Abstract: An imprint system for imprint lithography comprises an alignment subsystem and an imprint subsystem. The mask (mold) and the wafer for imprinting (substrate) are align on the alignment subsystem and contacted to each other to form a mask/wafer set. The mask/wafer set is then transferred onto the imprint subsystem while alignment is maintained. The mask/wafer set is then imprinted on the imprint subsystem. During transfer, the mask/wafer set can be held in alignment by surface. The surface adhesion can be enhanced by local pressing, local heating, or both. Alternatively, the mask/wafer set can be held in alignment by clamping. Advantageously, the imprinting is effected by fluid pressure imprinting.

Abstract: A method for producing a large sized inorganic calcined substance with good properties using dry press-molding or semi-dry press-molding. The method uses a press machine having an upper plate, a lower plate, and a frame portion, and includes the following steps: a first step of positioning a raw material mixture for forming a rear surface layer or a front surface layer over the lower plate, a second step of positioning a raw material mixture for forming a core layer over the raw material mixture of the first step, a third step of positioning a raw material mixture for forming a front surface layer or a rear surface layer over the raw material mixture of the second step to form a stack of three layers of raw material mixture, and press-molding the stacked three layers of raw material mixture to form a press-molded article using the lower plate and the upper plate.

Abstract: The present invention is applicable to the field of sport and leisure accessories and particularly relates to a process for making integral elastic supports as well as to integral elastic supports obtainable by such process. The invention also relates to a mold for making such supports, as well as a molding apparatus including such mold, for carrying out the above process. The process comprises the step of forming at least one pad element (2) from a resilient material, associated to a frame (3) made of a substantially rigid or semirigid material whose outer edge (8) defines a peripheral portion (9), in combination with said pad (2). The process is characterized in that it comprises a step of forming a bead (10) from a substantially waterproof material near said peripheral portion (9), to prevent any undesired infiltration in such portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a composite chassis piece (16, 28) for a motor vehicle, in particular, for production of a roof module in a tool (10), comprising a first (14) and a second tool part (12) which may be adjusted relative to each other. An outer skin (16) is laid in the first tool part, at least one part (24) of the circumferential region (22) of the side of the outer skin facing the first tool part is tightly inserted in a sealing arrangement (18) provided on the first tool part, plastic material (28) is applied to the side of the outer skin facing away from the first tool part, whereby a shaping of the plastic material is performed by the second tool part and the composite chassis piece is released from the seal arrangement and removed from the tool. The invention further relates to a corresponding tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, methods, and processes for making solid dosage forms comprising at least one active ingredient, a core and shell configuration, wherein the shell comprises a hardenable material, such as a thermal-gelling polymer, for example gelatin; and the shell is provided with at least one opening. The opening(s) are formed while the shell is still in a softened state.

Abstract: The mould comprises a punch (10) having an outer surface (11?) arranged to engage the container tubular body (51) as an exact fit, and an end portion (13) projecting axially from the lower end of the cylindrical outer surface (11 ?), and a die (30) arranged to form, in combination with the lower surface (13?) of the punch, a cavity (F) for forming the headpiece (52) of the container; the die (30) has a concave surface (32?) arranged to receive as an exact fit, by axial penetration, the lower end of the cylindrical outer surface (11?) of the punch together with the lower end of the tubular body (51) of the container. The headpiece (52) is formed within the forming cavity (F).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming filter tubes comprises delivering a filter element to a flute on a first drum having vacuum for securing the filter element thereto. First and second tube forming rollers axially engage opposite ends of the filter element. A second drum accepts and cuts a continuous paper web with a glue pattern thereon into paper pieces, and a cut paper piece is delivered to the filter element. The paper piece is then rolled around the filter element and the tube forming rollers to form a cylindrical shape. The tube forming rollers are axially disengaged to thereby produce a filter tube with hollow ends and a control positioned filter element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a molded plastic part, including the steps of: spraying a quasi-endless plastic tube with an annular gap of a spray head; shaping and at least partially cooling the plastic tube with a molding line connecting to the spray head. In particular, the molding line includes a number of recirculation molding jaws, the molded plastic part is configured as a repeat unit of the plastic tube shaped by the molding jaws.

