| 摘要 |
<p>A method of shaping a layer of settable material such as honeycomb core (24) including placing the core on a flexible support (38); translating the flexible support (38) and core into an oven (28); heating the core to a desired forming temperature in the oven; translating the flexible support (38) and core (24) horizontally from the oven into a forming area (26); lowering a contoured upper die (32) onto the core (24); tensioning the flexible support (38); pressing the core between the tensioned flexible support and the upper die so that the core (24) is forced to conform to the shape of the die (32); cooling the core to set temperature; and raising the die (32) to remove the finished shaped core, is provided. Additionally, a shaping apparatus (22) located in a forming area (26) adjacent an oven (28), for shaping a settable material such as honeycomb core (24) is provided, including: an upper die (32); first and second tensioning assemblies (70), (72) each including a torque supply system; first and second guide assemblies (50), (52) for translating the tensioning assemblies into and out of the oven (28); at least one flexible support (38) wrapped around and between the tensioning assemblies (70), (72) upon which the core may be placed; a regulation system for equalizing tension about the core during pressing; and optional support rollers (166) for focusing the flexible support (38) against the upper die (32) during pressing. A tensioning assembly including a roller (76) and a torque supply system having an air motor (84), is provided. Alternatively, a tensioning assembly including a number of short rollers (92) each powered by a torque supply system having an air motor (108); and a like number of tensioning sub-assemblies (90) each having multiple flexible belts (96) attached thereto, is provided. <IMAGE></p> |
