Method for producing decorative seams on films shaped by drawing method, and apparatus for performing the method

Abstract From the Canadian patent

For the production of decorative seams on dashboards or the like, molded of thermoplastic material by the deep-drawing method, a heated embossing die having a negative decorative seam is pressed briefly, at the instant of the deformation of the dashboard or the like, against a molding tool covered with thermoplastic film. Elastic embossing cushions are glued into the molding tool thereby, providing a decorative seam with a convex curvature. A tentering frame is used to hold the film which initially is heated to the plastic temperature range using a high intensity radiant heater. After heating the film is pre-shaped into a curved configuration using a molding box. The molding tool is then …