Vacuum forming a laminate charge
Abstract:
A method of forming a laminate charge, and a forming tool and apparatus for forming a laminate charge is disclosed. In a forming step, a suction force is generated between a forming tool and an impermeable sheet which causes the impermeable sheet to press the laminate charge against a male corner of the forming tool and into a female corner of the forming tool. The male corner of the forming tool is positioned between first and second parts of the laminate charge, and the female corner of the forming tool is positioned between second and third parts of the laminate charge. During the forming step, gas is injected between the forming tool and part of the laminate charge to create a gas cushion between the forming tool and the third part of the laminate charge. This gas cushion inhibits the third part of the laminate charge from becoming clamped against the forming tool as the laminate charge is pressed into the female corner of the forming tool.
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