Deep-draw thermoforming of thermoplastic sheet

In an apparatus for deep drawing of hollow articles from heated thermoplastic sheet comprising a heated mandrel and a mold cavity, means for securing the heated thermoplastic sheet in a position between the mandrel and mold cavity and means for moving the mandrel through the heated thermoplastic sheet so as to draw the heated thermoplastic onto the walls of the mandrel and into the mold cavity, the improvement comprising locating a domed guide located directly above and at the top of the mold cavity, said domed guide having internal walls which are greater in diameter than the internal diameter of the mold cavity and said domed guide being equipped with a hardened metal insert cutter located near the entrance to the mold cavity.