a manner as to resume its bending towards a support surface (2s) of the sheet in the mold.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermo formed part includes closing in a mould a heated sheet (L) made of thermoplastic material in such a manner as to deform the latter, then cooling it inside the mould until complete consolidation is achieved. During cooling, the sheet is cut along at least one edge portion (E) thereof, this cutting operation causing a bending of the edge portion against an abutment surface (1s) in the mould; and removing the upper half-mould from the lower half-mould once the consolidation of the deformed sheet has been attained. During the cooling of the sheet inside the mould, subsequently to the cutting operation a folding operation is performed, this folding operation includes moving the abutment surface away from the edge portion of the sheet, and operating on the edge portion in such a manner as to resume its bending towards a support surface (2s) of the sheet in the mould.

Abstract: A method for assembling and welding vehicle door panels is disclosed. At an initial assembly station (20) components (10, 10?) of the panels are assembled and arranged on carriages (14, 15) for carrying the panels, which are profiled in a way adaptable to the shape of the panels. The carriages with the components of the panels are automatedly transported to a welding station (20?). At such station a welding head (35), which is movable with a plurality of degrees of freedom, is automatedly positioned and orientated, and if necessary, the configuration of the welding head is automatedly changed. The carriages with the assembled and welded panels are automatedly transported to a removal station (20?). At such station, the assembled and welded panels are removed, and the unloaded plates or carriages are automatedly returned from the removal station to the initial station.