Twin sheet thermoforming with sheet support for each mould half where the edge support does not contact the pinch off surfaces

摘要

Apparatus for twin sheet thermoforming has each mould half incorporating a sheet support means which can hold a sheet by its edge and support the sheet during heating and wherein at least one of the sheet support means can retract during thermoforming. The sheets are supported clear of each mould half by the supports but are heated from between. A movable heater may carry sheets while simultaneously heating and transfer heated sheets to the mould halves of the thermoforming apparatus.