Apparatus and method for forming an elongated structural element from

Abstract

Polystyrene pellets are continuously supplied to extrusion means which continuously forms an elongated element whose form and shape is stabilized by hydraulic cooling means through which the element is moved, following which the element is dried and heated and then supplied between heated pressure rolls along with a tape on one surface of which a coating has been applied and which includes a decorative film, the coating being in face contacting relation with a surface of the elongated element, the temperature of the pressure rolls and the velocity of the movement of the tape and elongated element therebetween being correlated in such manner as to cause a decorative film to be removed from the tape and deposited on the elongated element, following which the element and tape are engaged and transported away from the pressure rolls into a cutting station at which the element is severed into desired lengths. If desired a second set of pressure rolls may be disposed downstream from the first pair of pressure rolls and may be utilized to apply a decorative film to another surface of the elongated element which is angularly related with the first surface, the elongated element being twisted so as to accommodate this operation with the second set of pressure rolls which are oriented similarly to the first pair of pressure rolls.