AT524333A4 - Consolidation tool for consolidating thermoplastic semi-finished products - Google Patents

Abstract

Consolidation tool (100) for consolidating thermoplastic semi-finished products (H), with a first mold half (1), wherein a thermoplastic semi-finished product (H) can be placed in a horizontal plane (E) on at least one essentially flat bearing surface (A) of the first mold half (1). a second mold half (2) with at least one essentially flat closing surface (S), with a receiving space (K) for the thermoplastic semi-finished product (H) being formed in the consolidation tool (100) when the consolidation tool (100) is in the closed state, with the receiving space (K) is delimited by the bearing surface (A) and the closing surface (S), and a holding device (3) for holding the thermoplastic semi-finished product (H) on a mold half (1, 2), in particular on the first mold half (1) , wherein the holding device (3) has a holding surface (F) formed separately from the bearing surface (A) and the closing surface (S), with a gap (G) between the holding surface (F) and the bearing surface (A) for receiving an edge region of a semi-finished product (H) arranged on the bearing surface (A) between the holding surface (F) and the bearing surface (A).

Description

The present invention relates to a consolidation tool for consolidating thermoplastic semi-finished products, with a first mold half, in which a thermoplastic semi-finished product can be placed in a horizontal plane on an essentially planar supporting surface of the first mold half, a second mold half with an essentially planar closing surface, with in the closed state of the Consolidation tool a receiving space for the thermoplastic semi-finished product is formed in the consolidation tool, the receiving space being delimited (at least) by the bearing surface and the closing surface, and a holding device for holding the thermoplastic semi-finished product on a mold half, in particular on the first mold half. In addition, the present invention relates to a shaping system with such a consolidation tool and a method for consolidating

thermoplastic semi-finished products in such a consolidation tool.

Consolidation tools are used to consolidate thermoplastic semi-finished products - such as foils, ribbons or tapes with fiber reinforcement - i.e. to join them together by pressing, heating and cooling again. Such consolidated semi-finished products can then subsequently be combined into one in a shaping process, in particular in an injection molding process

fiber-reinforced injection molded part.

AT 517 754 B1 describes a device and a method for consolidating thermoplastic semi-finished products. A thermoplastic semi-finished product is placed in a metal tool. The tool consists of an upper and a lower mold half. The thermoplastic semi-finished product is held in the tool. For the consolidation process, this tool and the semi-finished product are placed in a heating device. There the tool and the semi-finished product are brought to a suitable consolidation temperature. The tool is then transferred to a cooling station, where the semi-finished product is cooled under consolidation pressure. Finally, the tool is opened and the consolidated semi-finished product

can be removed.

In the state of the art, however, it cannot be ensured that this

consolidated semi-finished product on the lower half of the mold (corresponds to the first half of the mold)

located. Although gravity favors the semi-finished product being on the lower platen, it is also possible for the semi-finished product to stick to the upper platen (corresponding to the second mold half). In order to be able to remove the consolidated semi-finished products reliably and automatically, it is extremely important that the semi-finished products are always in the same or very similar position. That will come with

however, not achieved with the state of the art.

The object of the present invention is therefore to create a consolidation tool that is improved over the prior art and a better method. In particular, the disadvantages of the prior art are to be eliminated. In particular, a consolidation tool and a method are to be provided which ensure that the thermoplastic semi-finished product is in a defined position, preferably on the lower one, after consolidation

Tool plate (first mold half) is located.

This is solved by a consolidation tool with the features of claim 1. Accordingly, it is provided according to the invention that the holding device has a holding surface formed separately from the bearing surface and the closing surface, with a gap being formed between the holding surface and the bearing surface for receiving an edge region of a semi-finished product arranged on the bearing surface between the holding surface and the bearing surface. Thus, the semi-finished product

held in this gap or fixed in position.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are in the dependents

Claims and specified in the figure description.

Returning to the stated task, it can be stated in other words that the holding device according to the invention ensures that the consolidated semi-finished product is held on the defined mold half, preferably on the first (lower)

Mold half is held.

