EP2376268A2

EP2376268A2 - Method and device for producing molded parts from particle foams

Info

Publication number: EP2376268A2
Application number: EP10701486A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jürgen BRUNING
Original assignee: Fagerdala Capital AB
Current assignee: Fagerdala Capital AB
Priority date: 2009-01-12
Filing date: 2010-01-08
Publication date: 2011-10-19
Also published as: WO2010079212A3; WO2010079212A2; DE102009004386A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a molded part (11), wherein a cavity of a mold (3) is filled with foam particles (6) composed of a thermoplastic material. The filled cavity is loaded with hot pressurized steam (D) in order to cause the foam particles (6) to expand, to soften the foam particles (6) and weld them to each other thermoplastically, and to form a thermoplastic surface of the molded part (11) composed of the welded foam particles (6) at a wall of the cavity. The cavity is loaded with steam (D) through at least one valve (4.1, 4.8) in a time-controlled manner at least once in such a way that the steam (D) reaches a plurality of the foam particles (6) as a largely uncondensed, dry steam (D) within a short steam treatment time before the thermoplastic surface of the molded part (11) forms. Energy is fed to the foam particles (6) from the steam (D) so fast that the foam particles (6) first become superficially thermoplastic and only afterwards expand.

Description

Method and device for producing molded parts from particle foams

The invention relates to a method for producing a molded part, in which a cavity of a molding tool is filled with foam particles formed from a thermoplastic material, wherein the filled cavity is subjected to pressurized hot steam to cause expansion of the foam particles, the foam particles to soften and weld together thermoplastic and form a thermoplastic surface of the molding formed from the welded foam particles on a wall of the cavity.

Automatic molding machines for the production of particle foam moldings are usually equipped with a steam chamber into which steam is supplied via control valves. In the steam chamber, a mold with a cavity is arranged, which is filled with foam particles, for example in the form of small beads. The water vapor flows through the cavity via steam nozzles and leads to a fusion of the foam particles contained therein. Usually foam moldings are made from expanded polypropylene (EPP) and expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Such a construction offers the possibility of fastening different molding tools in the steam chamber by means of a clamping frame within the scope of a staggered machine size. Milled or cast molds are used.

The majority of the energy used in the form of water vapor in the molding process is required for cyclic heating of the tool and the surrounding steam chamber and removed by cooling after each welding process. Lower levels are lost as rinsing and transmission losses or radiation. To reduce the considerable expenditure of energy for providing the hot steam, various approaches have already been taken, for example the arrangement of a heat-insulating lining in the steam chamber. In EP 0 666 796 a heat-insulating lining of the tools is disclosed. The disadvantage here is in particular the significantly deteriorated heat conduction in the cooling of the molded part, but especially the limitation of the application area to expanded polystyrene. The coating of the tool does not meet the requirements of the higher welding pressures and temperatures required in the processing of EPP. EPS is processed at temperatures around 110 C and pressures around 1, 5 bar, while EPP is processed according to the higher melting point at about 160 ⁰ C and at up to 7.5 bar. The technique in use usually uses the described tool design within a steam chamber. The molds must be adapted to the steam chamber dimensions.

While the energy input is reduced by the isolation of the tool, the steam chamber mass itself continues to enter the heat balance. However, the process described in EP 0 666 796 also points to the possibility of direct steam supply to the tool. Here, the tool is constructed as a conventional tool with an inner coating. The steam is distributed in another, upstream steam distributor. The steam chamber frame is largely limiting for the possible tool dimensions. The steam consumption can also not be significantly reduced by the increased number of steam pipes. Furthermore, a homogeneous Durchfiutung the tool with steam is not guaranteed. Cooling by means of water jet cooling is no longer possible with this system. A vacuum cooling described there is only possible with EPS. The increased cooling or stabilization times increase the total cycle time. Furthermore, in EPP in addition to the high mechanical stress during vapor deposition, exclusive cooling by vacuum due to the low residual moisture content (based on the total required temperature difference of 160 ⁰ C to about 70 ⁰ C) is not possible. For the EPS sector, in particular by Hirsch and Kurtz, machines are offered according to the so-called transfer method, in which welding and cooling of the molded parts takes place in different tools. During this process, the molded parts are automatically transferred from the welding to the stabilizing tool. The respective tool with associated steam chamber does not have to join in the entire temperature change between welding and demolding temperature, but remains almost at a constant temperature.

