Abstract: A calibration device for flat extruded sections comprises at least two flat calibration plates (10) parallel to one another at a distance apart such as to form a gap (1) through which an extruded section (11) can pass, each calibration plate comprising cooling means for cooling the plate and vacuum-forming means for creating a vacuum in the gap (1), the calibration device comprising air-intake means for introducing air into the gap (1), the air-intake means being designed to form air cushions or pads between the flat surfaces of the extruded section (11) and the flat surfaces of the calibration plates (10).

Abstract: A method for continuously forming discrete hollow parts includes extruding at least one continuous stream of molten plastic. A plurality of mold segments are arranged such that one or more segments periodically close on the one or more streams of molten plastic and define discrete part forming cavities when closed. A pressure differential is created within the discrete part forming cavities to shape the molten plastic accordingly. Air or another gas is replenished within the discrete hollow parts either in the discrete part forming cavities, or nearly immediately upon discharge from the cavities. The discrete hollow parts are then cooled. The apparatus for forming discrete hollow parts in this manner has an extruder and a plurality of the mold segments including one or more segments that can be closed on the plastic stream or streams. The pressure differential is applied by the apparatus to the closed mold segments. The hollow part interior is replenished either by the apparatus or manually by an operator.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite sheet includes perforating a reinforcement panel. A mold surface onto which the composite sheet may be formed is provided. At least one outer coat of material is applied onto the mold surface. At least one coat of resin and reinforcement material is applied over the outer coat to form a reinforcement layer. The perforated reinforcement panel is applied to the reinforcement layer, and the resin is forced into the perforations formed in the reinforcement panel, thereby bonding the reinforcement layer to the reinforcement panel.

Abstract: Pipe molding apparatus having a molding mold tunnel includes an upstream (3) and at least one downstream mold block (7). Each mold block (3, 5, 7) comprises mold block sections which close with one another to form the pipe and which open relative to one another to release the pipe. The mold blocks (3, 5, 7) move downstream of the apparatus together with one another when forming the pipe and move upstream separately from one another when releasing the pipe which cools and shrinks in both diameter and length in the mold tunnel. Each mold block (3, 5, 7) has a hollow pipe forming region with the pipe forming region of the downstream mold block being decreased in both diameter and length relative to the pipe forming region of the upstream mold block (3) to compensate for the plastic shrinkage.

Abstract: The apparatus for shaping thermoplastic materials, in particular for producing moulded parts with a large height of the moulded part, comprises a suction-pressure bell and a lower part which can be locked to each other by a locking device. Resting on the lower part are a mould and a clamping frame, while the upper clamping frame can be securely clamped by working cylinders. In the locked state, the clamping frames are braced by a seal, which is arranged between the suction-pressure bell and the upper clamping frame. The seal extends over the entire circumference of the suction-pressure bell and is able to be pressed against the upper clamping frame by a pressure medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping thermoplastic materials or for laminating backing parts includes a turntable driven by a rotary drive and having rests for receiving supporting devices for lower molds or backing parts. The turntable has a plurality of receiving places which can enter alternately into a preliminary blowing box, where a molded part can be shaped in conjunction with an upper mold arranged on an upper table. The preliminary blowing box has a front wall with an opening, facing the rotary drive. The turntable has a separating wall with flanges on both side which engage a wall indentation which surrounds the rotary drive and consequently bounds the preliminary blowing box, in order to seal the opening. A seal which can be shaped by means f a pressure medium and can be pressed against the separating wall is located in the front wall of the preliminary blowing box about the opening.

Abstract: A plug assist assembly for positioning a thermo-formable sheet onto one of a plurality of different female molds. The assembly comprises a lifting apparatus and a frame. The frame extends from the lifting apparatus which provides for beneficial movement of the frame. A plurality of movable weights are suspended from the frame for contacting and automatically conforming to a contour of any of the female molds. The plurality of weights create a seal between the sheet and the female mold to allow the sheet to be vacuum formed against the mold.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for producing a plastic product having a grain pattern thereon. The apparatus includes a female die having a grain pattern on an inner surface thereof, the female die further provided with a vacuum drawing mechanism for drawing a vacuum therethrough, and a male die having an injection aperture for injecting a thermal formable plastic material therethrough. The male die further includes a burr cutter adapted to slide fit in a gap between the male die and the female die and a guide pin with a spacer provided at four corners of the male die for controlling a distance between the male die and a female die.

