Device and method for shaping flat articles

Abstract

A device and a method for shaping a flat article under high pressure, in which a one-sided forming tool is used together with a high pressure press equipped with a membrane. The one-sided forming tool comprises at least one first trimming device, a second trimming device provided with a punch, and with at least two clamps arranged to hold a blank in position over said one-sided forming tool. The clamps are arranged moveable in respect to each other such that the blank is stretchable and pressure is applicable by said membrane so shaping the blank against said one-sided forming tool within a single and continuous press operation. The one-sided forming tool also comprises a piercing device. The advantage of the invention is that an article may be stretched, trimmed, shaped and pierced in one continuous forming cycle, which article may also be formed from a blank that has been pre-painted on at least one side.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.