Apparatus for moulding articles with natural fiber-derived materials

Abstract

A molding apparatus (1) for forming an article from a dose of material at least partially derived from natural fibers, the molding apparatus having a molding area (2) delimited by a side surface (3) extending around a central region of the molding area (2). The apparatus (1) comprises:-a first mold half (5) defining a forming area (2) and comprising a lateral surface (4) and a side surface (3) defining a forming cavity; -a second mold half (6) movable relative to the first mold half (5) along a molding axis (Y) for insertion into the molding cavity in order to shape the dose; and a compensation device (14) positionable at a variable distance from the transverse surface (4) by mutual movement of the compensation device (14) and the forming cavity to determine the final size of the article to be formed as a function of the volume of the dose inserted into the forming cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a moulding apparatus for producing an article by compressing a mouldable material. Background Art

[0002] The moldable material may include a material derived from natural fibers, such as cellulose. In other words, the moldable material may be a cellulose-based material.

[0003] The material derived from natural fibers may be a powder, a solid or a paste. For example, the material derived from natural fibers may include a powder to be pressed, or may be in the form of a swab, or even in the form of a film, or a pre-treated material having, for example, a flat shape, a concave shape or a disc shape.

[0004] The molding device according to the invention is particularly (but not exclusively) suitable for producing articles with a concave shape, such as containers or lids for containers. The articles produced by the molding device according to the invention may have a side wall having a curved geometry, in particular a circular, oval or elliptical geometry seen in plan view.

[0005] However, the moulding apparatus according to the invention may also be used to form objects having other geometries, such as substantially flat objects.

[0006] In the art of molding, for various reasons it is sometimes desirable to define a molded area whose volume can be gradually reduced.

[0007] This requirement arises when molding articles from natural fiber derived materials, such as cellulose, which have very low initial density and need to be pressed with a high degree of compression to provide a good quality packaging component. This means that when the natural fiber derived material is subjected to the molding process, the initial volume of the natural fiber derived material is much greater than the volume of the finished article. This must be taken into account when designing a mold for forming an article by molding a natural fiber derived material.

[0008] The known compression molding apparatus comprises an extruder from which a continuous extrudate of a synthetic polymer material flows and one or more cutting elements for cutting the continuous extrudate to separate continuous doses of the polymer material from the continuous extrudate. The known apparatus also comprises one or more dies for receiving respective doses of the polymer material and for manufacturing an article from each dose of the polymer material. Each dose is inserted into a respective die when the die is in an open position.

[0009] For reasons related to their production method, the doses used in known devices usually have a simple shape, such as a sphere or a cylinder. The shape of the dose is usually very different from the object to be produced.

[0010] In particular, the number or size of the doses inserted into the mould may lead to very different results in the shaping of the final article. For example, during moulding, an excess portion of the dose may flow out of the mould, leaving waste material which defines the excess edge of the article.

[0011] This waste material must be removed, thereby requiring a trimming operation which can be costly and result in increased manufacturing time for the molded article. Summary of the invention

[0012] The technical task of the present invention is to provide a molding device which can overcome the disadvantages of the prior art that have occurred.

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a moulding device which enables articles or lids to be moulded without requiring any subsequent operations, such as trimming operations.

[0014] Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide a molding apparatus capable of compensating for variations in dose centering.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is therefore to provide a moulding apparatus which makes it possible to reduce waste and / or reduce, if not actually eliminate, the costs resulting from subsequent moulding operations.

[0016] The specified technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a moulding device comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

[0017] In particular, the specified technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a moulding device for forming an object from a dose of material originating at least partly from natural fibres, the moulding device having a moulding area delimited by lateral surfaces extending around a central area.

[0018] The molding device comprises a first mold half defining a molding area and comprising lateral surfaces and side surfaces defining a molding cavity, and a second mold half movable relative to the first mold half along a molding axis to be inserted into the molding cavity for molding the dose into an article.