Abstract: Vacuum assisted molding apparatus provides reliable sealing about the mold cavity while minimizing the area of the plant floor space occupied by the mold.

Abstract: A method for preparing a mold form includes forming a mold blank having a surface corresponding to the surface of the article desired and enclosing the mold blank in an open ended enclosure. A thin layer of polymer resin, preferably polyurea is sprayed on the surface of the mold blank and allowed to cure. Heat transfer tubing is inserted over the resin layer. A mixture of metallic pellets and epoxy are inserted over the heat transfer tubing and then another layer of resin is sprayed over the mixture. After the resin has cured, the mold blank is removed to expose the mold form having an outer surface of polyurea.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a sheet of polymeric material, such as polycarbonate. A forming mold is provided having halves that engage for forming a heated sheet therebetween. Each of the halves defines an interior cavity having a peripheral edge. The sheet is retained between the peripheral edges of the halves and a vacuum is generated within one of the cavities for drawing the sheet therein, whereby a sensing mechanism detects a draw depth for initiating a cooling mechanism to cool the sheet to a temperature below a glass transition temperature of the material. A series of retention mechanisms are provided about the peripheral edge of one of the halves, for biasing the sheet into engagement with the peripheral edge of the opposing half. A trimming mechanism is further provided for trimming the perimeter of the sheet to a desired form.

Abstract: A thermoforming apparatus having a mold with an internal vacuum chamber and a quench for cooling a thermoplastic sheet while it remains on the mold. Because the quench cools the sheet, conventional cooling lines are eliminated from the mold. A preferred process of using the thermoforming apparatus includes drawing a heated sheet over the mold, creating a partial vacuum in the vacuum chamber of the mold to maintain the sheet on the mold and quenching the sheet on the mold in a quenching tank. A preferred process of manufacturing a mold with an interior vacuum chamber includes forming an impression of the mold in a casting media, suspending a vacuum line or vacuum cabinet within the impression and pouring molten material around the vacuum line or vacuum cabinet to form the mold at least partially surrounding the vacuum line or vacuum cabinet. Vacuum holes are drilled through the mold from the mold face to the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A female mold vacuum forming apparatus and a method for using the female mold vacuum forming apparatus for providing improved draw depth capability. The female mold vacuum forming apparatus comprises a top contoured surface and a cavity having a cavity surface formed within the top contoured surface. The cavity surface defines part geometry having deep-draw sections. The top contoured surface defines open sections in the side surfaces of the mold adjacent to at least one deep-draw section to allow free formation of parts within said at least one deep-draw section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a sheet of polymeric material, such as polycarbonate. A forming mold is provided having halves that engage for forming a heated sheet therebetween. Each of the halves defines an interior cavity having a peripheral edge. The sheet is retained between the peripheral edges of the halves and a vacuum is generated within one of the cavities for drawing the sheet therein, whereby a sensing mechanism detects a draw depth for initiating a cooling mechanism to cool the sheet to a temperature below a glass transition temperature of the material. A series of retention mechanisms are provided about the peripheral edge of one of the halves, for biasing the sheet into engagement with the peripheral edge of the opposing half. A trimming mechanism is further provided for trimming the perimeter of the sheet to a desired form.

