Molding of expandable polystyrene
AssigneeLifoam Industries, LLC
InventorsJonathan Godfrey, Saumitra Bhargava, Michael W. Elliott, Gerry Babyok
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Abstract
Methods of making molded polystyrene articles are described. The methods include introducing steam into a mold simultaneous to filling the mold with foam particles, and cooling the mold without the use of cooling water. The method can be performed faster and with a lower temperature differential than conventional molding processes, permitting faster turn-around to the production of subsequent molded articles. The molded articles produced by the method can have thicker side walls, improved foam particle fusion, and improved compression properties as compared to conventional EPS molding processes.
Claims23
A method of making a molded foam article, comprising:
- (i) introducing foam particles comprising polystyrene into a mold for an article while simultaneously introducing steam into the mold;
- (ii) subjecting the mold to direct steaming;
- and then
- (iii) subjecting the mold to a negative pressure cycle, in the absence of cooling water, in which the foam particles are expanded and fused together to form the article;
- and then
- (iv) removing the molded foam article from the mold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.