Provision can be made for only one flat and continuous contact surface and/or closing surface to be formed on the respective mold half. If several bearing surfaces and / or closing surfaces are available, they can

different levels (the areas do not have to be in the same

imaginary horizontal plane). This also includes areas that

for example, have a gradation for semi-finished products with different wall thicknesses.

In the closed state of the consolidation tool, the receiving space can be closed on all sides, for example like a cavity. It is preferably provided that the receiving space for the semi-finished product is laterally—that is, in the direction of the horizontal plane—

is at least partially open.

The complexity of the holding device lies in the low overall height. Consolidated semi-finished products can have a thickness of a few tenths of a millimeter up to several millimeters. The semi-finished products to be consolidated are preferably between 0.5 mm and 30 mm thick, particularly preferably between 0.6 mm and 5 mm. The holding device, in particular its holding surface, may have a maximum height of the semi-finished product to be consolidated. Particularly preferably, the height of the holding device, in particular its holding surface, is less than the height of the to

consolidating semi-finished product.

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the gap is formed by a space formed between the holding surface and the bearing surface. Provision is therefore made for the gap to be open only laterally in the direction of the center of the receiving space. In other words, the gap in the holding device forms an undercut into which the edge area of the semi-finished product can or can penetrate

which the edge area of the semi-finished product can be picked up and held.

The exact shape of the gap is arbitrary as long as an edge area of the semi-finished product is protected from movement in the vertical direction and this prevents the semi-finished product from being lifted off the support surface when the consolidation tool is opened. For example, in a vertical cross-section, this gap can be c-

shaped or in the form of a "V" rotated by 90°.

However, it is preferably provided that the holding device has a bearing surface

inclined, preferably flat, holding surface for the thermoplastic semi-finished product.

The inclination should be selected in such a way that an edge area of the semi-finished product is

is "clamped" in some areas between the holding surface and the bearing surface. Basically

it is possible for the holding surface to be arranged at a distance from the bearing surface and aligned parallel to the bearing surface, ie at an angle of 0° to the horizontal plane. Provision is preferably made for the holding surface to be inclined at an angle of inclination of at most 88°, preferably at an angle of inclination of between 85° and 40°

bearing surface (or to the horizontal plane) is inclined.

Due to the gap, the holding device is designed in such a way that the semi-finished product to be consolidated is held on one of the tool plates (mold halves). However, the function of the holding device is not just limited to holding, it should also be ensured that the consolidated semi-finished product also moves again

can be demoulded.

There are various ways of meeting these demands. With the gap (undercut) formed by the holding device, the consolidated semi-finished product can be held on one half of the mold, but the semi-finished product can then no longer be removed from the mold or can be removed with difficulty. In order to be able to demould the semi-finished product again, it should be possible to change the gap using only a small amount of force.

There are different variants, whereby the basic principle always remains the same.

If the holding surface is fixed relative to the support surface - i.e. there is a local gap - the angle of inclination should not be too large in relation to a normal to the horizontal plane (not more than 10°, i.e. not less than 80° to the horizontal plane), since

otherwise the forces required for demolding would become too great.

For a simple and reliable removal from the mold, it is preferably provided that at least the holding surface of the holding device can be moved to a limited extent relative to the first mold half

is stored.

Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the holding device has a base part, a connecting means for detachably connecting the base part to a mold half, preferably to the first mold half, and between the holding surface and the base part

has arranged or formed, limited movable release element.

It can also be provided for the release element that it is designed in such a way that the holding surface moves from a semi-finished product holding position into a semi-finished product release position

bring.

There are several options for the specific configuration of the release element, with three variants being listed in detail below and also in the further below

following figure description are explained again.

According to a first embodiment variant, it is provided that the release element is designed as a flexible bending element aligned along the horizontal plane, which can be bent open from the semi-finished product holding position into the semi-finished product release position of the support surface. Thus, this bending element forms a kind of resilient clasp or clamp for holding the edge region of the semi-finished product over the

Holding device on a mold half.