Abstract: An automobile interior trim component includes a molded substrate laminated onto a cover sheet including a foam backing and a skin film having a surface texture. The cover sheet is preheated so the skin film is in a melted viscous liquid state above its melting temperature, and the foam backing remains in a solid elastic foam state below its melting temperature. The preheated cover sheet is mechanically pre-molded by a back mold into a front mold. Pressurized air is applied through the back mold, to blow-mold the cover sheet against the front mold, so the melted skin film reproduces a surface texture of the front mold surface while the solid foam backing acts as a buffer and air barrier layer. Vacuum is applied through the front mold surface. The mold is opened, a substrate is introduced, and the back mold then molds and thermally laminates the substrate against the foam backing of the cover sheet.

Abstract: A method for forming tear lines in the rear side of an automobile interior article having a cover portion being developed from which an airbag inflates. When either an automobile interior article body having an integrally molded surface portion or an automobile interior article surface portion is to be molded, the mold is opened after tear line forming projections are moved forward and backward with the mold closed. Thus, the tear lines can be formed at the molding time without any visible extrusion marks of the tear line forming projections on the front surface side (the design face).

Abstract: A hybrid injection molding machine that has the capability to draw a decorative or fabric sheet into a mold cavity prior to injection into the mold has opposing male and female mold parts. At least one of the mold parts has an insert formed from a porous metal so that a vacuum may be drawn through the insert in order to draw the fabric sheet into all aspects of the insert cavity so that plastic may then be injection molded into the cavity of the mold.

Abstract: A semiconductor device assembly with a gap to be filled has thermal vias formed in the supporting substrate. After the semiconductor device is connected to the substrate and fill material positioned about the gap to create a seal, a vacuum is drawn through the thermal vias and a pressure applied to the fill material to urge the fill material into the interior of the gap.

Abstract: The invention refers to a plant and a holding device in connection with heat treatment of articles (3), which is at least partly manufactured in a thermosetting composite material. The holding device, which is comprised by the plant, includes a base element (1), and intermediate element (2), which rests on the base element (1), and at least a support member (4), which is fixable to the intermediate element (2) and arranged to support said article (3) on the intermediate element during the heat treatment The intermediate element (2) is manufactured in a material which has a neglectable thermal extension at least up to a temperature level, at which the heat treatment is intended to take place. Furthermore, the intermediate element (2) is displaceably positioned on the base element (1).

Abstract: A pedestal for inverting a soft contact lens has been invented. The pedestal of the invention has an inner surface, an outer surface, a dome shape capable of supporting the back surface of the contact lens or the front surface of that contact lens which has been inverted, is made from an elastic material which allows a negative pressure gradient to be generated from the outer surface to the inner surface, and has an elastic top which is capable of collapsing in to invert the contact lens.

Abstract: A device for the extrusion of plastic profiles with an extruder for the melting and delivery of a plastic material and with an extrusion die for defining the profile geometry, wherein a profile slot corresponding to the profile to be extruded and being defined by an outer periphery and by at least one arbor is provided in the extrusion die. The profile tuning is made easier by having a means for operational change of the profile slot's thickness provided in at least one predetermined area between the arbor and the outer periphery as well as a means for cooling selected areas of the extruded profile provided at the exit of the die.

Abstract: The invention provides a molding apparatus and particularly a corrugator for manufacturing pipes, particularly corrugated pipes, having at least two series of circulation mold jaw parts, which form a molding channel in a predetermined area, and wherein the series are guided in respective circulation guides. The invention further provides that at least one exchangeable mold jaw parts or mold blocks is provided with another pipe molding wherein at least one exchange member is provided along at least one of the circulation guides of at least one of the mold jaw part series.

Abstract: A method is presented for maintaining a plate member in a flat state, including the steps of placing the plate member on a surface of a supporting member, the surface of the supporting member being in a flat state and having at least one hole penetrating through the surface, and sucking air from a back side of the surface of the supporting member to generate an airflow flowing from a front side of the surface towards the back side thereof via the hole so as to retain the plate member on the surface of the supporting member. In this manner, the plate member, such as disc substrates adhered together by using an ultraviolet curable composition, can be accurately maintained in a flat state without damaging the surface thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and process to form structural preforms from an electromagnetic energy activated binder and reinforcing material using low cost tooling. The apparatus includes one or more lay-up stations and forming stations.

