Method for shaping sheet thermoplastic and the like
US8025832B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 24, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/778
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Processes and apparati for shaping sheet glass or thermoplastic materials use force from a layer of a flowing fluid, such as air, between the sheet and a mandrel at close to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic. The shape is preserved by cooling. The shape of the air bearing mandrel and the pressure distribution of the fluid contribute to the final shape. A process can be conducted on one or two surfaces such that the force from the air layer is on one or two surfaces of the sheet. The gap size between the sheet and mandrel determines the pressure profile in the gap, which also determines the final sheet shape. In general, smaller gaps lead to larger viscous forces. The pressure profile depends on the shape of the mandrel, the size of the fluid gap and the sheet and the fluid supply pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.