This process is likewise restricted to EPS, since other particle foams after vapor deposition or welding have a high internal particle pressure, the so-called foam pressure, which leads to bursting of the molded part and the interparticle welded joints when the mold is forced to open before cooling.

From DE 10 2004 004 657 Al a molding machine is known in which the media distribution takes place exclusively on the tool side.

All technical designs for reducing the energy requirement have in common that they only insufficiently reduce the efficiency of the molding process. In all cases, a separate, sufficiently large steam generating unit is required due to the considerable steam demand or the high steam extraction amount at a nearly constant pressure. Due to the high investment costs for such a steam generator and storage a molded part production is usually found only in specialized molded part with several molding machines.

The invention is therefore based on the object to specify an improved method with lower energy consumption and an improved apparatus for producing a molded part. The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a device having the features of claim 14.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

In a method according to the invention for producing a molded part, at least one cavity of a molding tool is filled with foam particles formed from a thermoplastic material. The mold may comprise one or more cavities. The filled cavity is subjected to pressurized hot water vapor to cause expansion of the foam particles, to cause thermoplasticity of a surface of the foam particles, thermoplastic bonding of the foam particles to each other by expansion pressure, and a thermoplastic surface of the molded article formed from the welded foam particles form a wall of the cavity.

Thermoplasticity is a soft, sticky state that some substances reach when they reach a softening point. The application of water vapor is timed via at least one valve, in particular at an uncontrolled maximum pressure at least once performed so that the water vapor as largely uncondensed, dry water vapor within a short evaporation time reaches a majority of the particles before the thermoplastic surface of the molding is formed. By dry steam is meant such water vapor which contains little condensate and consists to a large part of gaseous water. The particles are supplied with energy from the steam so quickly that the particles first become superficially thermoplastic and only then expand. To supply the steam as largely uncondensed, dry water vapor, a supply line between the valve and the cavity must be as short as possible, so that no condensation of the steam occurs. Preferably, this supply line is shorter than 500 mm. The supply of pressure is unregulated over a short vaporization period instead of pressure-controlled, as known from the prior art. While at controlled pressure by interval-like opening and closing of the valve the pressure conditions in the supply lead to a location and time-dependent condensation and evaporation again in the water vapor and thus escapes energy from the water vapor is used with rapid energy input into the foam particles, as in the process according to the invention, a much larger proportion of energy to form the molding. This means that less energy is released as waste heat, so that the production costs drop drastically due to lower steam consumption per molded part. Due to the short-term exposure of the cavity to water vapor, the mold does not heat up to the same extent as in the case of vapor deposition with regulated pressure over a longer period of time. Thus, a cycle time for the production of the molding is shortened not only by the shorter evaporation time itself, but also by the shorter time required for the subsequent cooling down of the molding tool. A time required for annealing the molding is also shortened. During tempering, an internal pressure in the foam particles is reduced by cooling and stabilizing. By cooling in the foam particles contained liquid creates a slight vacuum. Since less moisture is contained in the foam particles through the use of dry water vapor, the time for annealing can be shortened without the shaped body shrinking too much. The largely dry water vapor on the foam particles causes the energy to penetrate into the interior of the foam particles less rapidly, as a result of which the foam particles initially become thermoplastic on the surface and only subsequently expand. This avoids that at too early expansion of the water vapor does not reach all foam particles.

The supply of the steam takes place in particular so briefly that the thermoplastic material of the foam particles is not destroyed by overheating.

Foam particles of expandable polystyrene (EPS) and / or of expandable polypropylene (EPP) and / or of expandable polyethylene (EPE) and / or of another expandable polyolefin are preferably used. Furthermore, foam particles of at least one bioplastic material, in particular starch, corn starch or other renewable raw materials or thermolastic coated materials.

It is also possible to use mixtures of several of the substances mentioned. EPP has a higher rate of expansion than EPS. The comparatively high pressure of the steam causes the EPP particles to not expand too much when their surface is thermoplastic.

