Workstation for processing a flexible membrane

A workstation for processing a flexible membrane having upper and lower surfaces, a perimeter, and at least one bore extending between the upper and lower surfaces, said workstation comprising:

• a frame for transporting a flexible membrane to and from the workstation, said frame defining an opening adapted to receive the flexible membrane and comprising:
• an upper and lower face;
• a lip extending into the opening for supporting the perimeter of the flexible membrane within the opening such that the flexible membrane is generally planar and perpendicular to a frame axis, and further such that the flexible membrane is axially spaced apart from the lower face by a first distance;
• and
• a platform for supporting and heating the:
• flexible membrane during processing, said platform comprising:
• a membrane-support surface that is substantially planar and is perpendicular to an axis;
• a frame-support surface about the membrane-support surface for engaging the lower face during processing and axially spaced apart from the membrane-support surface by a second distance greater than the first distance;
• vacuum means in communication with the membrane-support surface for urging a flexible membrane against the membrane-support surface;
• and
• heating means for heating the platform to heat a flexible membrane resting on the membrane-support surface and to concurrently heat a frame resting on the frame-support surface.

A workstation for processing a flexible membrane having upper and lower surfaces, a perimeter, and at least one bore extending between the upper and lower surfaces, said workstation comprising:

• a frame for transporting a flexible membrane to and from the workstation, said frame defining an opening adapted to receive the flexible membrane and comprising:
• an upper and lower face;
• a lip extending into the opening for supporting the perimeter of the flexible membrane within the opening such that the flexible membrane is generally planar and perpendicular to a frame axis, and further such that the flexible membrane is axially spaced apart from the lower face by a first distance;
• and
• at least one axial pin disposed within the opening and slidably receivable within the bore of said flexible membrane for positioning the flexible membrane within the opening;
• and
• a platform for supporting and heating the flexible membrane during processing, said platform comprising:
• a membrane-support surface that is substantially planar and is perpendicular to an axis;
• a frame-support surface about the membrane-support surface for engaging the lower face during processing and axially spaced apart from the membrane-support surface by a second distance greater than the first distance;
• vacuum means in communication with the membrane-support surface for urging a flexible membrane against the membrane-support surface;
• and
• heating means for heating the platform to heat a flexible membrane resting on the membrane-support surface and to simultaneously heat a frame resting on the frame-support surface.