Abstract: An optical disk mold is provided. The optical disk mold includes a first mold plate, a second mold plate, and a stamper. A mold cavity having a disk-shape is included between the first mold plate and the second mold plate for manufacturing an optical disk. A heat-keeping surface layer formed by a spraying process is included on a surface of the second mold plate in the mold cavity, so that the optical disk mold has a better pattern-transferring ability, and the cycle time of producing the disk can be shortened. The stamper lies on the heat-keeping surface layer of the second mold plate. A microstructure pattern is included on a surface of the stamper, so as to transfer the microstructure pattern to the produced optical disk.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting a powder comprises: i) a die (2) including a piston chamber (4) having an entrance for receiving a piston; ii) dosing means (20) adapted to dispense a free flowing powder through said entrance and into said piston chamber; and iii) a piston (9) having a cross-sectional area reciprocal with the piston chamber (4) and being adapted such that in use the piston enters said chamber, thereby to compact any powder in said chamber, and then exits said chamber. The dosing means (20) comprises a plurality of juxtaposed components (22, 23) between which components is formed a dosing cavity (21) for receiving and dispensing powder.

Abstract: In a sheet forming part 2 of a soft capsule manufacturing apparatus 1, a drum drive system 27 which forms a gelatin sheet 13, and a pickup roller drive system 28 which peels off the gelatin sheet 13 are constructed to drive separately from each other. In the drum drive system 27, a film-sheet forming drum 23 is driven by a first motor 271, while in the pickup-roller drive system 28, a pickup roller 24 is driven by a second motor 281.

Abstract: A molded body treating apparatus includes a support, at least one flat plate and a first movement mechanism. The support is configured to support a honeycomb molded body which has a first end portion and a second end portion in a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb molded body and which includes a plurality of cells each extending along the longitudinal direction from a first end at the first end portion to a second end at the second end portion. Either the first end or the second end of each of the plurality of cells is sealed with a plug material paste. The first movement mechanism is configured to move the at least one flat plate along the longitudinal direction to press the either one of the first and second end portions.

Abstract: An In-Mould Labelling process comprising: clamping a label within a mould void of an injection moulding tool; and injecting material into the mould void while the label is clamped. An In-Mould Labelling process comprising: placing a label between a first mould void and a second, separate mould void; and injecting material into the first and second mould voids.

Abstract: Molds, methods of making molds, and methods of making microstructured (e.g. barrier ribs) articles from molds are described. The mold comprises a microstructured surface that comprises (e.g. groove) recesses defined by planar portions having a surface in the same plane and non-molding regions adjacent peripheral planar portions on at least two opposing sides. The non-molding regions comprise at least one surface modification that reduces the contact area of the non-molding regions with the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a carrier tape by heating the tape at a heating portion and embossing the tape by heat molding at a molding portion while a long sheet of the tape made of a thermoplastic resin is intermittently transferred by pitch transfer, the apparatus comprising a temperature-maintaining portion having a length approximately corresponding to one pitch disposed between the heating portion and the molding portion; and a process for producing a carrier tape using the apparatus, the process comprising heating the tape at a heating portion, maintaining a temperature of the heated tape at a temperature-maintaining portion and embossing the tape by heat molding at a heat molding portion while a long sheet of the tape is intermittently transferred by pitch transfer. The length of the rib portion connecting embossed portions is decreased by contriving the heating method of the tape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molding system. According to an aspect, the molding system includes molding-system elements configured to process a molding material. The molding system includes a mold surface configured to cooperate with the molding-system elements. The molding system also includes a fibrous-insert generating mechanism configured to generate a fibrous insert onto the mold surface. The mold surface, in use, encapsulates the fibrous insert received by the mold surface with the molding material, at least in part.

Abstract: A process for the molding of an assembled object in at least two subsequent moldings and a machine for the performance of the process are provided. The object is molded in a mold comprising at least three mold parts. When the mold is open, at least one of the mold parts or a part thereof is rotatable about an axis which is parallel to the mutual direction of movement of the mold part in relation to the opposing mold part. In a mold consisting of three mold parts, the middle part may be rotatable in relation to the two outermost mold parts.

Abstract: A building product which includes a hollow extrudate, unitary reinforcing ribs resisting collapse of the hollow extrudate and, in an embodiment, an exterior surface comprises a low gloss, textured pattern having a gloss level of less than about 50 on a 60° glossmeter, in which the textured pattern extends for about 2-20 feet. Methods and an apparatus for manufacturing such products are also provided by this invention.

