Vacuum forming synthetic resins

Vacuum forming synthetic resins

Keywords: Vacuum forming technologies, Resins

Applicant: Honda Giken Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, JapanPatent number:US6,056,531Publication date: 2 May 2000Title: Apparatus for vacuum forming synthetic resin products

The present invention relates to an apparatus for and a method of forming a synthetic resin product such as an automotive instrument panel, using a vacuum-forming process. The vacuum-forming apparatus comprises of a first and a second mold, the first mold including a forming surface. The first mold contains a hollow space which connects with the forming surface through holes defined in the first mold. The hollow space is connected to a vacuum pump to attract a sheet against the forming surface through the holes. The second mold has a presser including a cylinder which displaces a cutter with a serrated trimming blade. The presser has an upper groove which accommodates the teeth of the serrated trimming blade. The first mold has a lower groove for receiving the teeth of the serrated trimming blade when it is displaced downward by the cylinder.

Jonathan Rigelsford