The maximum pressure used for the vapor deposition is preferably in a range of 5 bar to 10 bar, in particular about 7 bar and corresponds to the unregulated form from a device for the production of steam. Thus eliminates otherwise required effort for the pressure reduction.

The steaming time is preferably between 0.2 s and 3 s, in particular at about 1.5 s.

The foam particles are preferably steamed several times from different sides (transverse evaporation). This has the advantage that substantially all foam particles are reached by the water vapor even if a thermoplastic surface has already formed on one of the sides and the inflow of water vapor from this side is impeded accordingly. For this purpose, a plurality of steam supply lines with corresponding valves are preferably provided on different sides of the mold.

Preferably, the cavity and / or provided for steaming steam supply lines are flushed by means of compressed air to remove condensate. Since the formation of condensate can not be completely prevented, the steam supply lines and / or the cavity should be rinsed, for example, after the steaming with compressed air, that is dried, so that the advantages of the process remain in a subsequent cycle. In particular, foam particles provided with a blowing agent are used. For example, when using EPS, pentane is used as the blowing agent. This expands upon heating and provides for the expansion of the softened by the heating thermoplastic material. At least part of the propellant is absorbed by the water vapor.

The introduction of the foam particles in the cavity is preferably carried out by blowing, in particular under pressure so that the foam particles are compressed. The precompression increases the degree of expansion of the foam particles on later exposure to water vapor. Likewise, the foam particles can be poured.

A steam chamber accommodating the mold may be provided with heat insulation so that heat transfer from the water vapor to the mold part and to the cavity is concentrated and reduced to an environment. In this way the energy demand and the steam consumption are further reduced.

Further, a vapor line disposed between the valve and the mold may be thermally insulated on an inner side, particularly if the valve is too far away from the mold, to otherwise ensure that the water vapor enters the cavity as dry water vapor.

The steam can be fed directly to the mold. Alternatively, the mold may be arranged in a steam chamber. The steam chamber is preferably as small as possible in relation to the size of the cavity in order to prevent the water vapor from condensing and to keep the energy losses low.

The mold is preferably cooled after the steaming with water. After evaporation, cooling of the molded part can be carried out with vacuum. In this case, any remaining condensate is evaporated and used its evaporative cooling for cooling the mold.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Show:

1 shows an apparatus for producing a molded part with an open mold and a storage container for foam particles,

FIG. 2 shows the device with closed mold,

FIG. 3 shows the device during the filling of the mold with steam,

FIG. 4 shows the device with the reservoir filled with compressed air,

FIG. 5 shows the device with an open valve on a filling cylinder,

FIG. 6 shows the device during filling of the molding tool with the foam particles from the reservoir,

FIG. 7 shows the device during the blowing back of foam particles still in the hoses,

8 shows the device when lowering the pressure in the mold, FIG. 9 shows the device during rinsing of the mold with steam,

FIG. 10 shows the device during a transverse evaporation from a first direction,

FIG. 11 shows the device during a transverse evaporation from another direction,

FIG. 12 shows the device during an autoclave vapor deposition,

13 shows the device during a cooling of the mold,

FIG. 14 shows the device during stabilization of the formed part by vacuum,

FIG. 15 shows the device during demoulding of the molded part from one of the mold parts,

FIG. 16 shows the device during demoulding of the molded part from the other of the mold parts,

FIG. 17 shows the device with the mold open and mold ejected, and

Figure 18 is a vapor state diagram illustrating the term "dry vapor.

Corresponding parts are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals. FIG. 1 shows a device 1 for producing a molded part. The device 1 comprises a steam chamber 2, which is formed from two steam chamber parts 2.1, 2.2. In the steam chamber 2, a mold 3 is arranged, which also comprises two mold parts 3.1, 3.2, each of which is associated with one of the steam chamber parts 2.1, 2.2. The mold parts 3.1, 3.2 are perforated so that water vapor and air, but no larger particles can enter and exit. The steam chamber 2 can be supplied via valves 4.1 to 4.8 with steam, compressed air, water or vacuum. Next, a reservoir 5 is provided, are stored in the foam particles 6 made of a thermoplastic material. The reservoir is also provided with valves 4.9, 4.10. Foam particles 6 can be supplied from the storage container 5 to the mold 3 via hoses 7 and filling cylinders 8. A connection between the reservoir 5 and the hoses 7 can be produced or interrupted by a slide 9. The filling cylinder also has two valves 4.11, 4.12. The mold 1 is shown at the beginning of a cycle for the production of the molded part in a state in which the steam chamber parts 2.1, 2.2 are opened with the mold parts 3.1, 3.2.

