Patent ID: 6322651
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: B29C,B29K,B32B,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for continuously producing expanded thermoformable materials comprising:(a) conveying at least one thermoformable assembly through at least one heating zone, said thermoformable assembly comprising a thermoformable material disposed between first and second mold plates, whereby said thermoformable assembly is heated to a temperature to cause said thermoformable material to adhesively bond to said first and second mold plates while said thermoformable assembly is conveyed through said heating zone;(b) disposing said thermoformable assembly between an upper press plate and a lower press plate such that said upper press plate is engaged with said first mold plate and said lower press plate is engaged with said second mold plate;(c) further heating said thermoformable material to a temperature in the range between about 50.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. in a press zone;(d) moving said upper and lower press plates so as to effect an expansion of the cross-section of said thermoformable material, thereby forming an expanded thermoformable material in said press zone; and(e) conveying said expanded thermoformable material from said press zone through at least one cooling zone, wherein said expanded thermoformable material is cooled to a temperature in the range between about 10.degree. C. to 30.degree. C.