MOLDING ARTICLES

Apparatus and method for molding an article of pulp or foam material with predetermined variation in weight or thickness distribution of fiber per unit in the article wherein the apparatus comprises a movable forming assembly carrying at least one forming platen unit thereon. The platen unit is pivotally mounted on a hollow shaft and includes at least one compartmented die made up of a plurality of die sections separated from each other. The die sections communicate with a source of vacuum through the hollow shaft which is controlled by a distributor and valve arrangement whereby the period of application and duration of vacuum in at least one of the die sections is less than that of other die sections to thereby effect a variation in weight distribution of fiber per unit area of the article.