Next, the steam chamber parts 2.1, 2.2 and the mold parts 3.1, 3.2 are brought together and closed, as shown in Figure 2. The mold parts 3.1, 3.2 now include a cavity which has the shape of the molded part to be produced.

In FIG. 3, all valves 4.2 to 4.7 are closed while the valves 4.1 and 4.8 are open in order to infiltrate the steam chamber 2 and the mold 3 with compressed air L in order to build up a back pressure of, for example, 2 bar.

In FIG. 4, the valve 4.9 is opened on the storage container 5 while the valve 4.10 is closed. In this case, the reservoir is pressurized with compressed air L and at a slightly higher pressure, for example, 2.5 bar, brought as the steam chamber 2 with the mold. 3 In FIG. 5, the valve 4.11 is opened at the filling cylinders 8 while the valve 4.12 is closed. As a result, filling piston 10 in the filling cylinders 8 are moved by compressed air in such a way that a filling pressure, for example of 5 bar, is created in the filling cylinders 8. The pressure in the reservoir 5 is for this purpose higher than the pressure in the cavity of the mold. 3

In Figure 6, the slider 9 is opened. Due to the pressure gradient, the foam particles 6 are filled from the reservoir 5 into the mold 3.

In FIG. 7, the valve 4.9 is closed and the valves 4.10 and 4.12 are opened. The filling pressure in the filling cylinders 8 now causes the foam particles 6 still in the hoses to be blown back into the storage container 5, since there the pressure can escape via the valve 4.10. The case falling filling pressure in the filling cylinders 8 causes a reset of the filling piston 10, so that the mold 3 is closed.

In Figure 8, the supply of compressed air L in the steam chamber 2 by closing the valves 4.1, 4.8 is interrupted. By opening the valves 4.4, 4.5, the back pressure in the vapor chamber and the mold 3 is lowered to ambient pressure. The foam particles 6 in the mold 3 are compressed at ambient pressure and fill the cavity of the mold 3 so sure.

In FIG. 9, the valves 4.1, 4.8 are opened for the supply of water vapor which escapes again via the valves 4.4, 4.5 which are also open. The mold 3 is rinsed with steam. As a result, air is displaced from the mold 3, which would otherwise act as a heat insulator.

In Figure 10, a so-called transverse evaporation is performed. For this purpose, water vapor D is supplied in a timed manner over a short period of time via the opened valve 4.1 only to the steam chamber part 2.1 under high pressure not regulated by the valve 4.1. The valves 4.2 to 4.8 are closed. The water vapor D flows through the foam particles 6 located in the mold 3 to the pressure medium. following cases in the direction of the steam chamber part 2.2. Subsequently, the valve 4.1 is closed and the steam supply is interrupted. The pressure in the steam chamber 2 is reduced by opening the valve 4.5.

In FIG. 11, transverse evaporation takes place in the same way from the other direction by applying pressurized steam via the valve 4.8. Subsequently, the pressure escapes by opening the valve 4.4. By the evaporation, a softening and expansion of the foam particles 6 is effected. In this case, the foam particles 6 melt together thermoplasticly and form the molded part 11 with a thermoplastic surface on a wall of the cavity of the molding tool 3. The vapor deposition in FIGS. 10 and 11 is time-controlled so that the water vapor D is present as substantially uncondensed, dry water vapor within reaches a short steaming time, a plurality of the foam particles 6 before the thermoplastic surface of the molding 11 is formed. In this case, the foam particles 6 from the steam D energy is supplied so quickly that the foam particles 6 are first superficially thermoplastic and then expand.

In FIG. 12, a so-called autoclave vaporization takes place by opening the valves 4.1, 4.8 and again applying steam to the entire steam chamber 2. The cavity is heated with steam so that the surface of the formed body is baked. The pressure is then released via the valves 4.4, 4.5.

