System for molding thermoplastic sandwich material and deep-drawn article produced thereby
US6981863B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 3, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/608
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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. The deep-drawn material does not significantly stretch or tear during the step of forcing due to the clamping technique and mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.