System and method for forming of 3D plastic parts
AssigneeScrape Armor, Inc.
InventorScott Whitehead
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for forming 3D plastic parts that are cost effective in low volume, have excellent fit and finish, and use many components from 2D construction are disclosed. The systems and methods involve selecting a design and modelling the design. The design comprises 2D and 3D components of plastic parts. A 3D forming buck corresponding to the 3D component is manufactured. At least one of a 2D part and the 3D forming buck may be heated. The 2D part may be loaded onto the 3D forming buck for a predefined period of time. The 3D part formed after the loading may be separated from the 3D forming buck. The 3D part is the 2D part generally having taken the shape of the 3D forming buck. The 3D part may be cooled to obtain an end product.
Claims13
A method of forming three dimensional (3D) plastic parts, the method comprising the steps of:
- selecting a design and modelling the design, wherein the design comprises 2D and 3D components;
- manufacturing a 3D forming buck corresponding to the 3D component, wherein the 3D forming buck has at least one of contour, distortion, perforation, and locations for fasteners, present in plurality of axes and plurality of planes;
- heating at least one of a 2D part and the 3D forming buck;
- loading the 2D part onto the 3D forming buck, for a predefined period of time;
- separating a 3D part formed after the loading, wherein the 3D part is the 2D part generally having taken the shape of the 3D forming buck;
- and cooling the 3D part wherein the 3D part of the design is formed by:
- heating the 2D part to 100° F.;
- loading the 2D part onto the 3D forming buck for at least 30 seconds to form the 3D part;
- and cooling the 3D part in water having a temperature of approximately 40° F.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.