In FIG. 13, the valves 4.3 and 4.6 are opened and the mold 3 is sprayed from the outside with water in order to cool it, for example from about 140 ^° C. to about 80 ^° C.

In FIG. 14, a vacuum is generated in the steam chamber 2 via the open valves 4.4, 4.5. In this case, the molding 11 is stabilized. At the same time still existing condensate is evaporated and its evaporation cooling used for cooling the mold 3. In FIG. 15, the valve 4.1 is opened and compressed air is introduced, which causes the mold part 11 to be removed from the mold part 3.1. In the same way, demoulding takes place from the mold part 3.2 by opening the valve 4.8 and applying compressed air in FIG. 16.

In FIG. 17, the steam chamber parts 2.1, 2.2 are pulled apart and the molded part 11 is pushed out of the mold 3.

The device 1 is now ready for a new cycle, beginning with FIG. 1.

It can be provided a different number of valves 4.1 to 4.12.

The supply of the steam D takes place in particular so briefly that the thermoplastic material of the foam particles 6 is not destroyed by overheating.

Preferably, foam particles 6 of expandable polystyrene (EPS) and / or of expandable polypropylene (EPP) and / or of expandable polyethylene (EPE) and / or of another expandable polyolefin are used. It is also possible to use mixtures of several of the substances mentioned.

The maximum pressure used for the vapor deposition is preferably in a range of 5 bar to 10 bar, in particular about 7 bar and corresponds to the unregulated form from a device for the generation of steam D.

The cavity and / or provided for steaming steam supply lines can be flushed by means of compressed air L to remove condensate. In particular, foam particles 6 provided with a blowing agent are used. For example, when using EPS, pentane is used as the blowing agent.

The mold 3 may be provided with a thermal insulation so that a heat transfer from the water vapor D and / or the foam particles 6 on the mold 3 and / or is reduced to an environment.

Alternatively, the steam D can be fed directly to the mold 3 without a steam chamber 2.

FIG. 18 shows a vapor state diagram (Mollier (h, s) diagram). The abscissa shows the entropy s of the steam with the unit kJ / (kg * K) and the ordinate the corresponding enthalpy h with the unit kJ / kg applied. Further, the pressure p in bar, the temperature T in ⁰ C and the specific volume v in m / kg are given. Isobars, that is lines of equal pressure p, run essentially diagonally from bottom left to top right and are shown throughout. Isochores, that is, lines of the same specific volume v, are similar to the isobars and are shown in dashed lines. The value indications of the specific volume are shown framed for distinction. In the vapor state diagram, a so-called saturated steam line SDL is drawn. From the saturated steam line SDL and above, the steam is dry to superheated. Below the saturated steam line SDL one speaks of wet steam. Wet steam contains a proportion x of steam (shown is the range of about 0.57 to 1) and a remaining portion of water, which complements x to the sum of 1. For example, wet steam with x = 0.95 contains 95% steam and 5% water. The saturated vapor line SDL marks the value x = 1. From the saturated steam line SDL no condensed water is contained in the vapor. Isotherms, that is, lines of the same temperature T are shown starting on the saturated steam line SDL extending substantially horizontally. In order to ensure the steaming of the foam particles with dry steam, the parameters pressure p and temperature T are preferably conducted so that the vapor state is above the saturated steam line SDL. Preferably lies the enthalpy thereby in a Enthalpiebereich BhI from 2370 kJ / kg to 2980 kJ / kg, particularly preferably in a Enthalpiebereich Bh2 from 2700 kJ / kg to 2900 kJ / kg.

For the expansion of foam particles 6 of EPS, a pressure p in a pressure range BpI of about 0.5 bar to 1.5 bar is preferably selected.

For the expansion of foam particles 6 from EPP, a pressure p in a pressure range Bp2 of about 2 to 5 bar and in the case of an extrusion material in a pressure range Bp3 of about 5 to 8 bar is preferably selected for autoclave material.