Abstract: A hybrid injection molding machine that has the capability to draw a decorative or fabric sheet into a mold cavity prior to injection into the mold has opposing male and female mold parts. At least one of the mold parts has an insert formed from a porous metal so that a vacuum may be drawn through the insert in order to draw the fabric sheet into all aspects of the insert cavity so that plastic may then be injection molded into the cavity of the mold.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of forming articles includes a press having a pair of opposite platens. An articulated clamping frame is mounted between the platens, each of which are moveable toward and away from the clamping frame. Material to be formed is clamped into the clamping frames and the articulated clamping frame is wrapped around the die as the die forms the material. The formed article is extracted from the die by moving the clamping frame away from the die.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of corrugated plastic pipes comprises half shells. Each half shell has a base body which consists of a metal of a higher thermal conductivity and a lower specific gravity than steel and which holds a core. Provided in the core is a mold recess in which to form the corrugated pipes.

Abstract: A vacuum and pressure tight cooling or ventilating device, specifically designed for thermoforming stations, comprises a shutter element for opening and closing respectively the cooling and ventilating device, the shutter element being mounted on an air inlet section of the ventilating device which, in turn, is completely arranged outside of its related thermoforming station.

Abstract: A thermoforming machine utilizes two clamping frames to advance cut sheets through heating and forming stations, with the clamping frames returned via an overhead path above the oven in the heating station. Pneumatic cylinders arranged about the inner perimeter of the frames are operated to grip the sheet and release the sheets, which are pressurized and released via fluid connections established when the frames are lifted from a transfer bar structure at the loading and forming stations. The clamping frames have pivoted end sections which are engaged by extendible gear posts at the forming station to bend the clamped sheet into greater conformity with the tooling shape prior to forming.

Abstract: A thermoforming station and method for molding a sheet-like plastics material provide to use a bell element including a cover which can be opened on a sidewall in order to provide a large opening for ventilating and cooling the molded plastics material thereby reducing up to 50% the time conventionally required for making a thermoformed evenly cooled product.

Abstract: A thermoforming apparatus comprising a thermoforming machine (10) having a female die (12) and counter-die or male die (13) reciprocally approachable and removable for the operations of closing, thermoforming and opening, a feeder of thermoforming material between the female die (12) and counter-die (13), cutting means for cutting the thermoforming material immediately after the closure of the female die and the counter-die, one or more work or treatment stations for the articles (15) thermoformed in the die (12), extraction heads (16) arranged to be operated concomitantly with each opening of the same to extract a thermoformed article (15) moulding from the female die and to convey the articles thus extracted to one or more work or treatment stations or else to transfer them to a receiving template (17), retention means for engaging each thermoformed article (15) with the respective extraction head or else with its respective receiving template to ensure correct positioning of the article during conveyance t

Abstract: A sheet of plastic to be thermoformed into an appliance liner is brought to a substantially uniform temperature, preferably to a temperature differential of less than 5° F. throughout, by directing a fluid medium upon opposing side surfaces of the sheet. In the most preferred form of the invention, the fluid medium is constituted by air which is heated, impinged upon the opposing surfaces and recirculated, with the temperature and flow rate of the air being controlled based on sensed operating parameters.

Abstract: A method of twin-sheet vacuum forming plastic articles having the steps of clamping two parallel sheets of thermoplastic synthetic resin in a vertical orientation to a clamping tray and blowing air between the parallel sheets thereby creating a hollow cavity between the two parallel sheets. The two parallel sheets are then heated to molding temperature between two vertically oriented heaters. The two parallel sheets are disposed between opposing mold cavities of a vertically oriented split mold wherein the mold cavities have a contour conforming the configuration of the desired article. A negative pressure is applied to suction holes provided in the mold cavities which draw the two parallel sheets against each opposing mold cavity. The split mold is then clamped together to form a pinch off around the perimeter of the hollow cavity thereby forming a molded hollow part still disposed within the clamping tray.