Abstract: A horizontal injection molding machine includes a machine bed defining a longitudinal axis and two mold platens supported on the machine bed for movement in a direction of the longitudinal axis, whereby each of the mold platens carries a half-mold. Further provided is a turning device which carries at least two half-molds for interaction with the half-molds on the mold platens, and includes a base plate, which is fixedly mounted to the machine bed between the mold platens, a turntable, and a bearing unit supporting the turntable on the base plate on one side for rotation about a vertical axis. The half-molds of the turning device are hereby attachable on a base-plate distal side of the turntable. The mold platens are moved by a drive mechanism in relation to the turning device, and tie bars extend between the mold platens and are constructed to resist a clamping force.

Abstract: An in-mold coat-forming mold and an in-mold coat-forming method are provided, wherein the mold prevents leakage of a coating material for the long term, which is likely to occur when the in-mold coat-forming method is carried out. By disposing a grove, a pressure piece, or both of them so as to serve as coating-material leakage-preventing means, in the vicinity of the edge of a mold cavity adjacent to a shear-structured engaging portion disposed along the circumference of the mold cavity, a coating material is prevented from leaking out of the mold from the engaging portion, and problems such as an adverse affect on a formed product caused by the leaked coating-material and a damage on the mold are prevented, whereby in-mold coat-forming is stably performed for the long term.

Abstract: A mold closing device of an injection molding machine for producing plastic parts made of two or more plastic components includes a central mold carrier element which is arranged between two outer mold mounting plates and has two or four opposing mold mounting areas arranged in pairs for affixing two or four mold halves and which is fitted with a turning device supported in a supporting frame. Each of the mold halves of the mold carrier element can be closed against the mold halves of the outer mold mounting plates by a drive mechanism and a mold pressure unit. The outer mold mounting plates are interconnected by columns which extend through the supporting frame for the central mold carrier element. The supporting frame is fixedly connected to the machine frame while the outer mold mounting plate is displaceably supported on the machine frame.

Abstract: In a multicolored resin molding apparatus, a primary molding is molded while a cavity core having a die surface is held by and between dies provided in a primary molding station, and a secondary molding is molded while the cavity core having the primary molding is held by and between dies provided in a secondary molding station. Further, the cavity core having the primary and secondary moldings is delivered to a die removing station, where a molded product is removed from the dies. Since the cavity core is delivered to the respective stations, there is eliminated the need for use of a large-sized and complicated molding machine and, instead of this, a simple general-purpose molding machine can be used.

Abstract: A system is provided for high volume print-forming of structures made up of multiple separate layers. A support bed is provided which has multiple steps arrayed thereon at different heights. Substrate blocks rest upon each of the steps. A printing process is utilized to print material from which the structures are to be formed down onto the substrate blocks. This printing process prints different layers onto each of the substrate blocks. The substrate blocks then move to a different step on the support bed and the printing process is repeated. Each support block has a partial structure thereon which receives its next successive layer in each printing cycle until the partial structure becomes a completed structure by having each of its layers sequentially printed thereon. Subsystems are provided for moving the substrate blocks upon the support bed and for properly holding and aligning substrate blocks upon the support bed.

Abstract: An encapsulation machine utilizes servo-driven components and a control system to control the encapsulation machine. Servomotors drive the fill supply mechanism, the die rollers and the casting drums. The control system uses a programmable controller to establish relationships between the servo and non-servo-driven components of the machine and a virtual gear to facilitate and automate the operation of the encapsulation machine.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for manufacturing dosage forms, and to dosage forms made using such systems, methods and apparatuses are provided. Novel compression, injection molding, and thermal setting molding modules are disclosed. One or more of such modules may be linked, preferably via a transfer device, into an overall system for making dosage forms. The injection molding module having at least one mold shell with an interior surface capable of producing non-uniform coatings over compressed cores or molded inserts contained therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for moulding an article made of thermosetting and thermoplastic material, including a first and a second half-mould (10, 12) provided with respective compression moulding surfaces (14, 16) above to compress between them one or more plates (30), sandwich or agglomerate, made of mouldable thermosetting material (30), and at least one injection moulding area (18) communicating with at least one of said compression moulding surfaces (14, 16), and spacer means (22) provided in said injection moulding area (18) and positioned in such a way as to prevent said plate (30) from penetrating into said injection moulding area (18) when it is compressed between said compression moulding surfaces (14, 16).