FIG. 18 also shows a relationship between a flow velocity c of the vapor and an enthalpy difference Ah of the vapor. The aim is the highest possible flow velocity c and thus a correspondingly high enthalpy difference Ah.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Device for producing a molded part

2 steam chamber 2.1.2.2 steam chamber part

3 mold 3.1.3.2 mold part 4.1 to 4. n valve

5 storage containers

6 foam particles

7 hose

8 filling cylinders

9 slides

10 filling pistons

11 molding

D steam

L compressed air

S entropy h enthalpy

P pressure

T temperature

V specific volume

SDL saturated steam line

X proportion of steam

BhI, Bh2 Enthalpy area

BpI, Bp2 pressure range

Claims

PATENT APPLICATIONS

1. A method for producing a molded part (11), wherein at least one cavity of a mold (3) is filled with foam particles formed from a thermoplastic material (6), wherein the filled cavity is subjected to pressurized steam (D) to cause expansion of the foam particles (6), to cause thermoplasticity of a surface of the foam particles (6), thermoplastic bonding of the foam particles to each other by expansion pressure, and a thermoplastic surface of the molded article formed from the welded foam particles (6)

(11) formed on a wall of the cavity, characterized in that the application of steam (D) via at least one valve (4.1, 4.8) timed at least once performed so that the water vapor (D) as largely uncondensed, dry water vapor ( D) reaches a plurality of the foam particles (6) within a short steaming time before the thermoplastic surface of the molded part (11) is formed, wherein the foam particles (6) from the water vapor (D) energy is supplied so fast that the foam particles (6 ) become superficially thermoplastic first and then expand.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that foam particles (6) of at least one of the materials expandable polypropylene, expandable polystyrene, other expandable polyolefin, bioplastic material, in particular starch, corn starch, other renewable raw material, thermally lastisch coated material can be used.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the maximum pressure is in a range of 5 bar to 10 bar.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaporation time is between 0.1 s and 3 s.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam particles (6) are repeatedly vaporized from different sides.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that provided with a blowing agent foam particles (6) are used, wherein at least when reaching a softening temperature of the thermoplastic material, the blowing agent causes the expansion of the foam particles (6).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam particles (6) are blown or poured into the cavity.

8. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the foam particles (6) are injected under pressure into the cavity so that they are compressed.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mold (3) receiving steam chamber is provided with a thermal insulation, so that a heat transfer from the water vapor (D) is concentrated on the molding and on the cavity and reduced to an environment ,

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve (4.1, 4.8) is arranged in the vicinity of the mold (3) that a condensation of the vapor (D) between the valve (4.1, 4.8) and the Mold (3) is minimized.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a valve disposed between the valve and the mold steam line is thermally insulated on an inner side.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavity is cooled after the evaporation with water.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stabilization of the molded part (11) is carried out with vacuum.

14. Device (1) for producing a molded part (11), comprising a molding tool (3) with at least one cavity which can be filled with foam particles (6) formed from a thermoplastic material, the filled cavity being filled with pressurized hot water vapor ( D) can be acted upon to cause an expansion of the foam particles (6), to soften the foam particles (6) and to weld together thermoplastic and a thermoplastic surface of the molded part (11) formed from the welded foam particles (6) on a wall of the cavity in that at least one steam feed line is provided to the cavity and / or to a steam chamber (2) accommodating the mold (3), at least one valve (4.1, 4.8) being provided, the cavity being provided via the valve (4.1, 4.8) and the steam supply time-controlled with the water vapor (D) can be acted upon, that the water vapor (D) as largely uncondensed , dry steam (D) reaches a majority of the foam particles (6) within a short vaporization time before the thermoplastic surface of the molded part (11) is formed, whereby energy is supplied to the foam particles (6) from the steam (D) so quickly in that the foam particles (6) first become superficially thermoplastic and then expand, the valve (4.1, 4.8) being arranged in the vicinity of the molding tool (3) such that condensation of the vapor (D) between the valve (4.1, 4.8 ) and the mold (3) is minimized.

15. Device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the molding tool (3) is provided with a thermal insulation.

16. Device (1) according to any one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the molding tool (3) is formed so that the foam particles (6) can be vaporized from different sides.

17. Device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that a plurality of steam supply lines and a plurality of valves (4.1, 4.8) are provided.