Abstract: Molding techniques and apparatus wherein at least one adjustable edge component can be used to alter the dimensions of the mold cavity between molding operations. Also disclosed are techniques for incorporating reinforcing composite elements into molded plastic parts. Most preferably, a rotomolding technique is used to fabricate a substantially homogenous composite panel for use as a partition or bulkhead.

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: Disclosed is an apparatus for thermoforming a thermoplastic blank (10) into a plastic container (1) having a cup-shaped main body (2) with a radially extending flange (3). A blank holder (12) is conveyed by a conveyor (15) along a predetermined path of travel in a predetermined direction. During one circulation, a plurality of blanks are supplied by a blank feeder (16) to the blank holder, a central portion (10a) of each blank is heated by direct contact with upper and lower heating boards (19a, 19b) of heating unit (18) to preferably above a melting point of the blank material, then the heated portion is formed into the cup-shaped main body by a forming unit (20), then a peripheral portion (10b) is annealed by a flange annealing unit (26), and finally the product containers are removed from the blank holder by a pick-up unit (28). The vacant blank holder (12″) is returned to the blank feed station. An annular ridge (3a) or skirt flange (3b) may be formed, preferably at the flange annealing station.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for cooling and sizing extruded plastic profiles includes a base plate and a first side plate which are permanently connected together and perpendicular to each other so as form a pair of reference planes. One or two groups of vacuum sizer die elements having a passageway through which an extruded plastic profile will be advanced forwardly in a longitudinal direction from an extrusion die, are placed onto the reference planes. Each of the vacuum sizer die elements has reference surfaces which mate to the reference planes; and the group or groups of vacuum sizer die elements are secured in place in the apparatus with one or two further side plates and a top plate. Vacuum is provided to the vacuum sizer die elements through vacuum connections arranged in the base plate, and cooling is provided in a cooling water passageway formed generally in the side plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermoforming a thermoplastic article comprises an extrusion die for extruding a sheet of thermoplastic and a rotating wheel having at least one mold member. The mold member includes a male mold or forming cavity for receiving at least a portion of a substantially non-oriented (i.e., non-tensioned) thermoplastic sheet. The mold member is selectively heated and/or cooled during thermoforming to maintain the sheet in a molten or thermoformable state. The mold member also comprises a stripper plate maintained at a predetermined temperature or temperature distribution for inducing a predetermined degree of crystallinity to the sheet. The stripper plate enables the articles to be separated from the mold without distortion. In one embodiment, the thermoformed article has at least two and preferably at least three distinct regions of thermally-induced crystallinity.

Abstract: A method of producing a compensator for radiotherapy equipment which is capable to reuse and cheap in price, and an apparatus for producing the same. A mold consisting of a cluster of a plurality of rods which can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction thereof is inserted into a frame, and the mold surface which is constituted from the end faces of the rods is formed into a desired shape by controlling longitudinal forward and backward movement of each rod. A thermally formable sheet which has been heated and softened is placed on the mold surface, and the air between the mold surface and the sheet is evacuated, thereby to bring the sheet into close contact with the mold surface and harden the sheet in the desired shape.

Abstract: A twin sheet forming system and method is used to form a hollow article, such as an automotive fuel tank, from first and second sheets of thermoplastic material. The system includes first and second loading stations, first and second heating stations, and first and second thermoforming stations in an in-line arrangement. The in-line arrangement allows the sheets to be transferred independently between the stations and the separate thermoforming stations allows the sheets to be thermoformed independently. Each of the thermoforming stations includes an upper and lower platen generally in a side by side arrangement for supporting thermoforming tools and plug assists. After heating, the sheets are independently transferred to the thermoforming stations and formed using the thermoforming tools and plug assists. The thermoforming tool and thermoformed piece in one of the thermoforming stations is then transferred to the other station, and the thermoformed pieces are fused together.

