AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR FORMING STRUCTURAL ARTICLES

摘要

A method of forming a structural article from a shape defining interior member (20) and at least one external skin (22). The interior member has at least one surface (23) with channels extending to the periphery thereof. The method comprises heating a thermoplastics sheet intended to form said external skin (22) and bringing the heated sheet (22) alongside the surface (23) of the interior member (20) and into initial contact with same. A fluid pressure differential is then applied between opposite surfaces of the interior member (20) and the sheet (22) to conform the sheet (22) to the shape of the interior member (20) and mutually engage same. Fluid trapped between the sheet (22) and the member (20) escapes through the ends of the channels of the member (20) as the sheet (22) is drawn into substantially conformity with the surface (23) having the channels. The fluid pressure differential is maintained until the sheet (22) has cooled whereupon tensional forces arise in the sheet (22) in all directions. Articles having load bearing capabilities formed by the above method are also disclosed.