Abstract: Disclosed is an injection mod for a display panel of a washing machine, by which the display panel can be simply formed in one body. The present invention includes a first mold having a first film attached to an inside and a second mold assembled to the first mold to form a cavity with the first mold, the second mold having a second film attached to an inside, the second mold having a gate communicating with an opening provided to the second film.

Abstract: In the method, after the pattern-bearing film is fed to the female mold, the distal end of the film is fixed under a lower portion of the female mold, and at the same time the film is retreated by a force from the film supply portion. Thus, this tightens up the film so that the slacks or wrinkles cannot be formed on the film. Therefore, the film can be fortunately spread around the parting surface of the female mold. In the apparatus, the film suppressing frame is pressed to the female mold through the sliding rod arranged in the female mold, in such a manner that the female mold embraces the frame. Thus, the pressing of the frame is performed by a simple structure, and the film is accurately positioned to the internal surface of the female mold. Also, the film suppressing frame is constituted to advance from and retreat to the female mold. Thus, this causes a space between the both molds and an outside standby position to be useless. A space around the apparatus can be effectively utilized.

Abstract: An injection moulding process for making a toothbrush involving a stack mould assembly of at least three mould blocks (1, 2, 3, 4) arranged for use along a longitudinal stack axis (A—A), with two end mould blocks (3, 4), and an intermediate mould block (1, 2), with part mould cavities (11A, 21, 31, 41, 51) in the blocks. Plastic toothbrush skeletons are made in a cavity (11A, 21, 31) between the intermediate block (1, 2) and one end block (3), then elastomer parts are made in a cavity (41, 51) between the intermediate block (1, 2) and the other end block (4). Preferably the intermediate block (1) rotates so its part cavity (11A) faces the other end block (4). Stack mould assemblies (1, 2, 3, 4) for this process are provided. The assembly (1, 2, 3, 4) provides a compact mould with high output.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a double-walled shell of fiber reinforced plastic material is by centrifuging. The outer wall of the shell is made by projecting glass fibers and resin in a liquid phase against an inside face of a cylindrical mold rotating about its horizontal axis. A section member is then applied against the inside face of the outer wall by a plurality of turns having a diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the outer wall and separated from one another by a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the outer wall. The section member has a channel section with a web and two flanges extending radially outward, defining a sealed helical duct. The space between the turns is filled with resin by centrifuging, forming a helical spacer, and the inner wall is formed by centrifuging.

Abstract: A manufacturing device for a synthetic resin hollow molded body molds a first split assembly member, a second split assembly member, and a third split assembly member by a first injection, and joints each of contact portions of the three members with a corresponding contact portion by a second injection. The manufacturing device includes an ejecting mechanism which moves the second split assembly member in a die opening/closing direction, a rotating mechanism which rotates the third split assembly member around a shaft center in the die opening/closing direction, and a sliding mechanism which slides the second split assembly member and the third split assembly member in a direction perpendicular to the die opening/closing direction.

Abstract: A system for enabling the insertion and removal of an embolic protection device, for capturing and retaining embolic debris which may be created during the performance of a therapeutic interventional procedure in a stenosed or occluded region of a blood vessel. The system, in an embodiment thereof, enables the device to be snap-fitted so as to engage the distal end of a guide wire, to be pre-formed for expansion thereof so as to seal off the inner surface of a blood vessel, to inhibit the forming of a gap therein, for inhibiting embolic material from passing therethrough, and to be foreshortened to enable insertion thereof through confined spaces. The system, in another embodiment thereof, enables expandable material to be formed into an expandable configuration of an embolic protection device for capturing embolic material, which is capable of sealing off the inner surface of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded structure in a press that includes a first mold and a second mold is provided. The second mold has a plurality of pressure actuators, with each pressure actuator capable of independent operation. The method includes the steps of positioning a preform having a thickness in the first mold, placing a quantity of resin adjacent the preform so as to create a resin reservoir, and then selectively actuating one or more of the pressure actuators apply pressure to the resin reservoir to force at least a portion of the resin reservoir to infuse through the thickness of the preform. The method may also include curing the resin-infused preform, and then removing the cured resin-infused preform from the first mold.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for making soft cheese or fresh paste cheese comprising at least a first set of perforated cheese-moulds and at least a second set of perforated cheese-moulds arranged in a chamber. The invention is characterized in that said first and second sets of cheese-moulds are designed to be fitted one into the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming a laminate comprising a core of a compressed metal powder mixed with a foaming agent between two metal layers, comprising the successive steps of providing two metal strips and a stock of powder comprising a metal powder mixed with a foaming agent; applying a layer of the powder between the two metal strips; feeding the metal strips, with the powder between them, to a rolling mill; rolling the two strips with the powder between them to form a laminate of compressed powder between two metal layers. The invention also relates to an associated device and to the product formed using the process.

