Heating and particulate drawing process and assembly for aggregating plasticized granules in adhering fashion to an exposed face of a heated tool or part

摘要

An apparatus and related method for forming a three dimensional polymer based part including a die tool having a specified shape and size and exhibiting an exposed polymer adhering surface corresponding in configuration to a polymeric based part to be created. A bin is filled with a polymer material in particulate form and, upon positioning the die tool overhead, the die tool is inserted into the bin, such as by either lowering the tool or raising the bin. The tool is positioned within the bin such that the exposed and adhering surface is in contact with the particulate material. Heat is applied to either or both the die tool and the bin particulate and, in combination with an optional vibrating motion imparted to the bin, causes a specified volume of polymer material to adhere and to form upon the exposed surface of the die tool.