The present invention relates to a 3D-formable sheet material, a process for the preparation of a 3D-formed article, the use of a cellulose material and at least one particulate inorganic filler material for the preparation of a 3D-formable sheet material and for increasing the stretchability of a 3D-formable sheet material, the use of a 3D-formable sheet material in 3D-forming processes as well as a 3D-formed article comprising the 3D-formable sheet material according.

The present invention relates to a 3D-formable sheet material, a process for the preparation of a 3D-formed article, the use of a cellulose material and at least one particulate inorganic filler material for the preparation of a 3D-formable sheet material and for increasing the stretchability of a 3D-formable sheet material, the use of a 3D-formable sheet material in 3D-forming processes as well as a 3D-formed article comprising the 3D-formable sheet material according.

The present invention relates to a method for making an aperture web. The method includes the steps of: moving a micro-textured web through a first member having male elements and a second member having discontinuous female elements, wherein the male elements are arranged in a staggered pattern.

A deep-drawing apparatus includes an arrangement of die plates, wherein each die plate has a plurality of frame vacuum holes and at least one female die having at least one die vacuum hole. At least one vacuum channel connects a vacuum source to the die vacuum hole of the female die and to the frame vacuum holes of the die plate. The deep-drawing apparatus includes for each die plate a closing device for closing and opening the vacuum channel. The die plate is fed a single foil sheet. The closing device opens the connecting channel at the corresponding die plate and the foil sheet is laid onto the die plate. Thereafter, the foil is held on the frame vacuum holes by a holding vacuum and is deep-drawn by a deep-drawing vacuum at the die vacuum holes in the female die. A method for the deep-drawing of foil is also disclosed.

A deep-drawing apparatus includes an arrangement of die plates, wherein each die plate has a plurality of frame vacuum holes and at least one female die having at least one die vacuum hole. At least one vacuum channel connects a vacuum source to the die vacuum hole of the female die and to the frame vacuum holes of the die plate. The deep-drawing apparatus includes for each die plate a closing device for closing and opening the vacuum channel. The die plate is fed a single foil sheet. The closing device opens the connecting channel at the corresponding die plate and the foil sheet is laid onto the die plate. Thereafter, the foil is held on the frame vacuum holes by a holding vacuum and is deep-drawn by a deep-drawing vacuum at the die vacuum holes in the female die. A method for the deep-drawing of foil is also disclosed.

The utilization of heat in the manufacturing of footwear may be accomplished through microwave energy. The microwave energy is conveyed to the footwear components through a microwave transparent window of a tool. The microwave transparent tool window forms as least a portion of a part-contacting surface of the tool. Another surface of the tool is formed from a microwave reflecting material, such as aluminum. The footwear component(s) are exposed to microwave energy while within the tool such that the microwave energy passes through the tool window to cause a dielectric heating of one or more materials within a tool cavity of the tool.

The utilization of heat in the manufacturing of footwear may be accomplished through microwave energy. The microwave energy is conveyed to the footwear components through a microwave transparent window of a tool. The microwave transparent tool window forms as least a portion of a part-contacting surface of the tool. Another surface of the tool is formed from a microwave reflecting material, such as aluminum. The footwear component(s) are exposed to microwave energy while within the tool such that the microwave energy passes through the tool window to cause a dielectric heating of one or more materials within a tool cavity of the tool.

An assembly useful for thermoforming a dental aligner from polymer sheet material includes (a) a custom dental model having a planar bottom surface and a receptacle formed in said planar bottom surface; and (b) a reusable die removably received in said receptacle.

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.

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.