Abstract: Methods and apparatus useful in the development of molds are disclosed. In particular, the methods and apparatus of the present invention are useful, for example, in the context of dimensionally expanding and printing a picture image on a printable sheet for use in making a picture print thermoforming female mold of castible shrinkable material. In addition, a process for producing a male mold which replicates brush strokes of an original painting is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus useful in the development of molds are disclosed. In particular, the methods and apparatus of the present invention are useful, for example, in the context of dimensionally expanding and printing a picture image on a printable sheet for use in making a picture print thermoforming female mold of castible shrinkable material. In addition, a process for producing a male mold which replicates brush strokes of an original painting is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus useful in the development of molds are disclosed. In particular, the methods and apparatus of the present invention are useful, for example, in the context of dimensionally expanding and printing a picture image on a printable sheet for use in making a picture print thermoforming female mold of castible shrinkable material. In addition, a process for producing a male mold which replicates brush strokes of an original painting is disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum forming process and related apparatus are disclosed. The vacuum forming process and apparatus can be used for molding a thin sheet of thermoformable plastic into an accurate three-dimensional relief reproduction of an original artwork such that the plastic sheet carries a permanent image of the original work.

Abstract: A framed art reproduction comprises:i) a thin sheet of deformable substrate having an artistic image reproduced on a front face thereof,ii) the thin sheet having an integral raised land portion containing the image, an integral flange surrounding the raised land and an integral continuous lip interconnecting the raised land to the flange, the lip being of a predetermined height defined by an extent to which the raised land is deformed in the substrate;iii) a matte for framing the raised land, the matte having an aperture provided therein as defined by an aperture edge of the matte, the aperture edge being dimensioned to engage the continuous lip and locate thereby the raised land relative to the matte; andiv) means for securing the located raised land in the matte with the flange contacting the matte.

Abstract: A vacuum forming process is provided for molding a thin sheet of thermoformable plastic into an accurate three-dimensional relief reproduction of an original artwork. The sheet of plastic has printed on one side thereof a permanent image of the original artwork.