METHODS FOR MAKING MULTI-LAYERED PLASTIC END PRODUCTS

摘要

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for generating, processing, handling and forming plastic materials into an end product such as, but not limited to, consumables and packaging. The plastic materials are made into preforms or preform sheets, which in turn may be selectively masked to expose desired regions of the same for a saturation process, a heating process, or both. In addition, the various processes may be sufficiently controlled to obtain a desired micro-structure, and in turn obtain desired mechanical, structural, and aesthetic properties in the end product. By way of example, an embodiment of the present invention results in consumable, plastic cups that are lighter weight and more structurally robust less than conventional plastic cups. Further to one or more embodiments of the present invention, various systems for material handling may be utilized to efficiently, timely and cost effectively produce the preforms.

主权项

1. A method for making plastic end products, the method comprising:
generating a plurality of plastic preforms, each preform having a inner region defining an area from which an end product will be formed, and each inner region bounded by a periphery region; loading the plurality of preforms into a pressure vessel rack; placing the pressure vessel rack into a pressure vessel; applying a pressure to the pressure vessel rack; while under pressure, saturating the plurality of preforms with a gas for a predetermined sorption time; moving the plurality of preforms from the pressure vessel rack into a heating rack; heating the plurality of preforms; and forming each of the plurality of preforms into a configuration corresponding to a desired plastic end product.