Process and apparatus for partial shaping of flat glass or glass-ceramic articles

A glass or glass-ceramic article (5) is held on a planar support plate (1) by suction and heated to soften it. After the softening one or more shaping dies (4) is or are moved upward through one or more openings (3) in the support plate to form raised regions in the softened glass or glass-ceramic article (5). The suction force is produced by a low pressure in a hollow compartment (2) below the support plate (1) and acts on the article (5) by means of a gap (G) formed between each shaping die (4) and the support plate. Additional openings can be provided in the support plate and/or in one or more of the shaping dies to assist in applying the suction force to the glass or glass-ceramic article. After solidification of the softened article the shaping dies (4) are withdrawn. Then the partially shaped glass or glass-ceramic product is removed by compressed air and/or mechanically with lifting members (8). An apparatus for performing this process is also described.