An apparatus is adapted to form a plurality of apertures in a panel made
from a meltable foamed plastic material. The apparatus has a movable
panel support device for supporting said panel and a heating array. The
heating array has a plurality of heating elements mounted to a support
frame. The heating array is disposed opposite to the panel support
device. Each of the heating elements is adapted to emit sufficient heat
to melt the foamed plastic material when a panel is positioned proximate
the heating elements. A driving mechanism is provided for moving the
panel support device toward and away from said plurality of heating
elements. The panel supporting device moves a panel supported thereon,
towards and away from the plurality of heating elements and during them
movement melts a plurality of apertures in the panel.