A multi-cavity mould (1) for a thermoforming machine used in the process of high-volume, continuous thermoforming of a plurality of thin-gauge plastic products (2) from a preheated thin-gauge thermoplastic sheet (3) comprising an upper tool (11) and a lower tool (12) arranged in a cooperating manner; the lower tool (12) comprising a plurality of cavities (8) in which cavity moulds (8) are placed and a plurality of base plates (91) from which a plurality of supporting blocks (92) extend perpendicularly over a predetermined total height (a), situated between adjacent cavities (8), each of said supporting block (92) has a stepped profile comprising three substantially rectangular shaped zones (92a, 92b, 92c) and a fourth substantially isosceles trapezoid shaped zone (92d) in a vertical cross section, having a common symmetry axis.

An arrangement supplies a semi-finished product to a thermoforming machine as a starting material. The arrangement has a deposition device, on which cuttings of the starting material can be provided in each case, and a loading device having a table device and a movable loading unit. The loading unit has a first section and a second section that are each arranged to receive one of the cuttings at the section. At least one cutting can be deposited on the table device. The first section receives one of the cuttings from the deposition device and the second section receives another of the cuttings from the table device, and then the first section for depositing one cutting received from the deposition device on the table device and the second section for depositing the other cutting received from the table device can be positioned in a working region of the thermoforming machine.

An arrangement supplies a semi-finished product to a thermoforming machine as a starting material. The arrangement has a deposition device, on which cuttings of the starting material can be provided in each case, and a loading device having a table device and a movable loading unit. The loading unit has a first section and a second section that are each arranged to receive one of the cuttings at the section. At least one cutting can be deposited on the table device. The first section receives one of the cuttings from the deposition device and the second section receives another of the cuttings from the table device, and then the first section for depositing one cutting received from the deposition device on the table device and the second section for depositing the other cutting received from the table device can be positioned in a working region of the thermoforming machine.

An article useful as a forming and cutting tool for molding composite material and cutting non-planar edges of molded composite material. The article includes an upper and lower die. The upper die includes an upper pressure pad with an upper shearing edge and an upper mold with a cavity. The lower die includes a lower pressure pad and a lower mold with a core and a lower shearing edge. The upper die is adapted to come into contact with the lower die so that the upper pressure pad and upper mold apply pressure to the lower pressure pad and lower mold to form a composite material blank into a formed composite structure. The upper die is adapted to contact the lower die so that the upper shearing edge bypasses the lower shearing edge to form a non-planar cut in at least a portion of a formed composite.

An article useful as a forming and cutting tool for molding composite material and cutting non-planar edges of molded composite material. The article includes an upper and lower die. The upper die includes an upper pressure pad with an upper shearing edge and an upper mold with a cavity. The lower die includes a lower pressure pad and a lower mold with a core and a lower shearing edge. The upper die is adapted to come into contact with the lower die so that the upper pressure pad and upper mold apply pressure to the lower pressure pad and lower mold to form a composite material blank into a formed composite structure. The upper die is adapted to contact the lower die so that the upper shearing edge bypasses the lower shearing edge to form a non-planar cut in at least a portion of a formed composite.

A method for manufacturing a foam molded body which can allow the foam resin sheet to follow the shape of the cavity of the mold with high accuracy even when the thickness of the foam resin sheet is thick. The method includes an arranging step to arrange one sheet of a foam resin sheet between first and second molds, the foam resin sheet being formed by extruding and dangling a molten foam resin from a slit; and an expanding step to expand the foam resin sheet by subjecting the foam resin sheet to a reduced pressure suction.

Method and apparatus for forming a hinge in a thermoformed container, such as an egg carton, and the resulting container. The hinge is formed in the mold, by severing a thermoformed container along the length of a hinge line, with the exception of plurality of spaced connecting membranes that are not severed. The alternating severed portions and connecting membranes are referred to herein as a notched hinge connection. The width, depth, and location of the connecting membranes can be adjusted so the hinge area is strong enough to withstand multiple openings during use.

Method and apparatus for forming a hinge in a thermoformed container, such as an egg carton, and the resulting container. The hinge is formed in the mold, by severing a thermoformed container along the length of a hinge line, with the exception of plurality of spaced connecting membranes that are not severed. The alternating severed portions and connecting membranes are referred to herein as a notched hinge connection. The width, depth, and location of the connecting membranes can be adjusted so the hinge area is strong enough to withstand multiple openings during use.

A forming and trimming tool (100) operable to form and trim a composite material part. The tool includes a lower die (150), a core (115) mounted to the lower die, at least one lower pressure pad (120) mounted to the lower die, and a cutter (125) mounted to the lower die. Additionally, the tool includes an upper die (105), a cavity mounted to the upper die, and at least one upper pressure pad (110) mounted to the upper die.

A forming and trimming tool (100) operable to form and trim a composite material part. The tool includes a lower die (150), a core (115) mounted to the lower die, at least one lower pressure pad (120) mounted to the lower die, and a cutter (125) mounted to the lower die. Additionally, the tool includes an upper die (105), a cavity mounted to the upper die, and at least one upper pressure pad (110) mounted to the upper die.