Abstract: An apparatus for embossing an extruded section of a thermoplastic material having a central band edged on both sides by a flange, and which is particularly suited to providing a wall with an outer facade, comprises at least one embossing device disposed to receive the extruded section from an extruder, the embossing device including a counter-roller freely mounted on a shaft for rotation and supporting the extruded section, an embossing roller mounted above the central band of the extruded section and driven at a speed equal to the speed of the extruded section over the counter-roller, and lateral shapers disposed adjacent to the flanges of the extruded section, which are connected to a vacuum source and which are provided with cooling means to cool the flanges of the extruded section and to maintain the shape of the flanges after having been extruded.The apparatus may further include a secondary shaping and cooling device and vacuum means.

Abstract: A wall is provided with an outer facade comprised of a cladding element which contains an insulating core. The cladding element includes a central band having flanges extending from opposing edges, on the same side of the plane defined by the central band. Each of the flanges includes a row of venting holes and a ratchet blade protruding from the flange and adapted for interlocking connection with the ratchet blade of a corresponding, adjacent cladding element. The insulating core is made from a rigid insulating material and includes a series of embossed blocks distributed evenly over its outer surface so that the inner surface of the central band rests on the embossed blocks of the insulating core. Also provided are a number of mounting and finishing elements including end and intermediate rails for enclosing the flanges of the cladding element, as well as special coverings for cable edges and salient or re-entrant angles.