METHOD FOR MOULDING AN ARTICLE BY USING MEMBRANES THERMOFORMED OVER MASTERS

摘要

A membrane of thermoplastics material such as PVC foil is thermoformed over a surface of an object to be reproduced or a male tool replica thereof. The membrane has an A-face and a B-face. The membrane is then positioned in a female mould having a replica face of the A-face respective faces are substantially in contact. The female mould may be formed by moulding around the A-face of the membrane. Alternatively it may be created from a male master pattern and a polycarbonate membrane created from the pattern. The mould is then closed by the lid of a clamping frame and defines a substantially closed cavity behind the membrane. A moulding material is injection moulded into the cavity of the closed mould so as to form a reinforced backing to the membrane. The finished product comprises a surface membrane with accurate reproduction of the surface detail of the original object. The surface therefore requires little or no finishing treatment. The method is highly suitable for mass production.