Abstract: Compartmented food service articles with sharp angular junctions are thermoformed utilizing a plug-assisted thermoforming process. The plug is employed in connection with a thermoforming mold having a plurality of rib portions which project axially from a substantially planar mold surface of the thermoforming mold, and which rib portions define a plurality of angular junctions with the substantially planar mold surface. The plug includes a plurality of rib relief portions positioned and configured to fit about the rib portions of the mold in a forming operation at an axial clearance distance of about 0.125 inches or less from the angular junction of the rib portions of the mold with the substantially planar mold surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating hollow chamber sheet extruded lines out of thermoplastic resin includes a vacuum housing and a planar intake area at a first end of the vacuum housing. The planar intake area is configured to receive the extruded line. Support rollers within the vacuum housing are configured to support the extruded line. The extruded line exits the vacuum housing through a planar outlet area located at a second end of the vacuum housing opposite the first end.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing shaped polymeric articles by substantially continuous vacuum forming. The method includes providing a sheet of hot polymeric material which is disposed onto a rotating belt having a mold impression. Vacuum pressure is applied to the polymeric material through the belt so as to draw the hot polymeric material into intimate contact with the mold impression to form a patterned sheet portion and a remaining sheet portion. This method thereafter cools at least the patterned sheet portion below a heat deflection temperature of the polymeric material, forms the remaining sheet portion, and then cools the remaining sheet portion below the heat deflection temperature so that features other than the central pattern, such as nail and butt edges, can be mechanically worked into the polymeric sheet.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for producing plastic containers from thermoplastic sheets where the thermoplastic sheets are processed in parallel to form a low permeation plastic container. A plurality of thermoplastic sheets are progressively heated to a first temperature in a pre-conditioning stage. A group of the thermoplastic sheets are selected from the plurality of thermoplastic sheets and rapidly heated to a second temperature in a final heat stage. The group of thermoplastic sheets are then processed in a forming stage to form the low permeation plastic container.

Abstract: An adjustable mold is provided for vacuum assisted drawing of a thermoplastic material into the mold to form a dunnage tray, the mold being water cooled and allowing adjustment of the mold sides and surface topography to allow rapid and inexpensive user adjustment of the mold to from a variety of dunnage tray sizes and shapes as selected by a user.

Abstract: A film is placed over a mold cavity and molten plastic deposited thereon to form a combination of a film with molten plastic thereon. The film-molten plastic combination is then formed in said mold cavity into a molded article in the shape of the mold cavity.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing shaped polymeric articles by substantially continuous vacuum forming. The method includes providing a sheet of hot polymeric material which is disposed onto a rotating belt having a mold impression. Vacuum pressure is applied to the polymeric material through the belt so as to draw the hot polymeric material into intimate contact with the mold impression to form a patterned sheet portion and a remaining sheet portion. This method thereafter cools at least the patterned sheet portion below a heat deflection temperature of the polymeric material, forms the remaining sheet portion, and then cools the remaining sheet portion below the heat deflection temperature so that features other than the central pattern, such as nail and butt edges, can be mechanically worked into the polymeric sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating hollow chamber sheet extruded lines out of thermoplastic resin includes a vacuum housing and a planar intake area at a first end of the vacuum housing. The planar intake area is configured to receive the extruded line. Support rollers within the vacuum housing are configured to support the extruded line. The extruded line exits the vacuum housing through a planar outlet area located at a second end of the vacuum housing opposite the first end.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for the production of transversely ribbed tubes, having mold jaw halves which bear against each other along a common mold section and form a mold passage. Each mold jaw half has a cooling passage which is produced directly during the operation of casting the respective mold jaw half, for example by means of a so-called false casting core. The cooling passage extends in the corresponding mold jaw half from a first surface to a second surface so that said core can be easily removed from the casting of the mold jaw half. At the one surface, the cooling passage has a cooling agent feed means and, at a spacing therefrom, a cooling agent discharge means. The second surface which is at a distance therefrom is sealed off by means of a guide and slide element which is fixed to the corresponding mold jaw half.

Abstract: There Is provided: (1) a thermoforming mold having a surface roughness (Ra) of not more than 0.