Forming a preform into a shaped body

A manufacturing method, comprising:

• arranging a preform over a top surface of an inner mold line, wherein the inner mold line comprises the top surface and at least two side sections on opposing sides of the inner mold line relative to the top surface, wherein the inner mold line comprises a plurality of pockets in each of the at least two side sections, wherein a first floating plate of a plurality of floating plates is coupled to a first tensioning system through at least two first pockets of the plurality of pockets in a first side section of the at least two side sections of the inner mold line, wherein a second floating plate of the plurality of floating plates is coupled to a second tensioning system through at least two second pockets of the plurality of pockets in a second side section of the at least two side sections of the inner mold line, wherein a first gear rack of the first tensioning system runs parallel to an inner surface of the first side section, and wherein a second gear rack of the second tensioning system operates parallel to an inner surface of the second side section;
• folding the preform over the at least two side sections of the inner mold line;
• responsive to folding the preform over the at least two side sections of the inner mold line:
• pressing an end of the preform into a grip strip, wherein the grip strip is coupled to a floating plate of the plurality of floating plates and wherein the grip strip includes at least one of pins angled downward with respect to the top surface of the inner mold line or sharp teeth;
• and
• translating at least one of the first floating plate or the second floating plate of the plurality of floating plates in a first direction substantially parallel to a respective side section of the at least two side sections and away from the top surface of the inner mold line to tension the preform into a shaped body.