Patent ID: 8808606

Claim:
A molding method implemented using a molding apparatus which comprises heating means having a high-frequency induction coil and a high-frequency power supply, and a die comprised of a stationary mold and a moveable mold, the method comprising the steps of: maintaining the moveable mold in a state separated from the stationary mold by a predetermined distance; inserting the high-frequency induction coil, which is wound in a helical fashion with an axis extending in a direction substantially parallel with respect to a cavity face of the stationary mold and a cavity face of the moveable mold, in the substantially parallel direction between the cavity face of the stationary mold and the cavity face of the moveable mold; heating the stationary mold and the moveable mold by Joule heat obtained by causing an electrical current to flow from the high-frequency power supply to the high-frequency induction coil to thereby generate a magnetic field and an eddy current in the stationary mold and the moveable mold, wherein, through generation of the magnetic field, lines of magnetic force are generated that substantially conform to the cavity faces of the molds, and a strength of the magnetic field is constant with respect to position in a lengthwise direction of the high-frequency induction coil; closing the die by bringing together the moveable mold and the stationary mold when the stationary mold and the moveable mold are heated to a predetermined temperature; injecting a molten-state material into a cavity of the closed stationary mold and moveable mold; and opening the die by separating the moveable mold from the stationary mold in order to retrieve a molded article having cooled to a solid in the cavity.