A method and apparatus is presented. A portion is cut from a thermoplastic sheet of a first thermoplastic material based on a three dimensional model. The portion is secured to a mold. The portion and the mold are heated under vacuum to form a structure. The structure may take the form of a protective covering. In some illustrative examples, the mold may be formed of a second thermoplastic material based on the three dimensional model using additive manufacturing.

The present disclosure is directed to recyclable lined molded fiber articles (e.g., bowls) that provide the necessary performance characteristics for storing frozen and refrigerated foods (acceptable oil resistance, water resistance, and water vapor barrier). The disclosed articles and methods for manufacturing such articles include bonding a thermoformable cellulose-based acetate film to a molded bagasse fiber article to form an impervious liner.

An insulating element for thermally insulating spaces, including closed cells, in which a first and a second group of closed cells are formed by first or second recesses in a first or second flat element and the first and the second flat elements form first or second connection regions between recesses adjacent to the edges of the openings, to which respectively a flat covering element closing the openings of a plurality of first recesses is bonded on a front side of the flat element. The second recesses are arranged between the first recesses on a rear side of the first flat element and the first recesses are arranged between the second recesses on a rear side of the second flat element such that the space remaining of the first and second recesses between the first and the second flat elements amounts to less than 50% of the space enclosed by the first and second recesses.

Systems and processes for thermoforming an article are disclosed. The system can include a first heating station that can include a first heating zone and a second heating zone. The system can further include a first cooling station for reducing the temperature of the heated article to a range of about 50 C. to about 70 C. while exposing the article to atmospheric pressure. The system can also include a second cooling station that can expose an article to a pressure above atmospheric pressure.

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.

A method and apparatus is presented. A portion is cut from a thermoplastic sheet of a first thermoplastic material based on a three dimensional model. The portion is secured to a mold. The portion and the mold are heated under vacuum to form a structure. The structure may take the form of a protective covering. In some illustrative examples, the mold may be formed of a second thermoplastic material based on the three dimensional model using additive manufacturing.

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.

A method and apparatus is presented. A portion is cut from a thermoplastic sheet of a first thermoplastic material based on a three dimensional model. The portion is secured to a mold. The portion and the mold are heated under vacuum to form a structure. The structure may take the form of a protective covering. In some illustrative examples, the mold may be formed of a second thermoplastic material based on the three dimensional model using additive manufacturing.