Efficient lamination press with thin flexible platens

摘要

Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for applying heat and pressure to a laminate assembly and to form a unitary product therefrom with increased processing efficiency. One implementation includes an apparatus that can decrease processing time by directly heating and cooling platens that press the laminate assembly. Additionally, the lamination press can allow the platens to flex about the laminate assembly, thereby applying substantially uniform pressure to the laminate assembly.

主权项

1. A lamination press for heating and pressing together a laminate assembly to form a uniform panel, the lamination press comprising:
an upper platen assembly; and a lower platen assembly; wherein each of the upper platen assembly and the lower platen assembly comprises:
a first flexible plate having a working surface thereon, the first flexible plate being configured to flex relative to the laminate assembly,a second flexible plate coupled to the first flexible plate, the second flexible plate being configured to flex together with the first flexible plate, anda plurality of grooves disposed in one or more of the first flexible plate and the second flexible plate, the grooves being at least partially sealed between the first flexible plate and the second flexible plate.