Abstract: An apparatus and a method for drying substantially flat and approximately circular workpieces, such as container covers, by transporting the covers by means of a conveyor belt through a heated zone and subsequently a cooling zone. The covers are maintained at an acute angle with respect to a lateral edge of the conveyor belt by means of a guide disposed adjacent and parallel to the conveyor belt, which serves to elevate one side of the covers. Simultaneous contact of the covers with the conveyor belt and guide causes linear and rotational motion of the covers in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt. The space between the covers and the conveyor belt permits circulation of air beneath the covers to allow removal of liquids.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pre-heating apparatus for a thermoforming machine for uniformly heating a thermoplastics sheet or plate throughout, the apparatus comprising a first heating section (A), a cooling section (B) and a further heating section (C). Such arrangement ensures that both the outer and inner layers of the thermoplastics sheet or plate (1) are all at the same temperature when the sheet or plate is subjected to a thermoforming process. There is also disclosed a process for pre-heating a thermoplastics sheet or plate prior to subjecting such sheet or plate to a thermoforming process comprising firstly passing a sheet or plate through a heating section, thereafter through a cooling section and finally through a further heating section.