Abstract: A mold closing device of an injection molding machine for producing plastic parts made of two or more plastic components includes a central mold carrier element which is arranged between two outer mold mounting plates and has two or four opposing mold mounting areas arranged in pairs for affixing two or four mold halves and which is fitted with a turning device supported in a supporting frame. Each of the mold halves of the mold carrier element can be closed against the mold halves of the outer mold mounting plates by a drive mechanism and a mold pressure unit. The outer mold mounting plates are interconnected by columns which extend through the supporting frame for the central mold carrier element. The supporting frame is fixedly connected to the machine frame while the outer mold mounting plate is displaceably supported on the machine frame.

Abstract: A method and system for molding thermoplastic sandwich material to form a deep-drawn article utilizing a unique clamping technique and mechanism are described. The method includes the steps of positioning a blank of thermoplastic sandwich material having a cellular core over a female die having an article-defining cavity defined by inner surfaces of the female die. Then, an inner portion of the blank is forced into the female die along a substantially vertical axis and against the inner surfaces of the female die to obtain deep-drawn material. During the step of forcing at least one outer portion of the blank immediately adjacent the female die is clamped to guide the at least one outer portion of the blank to travel into the article-defining cavity at an acute angle with respect to the vertical axis. Thickness of at least one side wall of the deep-drawn material is substantially the same as thickness of the blank of thermoplastic sandwich material.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a polyurethane foam injected with strand mats and a device for increasing the volume of the strand mats. The method comprises the steps of: increasing the volume of each of the strand mats to weaken the cohesion between glass fibers in each of the strand mats; continuously supplying and transferring the volume-increased strand mats; spraying a polyurethane foam solution on the continuously transferred strand mats; and foam molding the polyurethane foam solution in which the strand mats are immersed, into a polyurethane foam. Because the cohesion between the glass fibers in the strand mat is weakened and the volume of the strand mat is increased, the polyurethane foam solution uniformly permeates into the strand mats. As a result, the productivity of the polyurethane foam is improved and the variations in a variety of the mechanical properties are minimized.

Abstract: In the field of vacuum-assist-resin-transfer-mold (VARTM) processing, a new system is provided to lower production times and to create a high permeability mold cavity with reduced directionality to yield an optimum flow-front. The system comprises the use of a high permeability layer to evacuate air from the mold cavity and may include a reusable port-runner device for introduction of resin into the fiber mat. In the preferred embodiment, the high permeability layer is a “felt-like” material constructed of synthetic fibers, and the reusable port device is a flat, modular unit. In another embodiment, the high permeability layer is a fluid-impervious material with sporadic protrusions, and the reusable port-runner device is a flexible, silicone unit. Other embodiments are comprised of any combination thereof. Each embodiment is designed to minimize set-up times and to create a mold cavity with a low resistance to fluid flow through the application of pressure differentials.

Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing a carton, molds a closure directly onto the carton. The machine includes a carton erection station adapted to receive a carton in a generally flat form and to erect the flat form carton into a tubular form defining an internal carton region. A direct injection molding station has an internal mold tool and an external mold tool. The internal mold tool is configured for receipt within the internal carton region and the internal mold tool and the external mold tool are configured to receive and clamp the carton therebetween. The direct injection molding station further includes a polymer injection system for injecting polymer from a location external of the carton to the internal mold tool. The closure is directly molded in place on the carton. A mold tool set, a method for carrying out the molding and a closure molded thereby are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a polyurethane foam injected with strand mats. After a polyurethane foam solution is sprayed on the strand mats, the strand mats are moved upward and downward by prominences and depressions and then intermittently pressed by a pressing device, thereby the air in the strand mats being exhausted to the outside. Therefore, the polyurethane foam solution uniformly permeates into the strand mats. As a result, the insulating effect and mechanical strength of the polyurethane foam are increased, uniform surface with no air spaces is obtained, the mechanical properties are made uniform, and shrinkage, cracking, distortion and the like are prevented under a super-low temperature such as less than ?165° C.

