Abstract: A thermoforming method and apparatus for use in an injection molding machine for simultaneously performing the multiple functions of forming, cutting and molding of deep drawn injection molded parts. The thermoforming apparatus includes a forming tool (58) having a former assembly (62) on one side thereof and a heater assembly (64) on the opposite side thereof for thermoforming a printed substrate. The former assembly (62) includes a forming mold coupled to a vacuum source and housed within a pressure vessel. The heater assembly (64) includes heating elements for rapid on/off heating of the substrate, a temperature sensor for continuously monitoring the temperature of the substrate during heating, a pressure vessel coupled to a pressure source and a cooling vessel. The former assembly (62) and heater assembly (64) come together to engage a substrate therebetween.

Abstract: A method of using a multi-purpose processing apparatus for simultaneously performing an injection molding operation and a cutting/forming operation. The multi-purpose apparatus places a forming operation into unused space within the injection molding machine, thereby utilizing the already present injection molding clamping pressure to pressure form parts. The apparatus results in a method that combines the three steps of forming, cutting, and injection molding into one continuous operation performed within the injection molding machine, as well as eliminating the need for numerous pre-injection molding steps.

Abstract: A multi-purpose processing apparatus able to perform both an injection molding operation and a cutting/forming operation. The multi-purpose apparatus places a forming operation into unused space within the injection molding machine, thereby utilizing the already present injection molding clamping pressure to pressure form parts. The apparatus results in a process which combines the three steps of forming, cutting, and injection molding into one continuous operation performed within the injection molding machine, as well as eliminating the need for numerous pre-injection molding steps.