Apparatus for forming components from thermoplastics materials, e.g. watch glasses, comprises a tool (12) having a template (12A) and a support plug (12C). Pressure can be applied to the template by means of a heat conducting rod (20) and a heat conducting plate (12B), whilst the plug (12C) is supported upon a conducted and cooling plate (16). Heat is applied from a hot air gun (24) or by means of an electrically heated plate (12D) to a sheet of thermoplastics material (14) through the plate (12B) and template (12A). The method and apparatus ensure that the formed component retains a degree of optical flatness.