PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING ARTICLES OF SYNTHETIC MATERIAL HAVING THE APPEARANCE OF LEATHER.

摘要

A sheet of suitable synthetic material (e.g. polyvinyl chloride) of high dielectric constant is pressed by a mould which is of low dielectric constant and which is profiled corresponding to a leather grain, simultaneously with being heated by high frequency induction. The mould may be of a silicone elastomer, and auxiliary patterning pieces and a textile backing web may be fused to opposite faces of the sheet during moulding. The method is used for making shoe uppers and a reduction in the number of different materials which have to be stocked is achieved.