Moulding

摘要

In the continuous vacuum forming of articles from a fibrous slurry, e.g. from paper pulp, a plurality of two-piece hinged moulds are mounted on a transport apparatus 1 which transports the moulds stepwise in a loop. The internal surfaces of the moulds are defined by wire gauze of mesh 107,109 and the moulds are connected to a source of suction. The moulds, with the suction applied, are moved through the fibrous slurry contained in a tank 43, whereupon fibres are deposited on the mesh 107,109, much of the water being drawn off by the suction. The mould passes through a drying station, where warm air is sucked through the mould, further drying the article. The transport apparatus 1 is movable pivotably about an axis 6 by means of a fluid-operated ram 25. At the top of the path, the mould and the article therein are lowered onto a pin 61, a plurality of which are situated on an endless conveyor 59. By means of rods 81,81', attached to the mould pieces, the mould is opened, and the transport apparatus is lifted, leaving the article on the pin 61. After cleaning with a spray 65, the mould is then ready to undergo another cycle.