POWDER DEPOSITION APPARATUS

A machine for applying a configuration of reinforcement/stiffening or decorative material in powder form to a receiving surface (20), for subsequent fusing, cooling and pressing to a substrate such as shoe upper. The machine comprises a deposition station (12), a heating station (14) and a press station (16). A tensioned receiving belt (20) receives the configuration of powder through a cut-out (42) in the bottom of a swept screen frame (28). The receiving belt (20) is supported from beneath during the deposition activity to control the thickness of the powder deposit. The receiving belt (20) is shuttled in a displaceable frame (22) in a series of steps to the successive stations (12, 14, 16) for melting the powder and subsequent cooling and adhesion of the melted powder to the substrate such as an unreinforced shoe upper. The cutout (42) may have a peripheral gasket (S) arranged partially there around to displace at least part of said cut-out (42) from said receiving surface (20), leaving sufficient volume therebetween for filling by the powder as a three- dimensional (tapered) configuration.