[0019] The device also comprises a compensating device which can be positioned at a variable distance from said transverse surface by mutual displacement of the compensating device and the forming cavity, so as to determine the final dimensions of the object to be formed as a function of the volume of the dose inserted into the forming cavity.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the compensating device comprises an end defining a push portion adapted to be at least partially inserted into a peripheral portion of the forming cavity to retain portions of the article inside the forming cavity.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the compensating device comprises an end defining a retaining portion adapted to at least partially abut against the first mould half to close a peripheral portion of the moulding cavity and / or to retain a waste portion of the article against the first mould half.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises cutting means adapted to abut against the first mould half to cut off waste of the article exiting from the forming cavity.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first half mold includes a plurality of parts defining a side surface. Each part includes a body defined by a molding surface. The first half mold also includes: at least one first pushing device for applying a first force directed toward a central area along a first direction on a first part of the plurality of parts; and at least one second pushing device for applying a second force directed toward the central area along a second direction transverse to the first direction on a second part of the plurality of parts.

[0024] The second part contacts the first part to transmit the second force to the first part, so that the molding surface of the first part moves toward the central area under the combined action of the first force and the second force to reduce the volume of the molding area.

[0025] The specified technical task and the specified aims are also achieved by a moulding device for forming an object from a dose of material originating at least partly from natural fibers, the moulding device having a moulding area delimited by lateral surfaces extending around a central zone.

[0026] The moulding device comprises a first mould half defining a moulding area and comprising lateral surfaces and side surfaces defining a moulding cavity, and a second mould half movable relative to the first mould half along a moulding axis to be inserted into the moulding cavity to shape the dose into an article.

[0027] The apparatus further comprises cutting means adapted to abut against the first mould half to cut off waste of the article exiting from the forming cavity.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the device provided with the cutting device further comprises a compensating device.Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the symbolic and therefore non-limiting description of an embodiment of a moulding device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] This description will now be set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustrative purposes only and therefore not for limiting purposes, in which:

[0030] Figures 1A to 1C is a schematic representation of different working steps of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

[0031] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C is a schematic representation of different working steps of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

[0032] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C is a schematic representation of different working steps of another embodiment of the device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] With reference to the accompanying drawings, 1 indicates as a whole a moulding apparatus for forming articles from a dose of material derived from natural fibres, which for simplicity of description will hereinafter be referred to as apparatus 1 .

[0034] Thus, the apparatus 1 is a device for producing an article by compressing a mouldable material at least partly derived from natural fibres.The mouldable material may comprise a material derived from wood fibres, such as cellulose.

[0035] The moulding apparatus 1 is particularly suitable for producing concave articles, such as containers or lids for containers.

[0036] The concave articles produced by the moulding device 1 may comprise a side wall and a transverse wall closing the side wall at one end thereof. The side wall may have a circular, elliptical, oval or other shaped perimeter in plan view.

[0037] The moulding apparatus 1 can also be used to produce other types of articles, such as necks of containers.

[0038] The material derived at least in part from natural fibers processed by the molding device 1 may be in the form of a powder or granules, for example. The powder or granules may be intended to be pressed dry, or to add water or another liquid to obtain a paste that will then be formed in the molding device 1. Additives or other substances of synthetic origin, such as synthetic polymers, may be added to the material derived from natural fibers.

[0039] The material originating at least in part from natural fibers processed by the molding device 1 may also be in the form of a sponge or a swab. It is also possible that the molding device 1 receives the material originating at least in part from natural fibers configured as a film, for example in the shape of a circle or a quadrilateral. Alternatively, the molding device 1 may process the material originating at least in part from natural fibers configured as a pre-treatment element, for example a pre-compacting element of natural fibers having a degree of compaction that is lower than the degree of compaction that the fibers will have in the final article. The pre-treatment element may be, for example, flat or concave, i.e. have the shape of a cup.

[0040] The molding device 1 has a molding area 2 in which the moldable material is formed to obtain an object. As will be better described below, the volume of the molding area 2 can gradually decrease from the moment the molding area 2 receives the moldable material until the moment the object is obtained. Therefore, the molding area 2 is a molding area with variable volume.

[0041] The forming area 2 is delimited by side surfaces 3 surrounding the central area. The side surfaces 3 are used to form the side walls of the article on the outside. In other words, the side surfaces 3 extend around the central area.

[0042] The shaped area 2 may also be delimited by transverse surfaces 4 arranged transversely to the moulding direction so as to externally form transverse walls of the article.

[0043] The lateral surface 4 may be substantially flat, or slightly concave, or may have another shape.

[0044] In particular, the device 1 comprises a first half-mold 5 defining a forming area 2 , comprising a lateral surface 4 and a side surface 3 defining a forming cavity.

