The invention relates to thermoforming plant and their transport chains. Various aspects of the chain and chain rails are proposed. Overall the chain operates such that less wear occurs; it can also be cooled symmetrically and the film can be better heated up to the edges.

A method for shaping a preform made from thermoplastic material, and a facility for implementing the method, comprising the following steps: a) providing a preform made from thermoplastic material having a surface; b) supplying thermal energy to the preform by radiation in such a way as to make it ductile; and c) shaping the ductile preform inside a forming mould. Step b) further involves simultaneously spraying a gaseous fluid onto the surface of the preform in order to preserve the surface.

The present disclosure pertains to a trim part for a motor vehicle that comprises: a carrier; and a decorative material applied onto an upper surface of the carrier, wherein the decorative material comprises a printed thermoplastic film; and wherein the trim part is shaped by a deep-drawing process and a grain or impression is produced on the visible side of the film, which faces away from the carrier, by the deep-drawing process. A method and a device for manufacturing the trim part is also proposed.

A method for shaping a preform made from thermoplastic material, and a facility for implementing the method, comprising the following steps: a) providing a preform made from thermoplastic material having a surface; b) supplying thermal energy to the preform by radiation in such a way as to make it ductile; and c) shaping the ductile preform inside a forming mould. Step b) further involves simultaneously spraying a gaseous fluid onto the surface of the preform in order to preserve the surface.

The present disclosure pertains to a trim part for a motor vehicle that comprises: a carrier; and a decorative material applied onto an upper surface of the carrier, wherein the decorative material comprises a printed thermoplastic film; and wherein the trim part is shaped by a deep-drawing process and a grain or impression is produced on the visible side of the film, which faces away from the carrier, by the deep-drawing process. A method and a device for manufacturing the trim part is also proposed.