摘要 |
A sculptured structural fiberboard product is formed using a mold that includes porous forming areas which, in one embodiment, are porous forming mandrels movably mounted on the mold, and liquid impervious thimbles which removably cover the porous areas. A fiber network is formed as water is drained off through the porous areas and the thimbles are moved to gradually unveil the porous areas during the mat formation. When mandrels are used, the mandrels are withdrawn in cooperation with a pressing force applied to the mat to consolidate and dry the web. The porous areas can also act as heat and mass transfer means during consolidation and drying. An alternative embodiment permits formation of laminated products and another alternative embodiment permits close control over the product density during consolidation and drying.
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