[0045] In other words, the first mould half 5 is considered to be the female mould part of the mould.

[0046] Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a second mould half 6 which can be moved relative to the first mould half 5 so as to be inserted into the moulding cavity so as to shape the dose giving it the shape of an article.

[0047] In other words, the second mould half 6 is considered to be the male part of the mould.

[0048] Preferably, the first mold half 5 can be moved towards the second mold half 6 .

[0049] The first half-mold 5 and the second half-mold 6 are movable relative to each other along a molding direction parallel to a molding axis "Y", which in the example shown is vertical.

[0050] This is not essential and in an alternative the moulding axis "Y" may be horizontal or inclined.

[0051] The transverse surface 4 is therefore transverse, preferably perpendicular to the moulding axis "Y".

[0052] Preferably, the second mold half 6 is made in the form of a punch.

[0053] Preferably, as shown in the drawings, the first half-mold 5 comprises a plurality of parts 7 defining the side surface 3. Each part 7 has a body delimited by a molding surface. Each molding surface defines the side surface 3. Each part 7 is in contact with an adjacent part 7.

[0054] The first half-mold 5 also comprises at least one first pushing means for exerting on the first portion 7 a first force directed towards the central zone of the molding area 2. In this way, the first pushing means enable the distance between the sliding surface of the first portion 7 and the molding axis "Y" to be reduced.

[0055] Furthermore, the first half-mold 5 comprises at least one second pushing device for exerting a second force on the second portion 7 directed towards the central area of ​​the molding region 2 in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

[0056] The second part 7 contacts the first part 7 for transmitting the second force to the first part 7. In this way, the molding surface of the first part 7 moves toward the central area under the combined action of the first force and the second force to reduce the volume of the molding area 2.

[0057] Therefore, the first part 7 contacts the second part 7 along the contact surface of the first part 7. The contact surface of the first part 7 can slide along the sliding surface of the second part 7 under the action of the first force. The contact surface of the first part 7 extends transversely to the second direction.

[0058] The molding surface of the first part 7 can move toward the central area along a linear track pointing obliquely relative to the first direction and the second direction. Similarly, the molding surface of the second part 7 can move toward the central area along a linear track pointing obliquely relative to the first direction and the second direction.

[0059] What has been described above can be applied to each of the multiple parts 7 constituting the first half mold 5, and the combined action of each part enables the reduction (or expansion) of the molding area 2. In addition, applying different forces enables molding areas 2 of different shapes to be obtained.

[0060] Preferably, a profiled appendage delimited by a profiled surface projects from the body of each portion 7. The profiled surface is curved, for example having the shape of a portion of a cylinder.

[0061] Typically, a force directed towards the moulding axis “Y” is applied to each portion 7 , which force pushes the moulding appendages of the respective portion 7 towards the central zone of the moulding area 2 .

[0062] The first and second pushing means are comprised in a plurality of pushing means 8. One of these pushing means 8 is associated with each of the plurality of parts 7.

[0063] In the figures, the pushing device 8 is of mechanical type. Figures 1A to 1C and FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C In an embodiment of the invention, each of the plurality of pushing means 8 comprises at least one roller 8 a engaging with a control element 9 supported by the second mould half 6 or by a part of the device 1 associated with the second mould half 6 .

[0064] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the control element 9 may be supported by the first mould half 5 or by a part of the device 1 associated with the first mould half 5 .

[0065] In the drawings, each pushing device 8 includes a pair of rollers 8a.

[0066] Each portion 7 is also associated with a support 10 supporting at least one pin on which a corresponding roller 8a is mounted. In particular, in the figures, the support 10 supports two pins on which the rollers 8a are mounted.

[0067] The rollers 8a are freely rotatable about respective rotation axes arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the moulding direction.

[0068] The rotation axes of the rollers 8a may be parallel to each other, wherein the first roller 8a is arranged at a different height than the second roller 8a.

[0069] The control element 9 enables the position of the roller 8a associated with the portion 7 to be controlled and enables the roller 8a to move according to a predetermined movement law. By using two rollers 8a per portion 7, the position of the respective portion 7 and the final shape of the forming area 2 can thus be controlled more accurately.