Provision is also preferably made for the flexible bending element to be displaceable on the connecting means, preferably along the horizontal plane, with the force for bending open the flexible bending element from the semi-finished product holding position to the semi-finished product released position being dependent on the relative position between the bending element and the connecting means. Consequently, the force required for bending can vary depending on the thickness and rigidity of the bending element and/or depending on the (horizontal) depth of the gap

to be set.

In other words, the following can also be said about this first embodiment variant

to be executed.

The bending element is a component that can be bent open during demoulding and thus releases the consolidated semi-finished product during demoulding. In the simplest case, this element is a plate with an undercut, which also forms the gap. This plate is connected to the mold half of the consolidation tool. This is preferably a mechanically detachable connection. This mechanically detachable connection is particularly preferably displaceable, so that different lengths for the undercut are possible. This means that the force required for demolding can be reduced

the undercut changes with the length of the lever arm. Next to the

The material and the cross-section of the undercut geometry have the lever arm length

a significant influence on the demolding force.

In this first variant, it can preferably be provided that the holding device consists of several components. Especially to keep the cross-sectional height of the bending element low, a spacer between the bending element and

(First) mold half are used.

According to a second embodiment variant, it is provided that the release element is designed as an energy accumulator, preferably as a compression spring, which is preferably aligned along the horizontal plane and moves from the semi-finished product holding position -- in which the energy storage device is essentially relaxed -- into the semi-finished product release position - in

which the force accumulator is essentially stretched - can be brought.

In other words, the following can also be said about this second embodiment variant

to be executed.

In this variant, the holding device is (also) on only one of the mold halves. Preferably, the fixture is on the first (lower) mold half. In this variant, the holding device consists of several components. So that the consolidated semi-finished products can be removed from the mold again, at least the component with the holding surface is spring-loaded. This means that the component on which the holding surface is formed can be moved essentially in the plane of the consolidated semi-finished product. When a consolidated stock is removed from the mold half, the first few millimeters of movement are in most cases normal to the mold half, i.e. perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The holding surface is thus pushed back during demolding. The force required to push back is therefore dependent on the spring used. The spring force must be selected in such a way that the semi-finished product is reliably held on the mold half on the one hand and that the semi-finished product is easily demolded on the other

leaves.

According to a third embodiment, it is provided that the release element is separate from the base part and the holding surface, preferably on the second mold half

attached, spreader is formed. Specifically, it is provided that at

During a closing movement of the mold halves, the spreading element rests against the base part and a component having the holding surface in such a spreading manner that the holding surface moves away from the base part and the holding device reaches the semi-finished product holding position, and during an opening movement of the mold halves the spreading element is out of contact with the base part and the die Holding surface having component passes that the holding surface moves towards the base part and the

Holding device reaches the semi-finished product release position.

In other words, the following can also be said about this third embodiment variant

to be executed.

In this variant, the holding device is designed in two parts. This means that for this holding device there is a component or an assembly on the upper tool (second mold half) and a component or an assembly on the lower tool (first mold half). With this holding device, the consolidated semi-finished product is held on the first mold half. This is made possible by a holding surface (undercut) that only occurs when the two halves of the mold close. For this purpose, the component having the holding surface is located on the first (lower) mold plate, which component spreads with the closing movement and thus forms the gap. The gap for accommodating an edge area of the semi-finished product is therefore only present when the mold halves are closed. When the mold halves open, the gap also decreases. The opening of the mold halves essentially occurs in a movement which is oriented normal to the first mold half. Thus, when the mold halves are opened, the gap becomes smaller and smaller as the opening stroke progresses, and the holding force acting on the semi-finished product from the holding surface also decreases. If the mold halves are completely separated from each other, the holding force is very low or there is no holding force

more available.

Provision can be made for the holding device itself and its holding surface to span the entire contour of the semi-finished product to be consolidated. In other words, the holding surface surrounds the to in a ring or around the entire circumference

consolidating semi-finished product.

However, for a simpler and cheaper design, it is preferably provided

that several partial holding surfaces around the semi-finished product to be consolidated

be used. Nevertheless, only relatively few holding surfaces have to be used

will.

