Abstract: A method of forming a molded article includes preparing a fiber suspension by liquidizing fibrous material in a suspending liquid using at least one high shear mixer. The fiber suspension is fed to the molding surface of a porous mold. The suspending liquid is removed via the pores of the porous mold to deposit suspended fibers on the mold surface as a molded article. Removing the suspending liquid is achieved by pressing a bladder formed of a flexible impermeable membrane against the article using pressure applied behind the membrane. The molded article is removed from the porous mold dried using microwave radiation generated using at least one magnetron. A molding apparatus is use in the method and a molded article is produced by the method.

Abstract: A method of forming a molded article includes preparing a fiber suspension by liquidizing fibrous material in a suspending liquid using at least one high shear mixer. The fiber suspension is fed to the molding surface of a porous mold. The suspending liquid is removed via the pores of the porous mold to deposit suspended fibers on the mold surface as a molded article. Removing the suspending liquid is achieved by pressing a bladder formed of a flexible impermeable membrane against the article using pressure applied behind the membrane. The molded article is removed from the porous mold dried using microwave radiation generated using at least one magnetron. A molding apparatus is use in the method and a molded article is produced by the method.