[0070] refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C In an embodiment, each of the plurality of pushing devices 8 comprises a linkage 11 between the portion 7 and the support member 12. In other words, the linkage 11 comprises a rod, one end of which is hinged to the support member 12 and the other end of which is hinged to a pushing element 13 capable of pushing the corresponding portion 7.

[0071] The device 1 also comprises a compensating device 14 which can be positioned at a variable distance from the transverse surface 4 by mutual displacement of the compensating device 14 and the forming cavity. In this way, the compensating device 14 determines the final size of the object to be formed as a function of the volume of the dose inserted into the forming cavity.

[0072] Preferably, the compensation device 14 is arranged to interact with the dose in the peripheral portion of the molding cavity. In order to simplify the description, in the following description reference will be made to the interaction of the compensation device 14 with the peripheral portion of the molding cavity.

[0073] In other words, the compensating device 14 is adapted to be moved towards the peripheral portion of the forming cavity at a variable height, measurable from the transverse surface 4, to compensate the final dimensions of the object to be formed according to the amount of dose inserted into the forming cavity.

[0074] In particular, with reference to the embodiment of the figures, the movement of the first mould half 5 against the second mould half 6 reduces the distance between the compensation means 14 and the transverse surface 4 , causing a compensation effect on the object to be formed, as will become clearer in the following description.

[0075] Preferably, the compensation device 14 can be moved relative to the first half-mold 5 in a floating movement towards the peripheral portion of the molding cavity.

[0076] Preferably, the compensation device 14 is movable relative to the first half-mould 5 so as to provide vertical compensation.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the device 1 , the device 1 itself comprises a spring system connected or connectable to the compensation device 14 so as to move the compensation device 14 itself in a floating movement.

[0078] A spring system is understood to mean a system consisting of one or more springs configured to exert a force on the compensation device 14 such that it “opposes” the advancement of the first mold half 5 relative to the second mold half 6 .

[0079] Preferably, the compensating device 14 is fitted to the second mould half 6 .

[0080] In the case where the second die half 6 is made in the form of a punch, the compensating means 14 has an annular shape and is concentric with the punch.

[0081] Preferably, the compensating device 14 is rigidly integrally formed with the second mold half 6, such as for example FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Thus, during the descent of the second mold half 6, the compensation device 14 moves simultaneously with the second mold half 6 towards the first mold half 5. Preferably, the compensation device 14 can be moved independently of the second mold half 6. Thus, the compensation device 14 enables effective compensation according to the material in the molding cavity.

[0082] Alternatively, the compensating device 14 may be moved simultaneously with the second mould half 6 in a first section of its descent and independently in a final section of the descent.

[0083] According to another aspect of the invention, the device 1 further comprises a cutting device 16 adapted to abut against the first half-mould 5 for cutting waste of the article exiting the moulding cavity. The cutting device 16 is concentric with the compensating device 14. Preferably, the compensating device 14 is inserted into the second half-mould 6.

[0084] Preferably, the cutting device 16 has a shape similar to that of the compensating device 14 .

[0085] Preferably, the cutting device 16 comprises a cutting portion made in the form of a blade or in the form of a die.

[0086] Preferably, the cutting means 16 are made in the form of a mould configured to give a specific shape to the parts of the article not separated by the forming walls.

[0087] In an embodiment not shown, the first half-mold 5 has an associated seat and the cutting device 16 is configured to be inserted into the seat. In this embodiment, the cutting device 16 does not necessarily have to be made in the form of a blade or a die, because the action of inserting it into the seat separates the waste from the rest of the object.

[0088] In another embodiment not shown, the first half-mold 5 can be provided with its own cutting portion which enables the waste material to be separated by interaction with the cutting device 16 .

[0089] For example FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C As shown in , the device 1 comprises a spring system 17 connected or connectable to the cutting device 16 so as to move the cutting device 16 in a floating motion. In other words, due to the spring system 17, the movement of the first half-mold 5 relative to the second half-mold 6 means that the cutting device 16, after coming into contact with the first half-mold 5, exerts a force opposite to the movement of the first half-mold 5, thereby ensuring that the force necessary to cut off the excess waste is obtained.

[0090] Preferably, the cutting device 16 can be moved independently of the compensating device 14 .