In other words, it is preferably provided that the consolidation tool has a large number of separate holding devices (with respective holding surfaces), the holding devices (for example regularly on the respective sides) being spaced apart from one another around the receiving space

at least one mold half, preferably on the first mold half, are arranged

In order to make demoulding even easier and to reduce the demolding force, it can preferably be provided that at least the holding surface of the holding device is coated with a coating that promotes sliding (non-stick coating), preferably with plasma coatings, CVD coatings or PVD coatings. The coating used depends on the polymer of the semi-finished product. A PTFE-based coating, for example, is suitable for polyolefins and engineering plastics.

It is also possible that the mold halves with such a sliding support

coating are provided.

In general, it should also be mentioned that the distance between the holding surfaces relative to the receiving space - that is, the relative position on the mold half along the

Horizontal plane — is adjustable.

Provision can also be made for the force required for demolding to be adjustable, preferably by changing the lever length of the bending element

and/or by changing the spring force of the energy accumulator.

Protection is also sought for a molding plant incorporating an invention

consolidation tool.

Such a shaping system can have a closing unit and an injection unit, for example, with the semi-finished product consolidated in the consolidation tool being fed into a shaping tool of the closing unit via a transport device

is transportable and in the shaping tool with a plastic melt

can be overmolded. After curing, there is then a fiber-reinforced

plastic molding.

Protection is also sought for a method for consolidating thermoplastic semi-finished products in a consolidation tool according to the invention. The following steps are envisaged:

— placing the thermoplastic semi-finished product on the supporting surface,

— closing the mold halves,

— applying pressure to the thermoplastic semi-finished product and heating the consolidation tool to a consolidation temperature, so that edge areas of the heated and pressurized semi-finished product move at least partially into the gap for receiving the edge area and the semi-finished product is thus held on the holding device,

— cooling of the consolidation tool and the thermoplastic semi-finished product until the thermoplastic semi-finished product is dimensionally stable,

— Opening the mold halves and

— Removal of the thermoplastic semi-finished product.

For easy demolding, it is also preferably provided that when the thermoplastic semi-finished product is removed, the holding device is moved from the semi-finished product holding position

is movable into the semi-finished product release position.

In other words, the following can be stated about the procedure

will.

At the start of the process, a semi-finished product to be consolidated is placed in a consolidation tool with at least one holding device. The consolidation tool is closed and pressurized and heated to a suitable consolidation temperature in a heating station. Once the consolidation temperature has been reached, the semi-finished product is cooled under pressure and thus consolidated. The consolidation pressure should be selected so that the projected area of the semi-finished product increases at least slightly. This flow or expansion of the material allows material to move toward the gap formed by the fixture. Only then do the gap and the holding surface allow the semi-finished product to be held. after that

Once the semi-finished product has cooled down to such an extent that it is dimensionally stable again, it can be removed from the mould.

The consolidation pressure can be selected so that the projected area of the

Stock increased during consolidation.

The consolidation temperature is preferably provided that this above the

Glass transition temperature of the polymer of the semi-finished product is.

Further details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the figures with reference to those illustrated in the drawings

Exemplary embodiments explained in more detail below. Show in it:

1 shows a schematic sectional view of the consolidation tool,

2 shows a schematic sectional view of the closed consolidation tool,

3 shows a schematic sectional view of the consolidation tool with the semi-finished product held in the gap,

4 shows a schematic plan view of a first embodiment variant of the holding device,

5 shows a schematic sectional view of the first embodiment variant

low holding power,

FIG. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the first variant with a high holding force, FIG. 7 shows a schematic sectional view of a second variant of the embodiment

holding device,

8 shows a plan view of the consolidation tool with a holding device according to the second embodiment variant,

9-11 schematic sectional views of a consolidation tool with a holding device according to the third embodiment variant,

12 shows a plan view of the first mold half with a large number of holding devices arranged around the receiving space,

13 shows a schematic sectional view of the first embodiment variant with an obliquely aligned holding surface component and

14 shows a schematic sectional view of the first embodiment variant

holding surface aligned parallel to the horizontal plane.

