APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING OBJECTS BY MEANS OF COMPRESSION MOULDING

An apparatus for forming an object comprises an extruding device (2) for supplying a continuous extrudate of polymeric material, at least one separating element for cutting the continuous extrudate separating therefrom a dose (6; 106) of polymeric material, at least one mould (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) comprising a first mould part (9; 109; 209; 309) and a second mould part (8; 108; 508) which are movable relative to one another between an open position, in which the dose (6; 106) is rested on a receiving part selected from the first mould part (9; 109; 209; 309) and the second mould part (8; 108; 508), and a closed position, in which a forming chamber is defined between the first mould part (9; 109; 209; 309) and the second mould part (8; 108; 508), the forming chamber having a shape corresponding to said object. The apparatus further comprises a localized heat source (511) for directing thermal energy onto a selected portion of the dose (6: 106) before the dose (6; 106) is deformed between the first mould part (9; 109; 209; 309) and the second mould part (8; 108; 508).