MOLDING METHOD AND SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR THERMOFORMABLE MATERIAL SHEET

摘要

A method and apparatus for molding thermoformable sheet material is set forth. The method includes the steps of providing a conventional stamp type mold, one section of which provides a compliant mold member which is augmented by diaphragm. The diaphragm coacts with the compliant member during a molding phase to ensure dimensional uniformity in the molded article. Further, tight or detailed areas are easily molded by making use of the compliant and diaphragm members. In a further embodiment, tension adjusting is achieved during molding by a series of discrete tension members. The tension members cooperate with the compliant and diaphragm members to significantly improve dimensional uniformity and prevent wrinkling in the molded article.