A consolidation tool 100 is shown in a schematic sectional view in FIG. 1 . This consolidation tool 100 has a first (lower) mold half 1 and a second (upper) mold half 2 . A thermoplastic semi-finished product H is arranged on the support surface A of the first mold halves 1 . The second mold half 2 has a closing surface S. The recording space K is from the bearing surface A and the

Closing surface S is limited.

A holding device 3 for holding the thermoplastic semi-finished product H on this first mold half 1 is attached to the first mold half 1 . This holding device 3 has a connecting means 5, with which the component 7, on which the holding surface F is formed, is detachably attached to the first mold half 1

is.

Between the holding surface F and the bearing surface A, a gap G for receiving an edge region of a semi-finished product H arranged on the bearing surface A is formed between the holding surface F and the bearing surface A. The gap is also delimited by an imaginary vertical line (or surface) between the tip pointing in the direction of the receiving space K and the bearing surface A. This gap G is in this case

triangular in cross section.

In FIG. 2 the consolidation tool 100 is completely closed. As a result, the closing surface S contacts the top of the semi-finished product and a consolidation pressure is exerted on the semi-finished product H. It can be seen that this results in the semi-finished product H along the

Horizontal level E has already expanded in the direction of holding device 3.

In Fig. 2 is also the angle of inclination N of the holding surface F to the bearing surface A

drawn in, which in this case is approximately 45°.

In Fig. 3, by applying pressure to the thermoplastic semi-finished product H and by heating the consolidation tool 100 to a consolidation temperature, the edge areas of the heated and pressurized semi-finished product H move at least partially into the gap G to accommodate the edge area. As a result, the semi-finished product H is held on the holding device 3 . So if the consolidation tool

100 is opened, the semi-finished product cannot be removed from the second mold halves 2

be taken along, since the semi-finished product H is located in the gap G and

clamped edge regions on the first mold half 1 is held.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view of a holding device 3 . This

Holding device 3 is designed according to the first embodiment.

This holding device 3 has a plate-shaped component 7 having the holding surface F. FIG. In this component 7, two slots L are formed, the

Connecting means 5 protrude through the elongated holes L.

5 shows the holding device 3 according to the first embodiment in a schematic sectional view. It can be seen that the connecting means 5 is designed as a screw with a screw head 5

Threaded area 5.2 is formed.

In addition to the connecting means 5, the holding device 3 also has a base part 4, which is designed here in the form of two spacers. In a preferred embodiment, these spacers are between 0.3 mm and 1 mm,

preferably 0.5mm thick.

The component 7 on which the holding surface F is formed is plate-shaped in the case shown. The thickness of this component 7 is preferably between

1mm and 2.5mm, preferably 1.5mm.

In this third embodiment variant, the component 7 simultaneously forms the release element 6, which is designed as a flexible bending element 6.1. In this case, the release element 6 designed as a bending element 6.1 is shown in the semi-finished product holding position. In the semi-finished product release position (not shown), the bending element 6.1 is bent upwards in the area of the holding surface F, as a result of which a semi-finished product H held in the area of the gap G can be demolded more easily. The holding force of this bending element 6.1 depends on its thickness and nature as well as on the length of the area projecting from the connecting means 5. The longer this overhanging area, the greater the leverage and the less strong it holds

the release element 6 the semi-finished product H.

Accordingly, another relative position of the component 7 (corresponds to the release element 6) along the horizontal plane E is shown in FIG. Here, the connecting means 5 is much closer to the holding surface F. As a result, the release element 6 designed as a bending element 6.1 can be bent open less easily, as a result of which a greater holding force acts on the semi-finished product H held in the gap G. By appropriately moving the component 7 along the base part 4 and by tightening the connecting means 5 at the desired location, the

Holding force can be adjusted and adjusted.

In Fig. 7, the second embodiment of the holding device 3 is shown in a schematic sectional view. It is provided that the release element 6 is designed as an energy store 6.2 aligned along the horizontal plane E, preferably as a compression spring, which moves from the semi-finished product holding position — in which the energy store 6.2 is essentially relaxed — into the semi-finished product release position — in which the

Power accumulator 6.2 is essentially stretched - can be brought.