[0091] refer to Figures 1A to 1C In an embodiment of the device 1 of the present invention, the compensating device 14 comprises an end 15 defining a push portion suitable for being at least partially inserted into a peripheral portion of the forming cavity to retain portions of the article inside said forming cavity. In this embodiment, the compensating device 14 is not integral with the second half-mold 6 and can be moved by means of a spring system (not shown).

[0092] The variable height of the compensation device 14 moving towards the peripheral portion of the forming cavity is therefore measured from the transverse surface 4 at the lower part of the end 15 .

[0093] In other words, the pusher portion will be inserted into the shaping cavity at different heights depending on the amount of material used to make the dose.

[0094] In use, the pushing portion pushes to compress the side wall of the article during forming of the article, and, depending on the force of the spring, will stop pushing when there is no longer any force opposing it.

[0095] Figure 1A The apparatus 1 is shown in which the forming area 2 still does not have the desired configuration for obtaining an object. Figure 1B In the embodiment, the parts 7 are moved towards each other and the forming area 2 has the desired configuration defining a forming cavity suitable for obtaining an object. Figure 1B In the embodiment, the second half mold 6 has been inserted into the molding cavity, and the pushing part of the compensation device 14 is close to the peripheral part of the molding cavity. Figure 1C In the present invention, the pusher portion is inserted into the free part (ie the peripheral part) of the forming cavity to stop any excess material that may escape therefrom during the forming operation.

[0096] refer to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C In the embodiment of the device 1 in , the end 15 defines a holding portion, which is suitable for at least partially abutting against the first half-mold 5 (i.e., the upper part of the portion 7) to close the peripheral portion of the molding cavity. In other words, the end 15 faces the peripheral portion of the molding cavity to close the peripheral portion.

[0097] In this embodiment, the apparatus further comprises cutting means 16. In this way, the apparatus 1 is able to cut waste material and form parts of the article which are not removed during the cutting operation.

[0098] In particular, in this embodiment, the compensating device 14 and the cutting device 16 can be moved independently of each other. Therefore, both can be moved independently by corresponding spring systems (neither shown).

[0099] Figure 2C The pusher portion of the closed forming cavity is shown, which is held at a height measured from the upper part of the first half-mold 5, i.e. from the portion 7, to the lower part of the pusher portion. The predetermined thickness thus obtained defines another part of the forming cavity for producing the edge of the wall of the object to be formed. In particular, this height is defined by the amount of material that leaves after the action of the cutting portion.

[0100] In use, after waste material has been removed by the cutting portion, excess material will continue to move away and the pushing portion will resist its rise, thereby further forming the edge of the wall of the article.

[0101] The pushing portion, ie the end 15 , thus performs a dual task of preventing the material from leaving the forming cavity, thereby preventing the formation of waste material, and defining another part of the male part of the mould for forming the edge of the wall of the object.

[0102] In an embodiment not shown, the end 15 may be suitable for being inserted into a peripheral portion of the molding cavity and for resting on the first half-mould 5 and on the portion 7 .

[0103] refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C In the embodiment of the device 1 in , the compensation device 14 formed integrally with the second half-mold 6 comprises an end 15 defining a retaining portion suitable for at least partially abutting against the first half-mold 5 to retain the waste portion of the article against the first half-mold 5.

[0104] In this embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a cutting device 16 configured to abut against the first mould half 5, ie against the portion 7. In this way, the cutting portion is able to cut or remove waste material formed during the forming operation.

[0105] In particular, in this embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a further spring system 17 connected or connectable to the cutting device 16 for enabling a floating movement of the cutting device.

[0106] In particular, if Figure 3C As shown, after the scrap has been formed, the end 15 is moved closer to hold the scrap, and the blade of the cutting portion is moved closer to the first mold half 5 (ie closer to portion 7) to separate the scrap from the formed article.

[0107] Preferably, the device 1 can be manufactured by combining the different aspects described above.

[0108] For example, Figures 1A to 1C The device 1 in the embodiment may also be provided with a cutting device 16 to cut off waste material that may be formed when the material is overdosed. In this case, even if the end 15 is suitable for doing so, it will not be inserted into the forming cavity and will perform the same operation as for the FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C The implementation of the described task is similar to the task.

[0109] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus 1 comprising a first mould half 5 and a second mould half 6 as previously described. In this embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises cutting means 16 adapted to abut against the first mould half 5 for cutting waste of the article exiting the forming cavity.

