Abstract: A method for shaping a preform made from thermoplastic material, and a facility for implementing the method, comprising the following steps: a) providing a preform made from thermoplastic material having a surface; b) supplying thermal energy to the preform by radiation in such a way as to make it ductile; and c) shaping the ductile preform inside a forming mould. Step b) further involves simultaneously spraying a gaseous fluid onto the surface of the preform in order to preserve the surface.

Abstract: A thermoforming assembly includes a lower mold part (20) and an upper mold part (34). The two mold parts are able to move in a substantially vertical direction between an open position and a closed position. Retaining members (28) are able to hold a sheet of softened thermoplastic (10) in a substantially horizontal mean plane Pm between the two mold parts. The retaining members include a plurality of rods (28) mounted mobile in the lower mold part (20). The rods (28) project out from the lower mold part (20) when the two mold parts (20, 34) are in the open position, to hold the sheet of softened thermoplastic (10) in the substantially horizontal mean plane Pm and accompany it as the mold closes.

Abstract: A production of thermoplastic composite preforms intended to be thermoformed. The unit including: a movable support and a plurality of storage areas for storing a plurality of structural elements made from thermoplastic composite material; and transfer and connection devices for transferring the structural elements to the movable support and connecting the structural elements to one another. The movable support is driven sequentially in translation in a direction of travel, while the storage areas are arranged laterally in relation to the movable support. The transfer and connection devices transfer the structural elements to the movable support along a transfer direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel.

Abstract: A unit for cutting thin films of synthetic material has a worktable and a cutting head. The cutting head has a shoe with a smooth bearing surface and a cutting member that can project from the smooth bearing surface. The smooth bearing surface is intended to be applied against the thin film of synthetic material, while the shoe is moved substantially parallel to the worktable so that it can cut the thin film of synthetic material. The worktable has a non-slip coating with a static coefficient of friction in relation to the synthetic material, while the smooth bearing surface has a dynamic coefficient of friction in relation to the synthetic material. The dynamic coefficient of friction is lower than the static coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A production of thermoplastic composite preforms intended to be thermoformed. The unit including: a movable support and a plurality of storage areas for storing a plurality of structural elements made from thermoplastic composite material; and transfer and connection devices for transferring the structural elements to the movable support and connecting the structural elements to one another. The movable support is driven sequentially in translation in a direction of travel, while the storage areas are arranged laterally in relation to the movable support. The transfer and connection devices transfer the structural elements to the movable support along a transfer direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel.

Abstract: A thermoforming assembly includes a lower mold part (20) and an upper mold part (34). The two mold parts are able to move in a substantially vertical direction between an open position and a closed position. Retaining members (28) are able to hold a sheet of softened thermoplastic (10) in a substantially horizontal mean plane Pm between the two mold parts. The retaining members include a plurality of rods (28) mounted mobile in the lower mold part (20). The rods (28) project out from the lower mold part (20) when the two mold parts (20, 34) are in the open position, to hold the sheet of softened thermoplastic (10) in the substantially horizontal mean plane Pm and accompany it as the mold closes.

Abstract: A unit for cutting thin films of synthetic material, the unit including: a worktable; and a cutting head including a shoe having a smooth bearing surface and a cutting member that can project from the smooth bearing surface, the smooth bearing surface being intended to be applied against the thin film of synthetic material, while the shoe is moved substantially parallel to the worktable so that it can cut the thin film of synthetic material. The worktable includes an adhesive coating having a static coefficient of friction in relation to the synthetic material, while the smooth bearing surface has a dynamic coefficient of friction in relation to the synthetic material, the dynamic coefficient of friction being lower than the static coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A method for shaping a preform made from thermoplastic material, and a facility for implementing the method, comprising the following steps: a) providing a preform made from thermoplastic material having a surface; b) supplying thermal energy to the preform by radiation in such a way as to make it ductile; and c) shaping the ductile preform inside a forming mould. Step b) further involves simultaneously spraying a gaseous fluid onto the surface of the preform in order to preserve the surface.