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the first mold half 1 together with the semi-finished product H arranged thereon. In this case, there are two holding devices 3 with an energy store

6.2 arranged in a corner area of the first mold half 1 and connected to it.

9 to 11, the third embodiment variant of the holding device 3 is shown in a schematic sectional view. It is envisaged that the release element 6 as separate from the base part 4 and the holding surface F, on the second

Mold half 2 attached spreading element 6.3 is formed.

In the open position of the consolidation tool 100 shown in Fig. 9, the spreading element 6.3 is not in contact with the base part 4 and the holding surface F

having component 7.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, during a closing movement of the mold halves 1, 2, the spreader element 6.3 rests on the base part 4 and on a component 7 having the holding surface F in such a way that the holding surface F is separated from the base part

4 is moved away and the holding device 3 reaches the semi-finished product holding position. In

This semi-finished product holding position creates a (slight) gap G over which the

Semi-finished product H is held.

In order to be able to release the semi-finished product from the first mold half 1 after consolidation, the consolidation tool 100 is opened by a relative movement of the mold halves 1 and 2 from one another, so that the holding surface F moves towards the base part 4 and the holding device 3 into the semi-finished product release position reached

(see again Fig. 9).

FIG. 12 shows a plan view of the first mold half 1 with the holding device 3 attached thereto. The holding devices 3 are each detachably fastened to the first mold half 1 via connecting means 5 . The semi-finished product H is held on the first mold half 1 of the consolidation tool 100 via the holding surface F of the holding devices 3 . The plurality of holding devices 3 are spaced apart from one another around the receiving space K (or around the semi-finished product H

around) at least on the first mold half 1 arranged.

13 shows, in a schematic cross section, an alternative possibility for forming the first embodiment variant. Here, the component 7, on which the holding surface F is formed, is aligned obliquely to the horizontal plane E. As a result, the holding surface F encloses an angle of about 10° to the bearing surface A. The base part 4 is wedge-shaped in cross section, whereby the inclined position

of the plate-shaped component 7 results.

In contrast, in FIG. 14 the base part 4 is “straight” with top and bottom sides that are parallel to one another. The component 7 connected to the first mold half 1 via the connecting means 5 and the base part 4 is aligned parallel to the bearing surface A and to the horizontal plane E. This results in an angle of 0° for the alignment of the holding surface F in relation to the bearing surface A. The gap G is here of no

inclined surface limited (apart from the side surface of the base part 4).

Reference list:

1 first mold half 2 second mold half 3 holding device 4 base part

5 lanyards

5.1 screw head

5.2 Thread area

6 release element

6.1 flexible bending element

6.2 Energy accumulator

6.3 spreader element

7 component which has the holding surface F

100 consolidation tool

H semi-finished product

A bearing surface

S closing surface

K recording area G slit

F holding surface

N Angle of inclination L Slotted holes

Innsbruck, April 29, 2021

Claims (4)

