FORMING A CONTOUR IN A THERMOPLASTIC DUCT

摘要

An apparatus for thermoplastically forming a contour in a thermoplastic duct defining a passage is discolsed. The apparatus includes a rigid inner support structure operably configured to extend longitudinally in the passage of the duct and having an outer surface configured to correspond to a desired configuration of the duct. The apparatus also includes a heater assembly configured to heat a formation portion of the duct to at least a formation temperature. The apparatus further includes a heat shrinkable tape configured to be disposed circumferentially on the formation portion of the duct. The outer surface of the inner support structure defines a mold contour and the heat shrinkable material is adapted to contract radially when heated to urge the formation portion of the duct radially inward against the mold contour to thermoplastically form the duct.