Abstract: An apparatus for shaping a preheated settable material is provided. The apparatus includes an upper die (38) located in a forming area (34), opposed tensioning assemblies (40), (42), a flexible support (54) rotatably connected between the opposed tensioning assemblies for supporting the settable material, and a regulation system operably engaged with the opposed tensioning assemblies for maintaining tension between the opposed tensioning assemblies. During use, the settable material is shaped by the relative pressing between the upper die and one of the flexible support and a lower die. An improvement is provided including a flexible support having a plurality of openings and a cooling system (60). The cooling system directs cool air to the settable material during a cool down period. The cool air is provided in the forming area at a location beneath the flexible support so that cool air passes upward through the plurality of openings in the flexible support and to the settable material.

Abstract: A method for forming a durable spliced sheet by splicing a plurality of components. Each component has a splicing edge and a core. The method comprises the steps of applying an adhesive, including graphite or fiberglass fibers, to the splicing edge of each of the components, aligning the splicing edge of each of the components with a respective contiguous counterpart, such that nodes of the core of each of the components match nodes on the contiguous counterpart, fastening the nodes of each of the components to the nodes of the aligned contiguous counterpart component, applying a uniform compressive pressure along the splicing edge, and heating the plurality of components to cure the adhesive and form the durable spliced sheet.