公开(公告)号：US12122071B2

公开(公告)日：2024-10-22

申请号：US17297363

申请日：2019-11-26

Applicant: EDGE EMBOSSING, INC.

Inventor： Brian Alexander Smith ,  Andrew Evan Kamholz ,  Cameron John Harris ,  Hootan Farhat

IPC: B29C33/42 ,  B29C33/40 ,  B29C43/36 ,  B29C43/52 ,  B29C45/26 ,  B29C59/02

CPC classification number: B29C33/424 ,  B29C33/405 ,  B29C43/3607 ,  B29C43/52 ,  B29C45/2608 ,  B29C45/263 ,  B29C45/2632 ,  B29C45/2642 ,  B29C59/022 ,  B29C2059/023

Abstract: Thermoplastic forming tools and assemblages are provided for forming thermoplastic components. In particular, thermoplastic forming tools and assemblages are provided for forming thermoplastic components having precision micro-scale features and reproducible macro-scale dimensions. The thermoplastic forming assemblages can include at least a bottom tool and a top tool having a rigid tool body and an elastomer layer conformally coating at least a portion of both rigid tool bodies. The bottom and top tool can be so dimensioned that, when in the closed position, they define a cavity forming the thermoplastic component. The rigid tool bodies provide the reproducible macro-scale dimensions in the thermoplastic component, while the elastomer layers form and release the precision micro-scale features in the thermoplastic component when formed. Tool-forming structures are also provided for making thermoplastic forming tools and assemblages, as well as methods of making the thermoplastic forming tools, and methods of use for forming thermoplastic components.