patent claims 1. Consolidation tool (100) for consolidating thermoplastic semi-finished products (H), with - a first mold half (1), wherein a thermoplastic semi-finished product (H) can be placed in a horizontal plane (E) on at least one essentially flat support surface (A) of the first mold half (1), - a second mold half (2) with at least one essentially flat closing surface (S), wherein in the closed state of the consolidation tool (100) a receiving space (K) for the thermoplastic semi-finished product (H) is formed in the consolidation tool (100), the receiving space (K) is bounded by the bearing surface (A) and the closing surface (S), and - a holding device (3) for holding the thermoplastic semi-finished product (H) on a mold half (1, 2), in particular on the first mold half (1), characterized in that the holding device (3) has a holding surface (F) formed separately from the bearing surface (A) and the closing surface (S), with a gap (G) between the holding surface (F) and the bearing surface (A) for receiving an edge region of a semi-finished product (H) arranged on the bearing surface (A) between the holding surface (F) and the bearing surface (A). is. 2. Consolidation tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the gap (G) is formed by a gap between the holding surface (F) and the bearing surface (A) trained space is formed. 3. Consolidation tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding device (3) has a holding surface (F) inclined towards the bearing surface (A) for the thermoplastic semi-finished product (H). 4. Consolidation tool according to claim 3, characterized in that the Holding surface (F) by an angle of inclination (N) of at most 88°, preferably by an angle of inclination (N) between 85° and 40°, to the supporting surface (A). Consolidation tool according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least the holding surface (F) of the holding device (3) relative to the first Mold half (1) is mounted so that it can move to a limited extent. Consolidation tool according to Claim 5, characterized in that the holding device (3) - a base part (4), - a connecting means (5) for detachably connecting the base part (4) to a mold half (1, 2), preferably to the first mold half ( 1), and - a release element (6) with limited movement arranged or formed between the holding surface (F) and the base part (4), wherein the release element (6) with limited movement is formed in such a way that the holding surface (F) can be moved from a semi-finished product holding position into a semi- to bring release position. Consolidation tool according to claim 6, characterized in that the release element (6) as along the horizontal plane (E) aligned, flexible bending element (6.1) is formed, which of the semi-finished product holding position in the Semi-finished product release position from the bearing surface (A) can be bent open. Consolidation tool according to Claim 7, characterized in that the flexible bending element (6.1) can be displaced on the connecting means (5), preferably along the horizontal plane (E), the force for bending open the flexible bending element (6.1) from the semi-finished product holding position to the Semi-release position depending on the relative position between Bending element (6.1) and connecting means (5). Consolidation tool according to Claim 6, characterized in that the release element (6) is designed as an energy accumulator (6.2), preferably as a compression spring, which is preferably aligned along the horizontal plane (E) and which moves from the semi-finished product holding position -- in which the energy accumulator ( 6.2) is essentially relaxed - in the semi-finished product release position - in which the Energy accumulator (6.2) is essentially stretched - can be brought. 11. 12. 13. 14 3 Consolidation tool according to Claim 6, characterized in that the release element (6) is designed as a spreading element (6.3) which is separate from the base part (4) and the holding surface (F) and is preferably attached to the second mold half (2), wherein - during a closing movement of the mold halves (1, 2), the spreading element (6.3) rests on the base part (4) and on a component (7) having the holding surface (F) in such a spreading manner that the holding surface (F) moves away from the base part (4) and the holding device (3) reaches the semi-finished product holding position, and - during an opening movement of the mold halves (1, 2), the spreading element (6.3) comes out of contact with the base part (4) and the component (7) having the holding surface (F), so that the Holding surface (F) moves towards the base part (4) and the holding device (3) into the semi-finished Release position reached. Consolidation tool according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least the holding surface (F) of the holding device (3) with coated with an anti-slip coating. Consolidation tool according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the consolidation tool (100) has a large number of separate holding devices (3), the holding devices (3) being spaced apart from one another around the receiving space (K) on at least one mold half (1, 2), preferably on the first mold half (1), are arranged. Shaping system with a consolidation tool (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 12. Method for consolidating thermoplastic semi-finished products (H) in a consolidation tool (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized by the steps: — placing the thermoplastic semi-finished product (H) on the support surface (A), — closing the mold halves (1, 2), - applying pressure to the thermoplastic semi-finished product (H) and Heating the consolidation tool (100) to a Consolidation temperature, so that edge areas of the heated and pressurized semi-finished product (H) move at least partially into the gap (G) for receiving the edge area and the semi-finished product (H) is thus held on the holding device (3), - Cooling of the consolidation tool (100) and the thermoplastic semi-finished product (H) until the thermoplastic semi-finished product (H) is dimensionally stable, - Opening the mold halves (1, 2) and — Removal of the thermoplastic semi-finished product (H). 15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that when removing the thermoplastic semi-finished product (H), the holding device (3) of the semi-finished Holding position is movable into the semi-finished product release position. Innsbruck, April 29, 2021