Abstract: A mandrel-assisted resin transfer molding process and apparatus therefor provides a generally continuous, narrow annular channel between the perimeter of an inner male mold element and an outer female mold element. This channel allows air, heat and vapor to evenly escape and resin to outflow from the mold cavity everywhere around the edge of the part being molded. A very thin resin band forms in the channel is easily trimmed away, leaving the article completely finished on both sides and having a well defined edge that does not require shaping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-chamber container, in particular as a non-resealable disposable packaging, wherein the two-chamber container has an inner chamber (1) and an outer chamber (2) surrounding the inner chamber (1), and a cap (3) produced by compression of plastics material, with which the upper edges of the wall of the inner chamber (1) and those of the outer chamber (2) are rigidly connected, the cap (3) having two separate channels (71, 72), and the inner chamber (1) being arranged asymmetrically inside the outer chamber (2) in such a way that a portion of its wall is secured to the cap (3) in the region between the channels (71, 72) in such a way that one channel (71, 72) is connected to one of the chambers (1 or 2) in each case.

Abstract: An improved process for producing polybutadiene golf ball cores is disclosed. The golf ball cores are from polybutadiene rubber compositions having a high Mooney viscosity and/or a high molecular weight and a low dispersity is disclosed. The apparatus includes an internal mixer that compounds a batch of golf ball core stock. A sheeter forms sheets of golf ball core stock and has a sheeter inlet proximate the mixer outlet and a sheeter outlet. A preform shaper forms golf ball core preforms from the sheets of golf ball core stock.

Abstract: A problem in the manufacture of filters using tubular membrane bundles is keeping potting material from flowing into the openings at the ends of the tubes. A preferred embodiment of a method for manufacturing a tubular membrane filter employs a non-contact heat source such as radiant heating to melt the tips of the tubular membranes. This prevents the migration of potting material into the tubes when the potting material is flowed into the ends of tube bundles during the manufacturing process for a filter.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to feed strand (30) through apertures (214) in bearing plates (60) and bulkheads (202) in a mold (62). A collar (210) can be attached to a rod (208) for limited motion relative thereto, including rotation relative the rod about its elongate axis. The end (96) of the strand (30) is received in a cylindrical receptacle (232) in the collar and the strand can then be used to push the rod, collar and strand through the apertures. A strand feeder rack (56) can be used to simultaneously feed a number of strands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layered semi-finished product with at least one first and one second film layer. The semi-finished product has a velour-type structure on the outer surface of the first film layer facing away from the second film layer and the second layer has a filler material. The first and second film layers are permeable. A first proportion of a filler material in the first film layer is smaller than a second proportion of a filler in the second film layer.

Abstract: A mold has two mold halves (6, 7). One of the mold halves (6) includes a contact section (8) which is adapted to contact a surface (5) of a semiconductor chip (1) mounted in the mold, in use.

Abstract: The present invention is a mould and a method of moulding a plastic component using the mould that enable the manufacturer of a moulded component (45) which has an external covering. The method of moulding comprises either locating a pre-formed component (41) into a first part of the mould or vacuum forming a thin film (40) into a mould cavity. A first mould part (15) has a mould cavity into which the pre-formed component (41) is placed or the thin film (40) is vacuumed formed into. The method continues by partly closing a second part of the mould (25) into the first part of the mould (15) and injecting molten plastic (34) onto the surface of the pre-formed component (41) or thin film (40). The second mould part (25) is then fully closed to force the molten plastic (34) to fill the resultant mould cavity (36). This bonds the molten plastic to either the pre-formed component (41) or the thin film (40) to form the final shape of the moulded component (45).

Abstract: A plant (10) for the production of highly flexible and relatively thin sheets or panels (38) of agglomerate material comprising: a mixer crusher (12), a hopper (15) designed to accept the crushed and rolled material (24) and to transfer it to a distributor or spreader (16) positioned below the hopper, said spreader (16) comprising a substantially cylindrical container (30) with a loading opening (31), adjacent, in use, to said hopper (15) and comprising a discharge slot (32) on the opposite side to said opening (31), and a mixing device of the agglomerate material (24) inside said container (30). The mixing device comprises a pair of blades (35) fixed to a shaft (34) rotating around an axis not corresponding to that of said container (30) and in particular offset towards said slot (32), so that during their rotation the blades almost skim said slot.