Shaping tool, shaping apparatus and method of forming a semi-finished product containing reinforcing fibers

A shaping apparatus for forming a semi-finished product containing reinforcing fibers, which apparatus comprises:

• a shaping tool for forming a semi-finished product which contains reinforcing fibers and is fed to said shaping tool in a continuous process, the shaping tool comprising:
• a first shaping-tool element and
• a second shaping-tool element which is located opposite said first shaping-tool element,
• the shaping-tool elements having shaping faces which face towards the semi-finished product, and which are at least one of curved and inclined, at least in certain sections, in at least one of
• a direction of conveyance of said semi-finished product through the shaping tool, and
• a direction perpendicular to said direction of conveyance of said semi-finished product, and
• a press having a first pressing element and a second pressing element which is located opposite said first pressing element, said first and second pressing elements being adapted to subject the semi-finished product, which is fed to the shaping tool in a continuous process between the first and second shaping-tool elements, to pressure in a direction perpendicular to a direction of conveyance of said semi-finished product,
• wherein the first and second shaping-tool elements contact each other with said semi-finished product between the first and second shaping-tool elements.

A method of forming a semi-finished product containing reinforcing fibers, said method comprising the steps:

• feeding the semi-finished product to a shaping tool which comprises a first shaping-tool element and a second shaping-tool element which is located opposite said first shaping-tool element,
• subjecting the semi-finished product to pressure, in a direction perpendicular to a direction of conveyance of said semi-finished product, by means of a press which comprises a first pressing element and a second pressing element which is located opposite said first pressing element,
• wherein the semi-finished product is subjected to pressure via shaping faces of said first and second shaping-tool elements, which are at least one of curved and inclined, at least in certain sections, in at least one of a direction of conveyance of the semi-finished product through the shaping tool and in a direction perpendicular to said direction of conveyance of said semi-finished product, and
• wherein the first and second shaping-tool elements contact each other with said semi-finished product between the first and second shaping-tool elements.