Method and apparatus for differential softening of thermoformable plastic

摘要: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for differentially softening plastic used to package articles. Select areas of the sheet are selectively softened by treating those allow either increased or decreased in response radiation absorption. treatment can include application coating materials select lamination different types plastics. In illustrated embodiment, heat is applied use infrared source. Either before after has been areas, positioned adjacent forming plate stretch sheet. causes sheet, along with any unsoftened bordering be drawn stretched over around surface article intended covered held. portions then allowed cool their unsoftened, relatively rigid state, resulting carrier that covers top sides each article.