Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Herstellen von Verstärkungen, Versteifungen oder Verzierungen für Trägermaterialien

A machine for sequentially manufacturing a plurality of reinforced substrates such as shoe uppers, comprising a powder deposition station (30) wherein a stencil assembly (42) applies powder onto an annular receiving belt (22), the powder being applied in a three-dimensional configuration because of peripheral spacer means (spacing element (not shown)) arranged on the cut-out between the stencil (42) and the receiving surface (22). The annular receiving surface (22) is empowered to rotate to an arcuate heating station where the powder is fused by heating elements (34) (Fig. 3) arranged thereabove and therebelow. The fused powder is then moved to a join and cool station (38) (Fig. 1) where a substrate is pressed against the fused powder by a transfer means (140) causing it to press against a chill plate (120) therebeneath. The shoe upper is lifted by the transfer means (140) from the receiving surface (22) after it has cooled, the transfer means (140) rotating so as to remove the now reinforced shoe upper from the receiving surface (22) to enable it to be removed therefrom, and a subsequent shoe upper gripped therein for subsequent reinforcement thereof.