Process for partial shaping of flat glass or glass-ceramic articles and apparatus for performing same

摘要

In the process for partially shaping, a glass/glass ceramic article ( 5 ) is held on a planar support plate ( 1 ) by suction. The glass/glass ceramic article is heated to soften it, so that it has a viscosity below 10⁶ dPa.s. After the softening one or more shaping dies ( 4 ) is or are moved upward through an opening or respective openings ( 3 ) in the support plate to form raised regions in the softened glass/glass ceramic article ( 5 ). The suction force is produced by a low pressure in a hollow compartment ( 2 ) below the support plate ( 1 ) and acts on the glass/glass ceramic article ( 5 ) by means of a gap (G) formed between each shaping die ( 4 ) and the support plate. Additional openings can be provided in the support plate and/or in one or more of the shaping dies to assist in applying the suction force to the glass/glass ceramic article. After solidification of the softened glass/glass-ceramic article the shaping die or dies ( 4 ) is or are withdrawn. Then the partially shaped glass/glass ceramic product is removed by compressed air and/or mechanically with lifting members ( 8 ). An apparatus for performing this process is also described.