[0110] Thus, after the first and second mold halves 5, 6 have been moved in the molding direction, the cutting device 16 abuts against the first mold half 5 to cut any waste material formed as a result of the molding action and exiting from the molding cavity.

[0111] Preferably, in this embodiment, too, a compensation device 14 according to one or more of the previously described embodiments may be present.

[0112] Advantageously, the device 1 is able to overcome the disadvantages existing in the prior art.

[0113] Advantageously, the device 1 is capable of vertical compensation (ie parallel to the moulding axis "Y").

[0114] Advantageously, the compensating means 14 prevent the formation of superfluous parts of the article and the cutting means 16 enable the removal of waste material.

[0115] Advantageously, the device 1 enables the object to be formed to be completed without requiring any further operation after it has been removed from the mould.

Claims

1. A moulding device (1) for forming an article from a dose of material at least partly derived from natural fibres, the moulding device having a moulding area (2) delimited by side surfaces (3) extending around a central area of ​​the moulding area (2), the moulding device (1) comprising: - a first half-mold (5) defining said forming area (2), said first half-mold (5) comprising a transverse surface (4) defining a forming cavity and said side surface (3); a second mould half (6), said first mould half (5) and said second mould half (6) being mutually movable along a moulding axis (Y) such that said second mould half (6) is inserted into said moulding cavity for shaping said dose; as well as - a compensating device (14) positionable at a variable distance from the transverse surface (4) by mutual displacement of the compensating device (14) and the forming cavity, so as to determine the final dimensions of the object to be formed as a function of the volume of the dose inserted into the forming cavity.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The compensating device (14) is arranged to interact with the dose in a peripheral portion of the shaping cavity.

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The compensating device (14) comprises an end portion (15) defining a push portion adapted to be at least partially inserted into the forming cavity in order to retain portions of the article inside the forming cavity.

4. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: The compensating device (14) comprises an end (15) defining a retaining portion adapted to at least partially abut against the first half-mold (5) to close the forming cavity and / or to retain a waste portion of the article against the first half-mold (5).

5. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: The compensating device (14) is mounted on the second mould half (6).

6. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: The second mold half (6) is made in the form of a punch, and wherein the compensating device (14) has an annular shape and is concentric with the punch.

7. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: The compensating device (14) is rigidly integrally formed with the second mold half (6).

8. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The compensating device (14) is movable in a floating motion relative to the first mould half (5).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, comprising a spring system connected or connectable to the compensating device (14) so ​​as to move the compensating device (14) in the manner of said floating movement.

10. Apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising cutting means (16) suitable for coming into contact with said first mould half (5) in order to cut off waste of said article exiting from said moulding cavity.

11. The device (1) according to claim 10, wherein: The cutting device (16) comprises a cutting part made in the form of a blade or a die.

12. Apparatus (1) according to claim 10 or 11, comprising a spring system (17) connected or connectable to the cutting device (16) so as to move the cutting device (16) in said floating movement.

13. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The cutting device (16) is movable independently of the compensating device (14).

14. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: The first half mold (5) comprises: - a plurality of parts (7) defining said lateral surface (3), each part (7) having a body delimited by a profiled surface, - at least one first pushing means for exerting on a first part (7) of said plurality of parts a first force directed in a first direction towards said central area, - at least one second pushing means for exerting on a second portion (7) of said plurality of portions a second force directed towards said central area in a second direction, said second direction being arranged transversely to said first direction, The second part (7) is in contact with the first part (7) to transmit the second force to the first part, so that the molding surface of the first part moves toward the central area under the combined action of the first force and the second force to reduce the volume of the molding area (2).

15. A moulding device (1) for forming an article from a dose of material derived at least in part from natural fibres, the moulding device having a moulding area (2) delimited by side surfaces (3) extending around a central area of ​​the moulding area (2), the moulding device (1) comprising: - a first half-mold (5) defining said forming area (2), said first half-mold comprising a transverse surface (4) defining a forming cavity and said side surface (3); a second mould half (6), said first mould half (5) and said second mould half (6) being mutually movable along a moulding axis (Y) such that said second mould half (6) is inserted into said moulding cavity for shaping said dose; as well as - cutting means (16) adapted to come into contact with said first mould half (5) in order to cut off waste material of said article exiting from said moulding cavity.

Images