A method for manufacturing a decorative molded article includes first to fourth steps. In the first step, a plastic sheet is secured to a cavity block in a state in which first and second portions are arranged along an open end of a molding recess. The plastic sheet is tightly held by the cavity block and a securing member at the first portions and is not tightly held at the second portions. In the second step, the plastic sheet is deformed. In the third step, the plastic sheet is secured to the cavity block in a state in which the plastic sheet is tightly held by the cavity block and the securing member over the entire periphery of the opening of the molding recess. In the fourth step, the plastic sheet is molded by being caused to closely contact the molding surface of the cavity block through vacuum suction.

A method for manufacturing a decorative molded article includes first to fourth steps. In the first step, a plastic sheet is secured to a cavity block in a state in which first and second portions are arranged along an open end of a molding recess. The plastic sheet is tightly held by the cavity block and a securing member at the first portions and is not tightly held at the second portions. In the second step, the plastic sheet is deformed. In the third step, the plastic sheet is secured to the cavity block in a state in which the plastic sheet is tightly held by the cavity block and the securing member over the entire periphery of the opening of the molding recess. In the fourth step, the plastic sheet is molded by being caused to closely contact the molding surface of the cavity block through vacuum suction.

Disclosed are devices, systems, apparatuses, methods, products, and other implementations of vapor pressure solids. In some embodiments, a vapor pressure solid may include a one- or multi-component matrix material. In some embodiments, the multi-components matrix material is a two-part PDMS comprising a first and second matrix material. The first matrix material is capable of being mixed with one or more vaporizable fluids that causes the first matrix material to swell. The second matrix material is capable of being mixed with the swelled first matrix material to produce an actuating material. When the actuating material is heated, the one or more vaporizable fluids expand, resulting in vapors. The increased pressure applied by the vapors causes the actuating material to expand.

A method of vacuum forming an object includes heating a plastic sheet. After heating the plastic sheet, a vacuum is applied to pull the sheet against an outer surface of a flexible mold so that the plastic sheet has a formed shape that conforms to a contoured shape of the outer surface of the flexible mold. A rigid core is withdrawn from a cavity in the flexible mold. The flexible mold is then withdrawn from the plastic sheet by applying force to the flexible mold in a single direction, thereby causing flexing of the flexible mold past the undercut. An apparatus for vacuum forming a plastic sheet includes the flexible mold.

A method of vacuum forming an object includes heating a plastic sheet. After heating the plastic sheet, a vacuum is applied to pull the sheet against an outer surface of a flexible mold so that the plastic sheet has a formed shape that conforms to a contoured shape of the outer surface of the flexible mold. A rigid core is withdrawn from a cavity in the flexible mold. The flexible mold is then withdrawn from the plastic sheet by applying force to the flexible mold in a single direction, thereby causing flexing of the flexible mold past the undercut. An apparatus for vacuum forming a plastic sheet includes the flexible mold.

Cup or cartridge that is deep-drawn from a plastic film or a plastic cutout has a bottom and a circumferential wall, wherein the deep-drawing contour ensures a predetermined material distribution. A reinforcement, in terms of design, may be provided at the transition between the bottom and the wall. The transition between the bottom and the wall may have an approximately identical or greater material thickness than the bottom or the wall or than both the bottom and the wall.

Cup or cartridge that is deep-drawn from a plastic film or a plastic cutout has a bottom and a circumferential wall, wherein the deep-drawing contour ensures a predetermined material distribution. A reinforcement, in terms of design, may be provided at the transition between the bottom and the wall. The transition between the bottom and the wall may have an approximately identical or greater material thickness than the bottom or the wall or than both the bottom and the wall.

A method of forming a part from a blank includes positioning the blank within a forming die. Water is introduced between the blank and the forming die. The water is heated to form steam between the blank and the forming die. The blank is reshaped within the forming die to form the part while the steam is disposed between the blank and the forming die. The steam forms a cushion between the blank and the forming die to reduce friction therebetween. A lubricant is not applied to the blank prior to being positioned in the forming die. Therefore, the formed part does not require a washing step after being formed.

The disclosure relates to forming shaped thermoplastic articles having smooth peripheries. Many thermoplastic articles have sharp edges formed upon molding or cutting the article from a feedstock sheet. Such sharp edges can damage thin plastic films or flesh which they contact, and smoothing the edges is desirable. Described herein are methods of forming a smooth periphery for such sharp-edged articles by rolling over the sharp edge. The smoothing operation is performed by forming a deflectable flange including a bend region separated from the potentially sharp peripheral edge by a spacer, deflecting a portion of the deflectable flange, and softening at least one bent portion of the deflectable flange to yield a smooth periphery upon cooling. A liner sheet may be attached to the feedstock sheet prior to, during, or after forming and can be peelable therefrom.

Devices and methods for making devices that temporarily occlude spaces within the body to provide a therapeutic effect.