Abstract: Multilayer riblet appliques are disclosed. An example riblet applique includes a fluorosilicone riblet structure including riblet ridges and a base from which the riblet ridges extend, and a support layer proximate the fluorosilicone riblet structure. The support layer includes a vacuum-plasma-treated polymer film having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a polymer sub-layer proximate the second surface of the polymer film.

Abstract: Multilayer riblet appliques are disclosed. An example riblet applique includes a fluorosilicone riblet structure including riblet ridges and a base from which the riblet ridges extend, and a support layer proximate the fluorosilicone riblet structure. The support layer includes a vacuum-plasma-treated polymer film having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a polymer sub-layer proximate the second surface of the polymer film.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to align applique cutters are disclosed. A disclosed example alignment rail is for use with cutting an applique relative to a surface of a vehicle. The example alignment rail includes a base to contact the surface. The example alignment rail also includes a body including a cross-sectional profile extending along a longitudinal axis of the alignment rail. The example alignment rail also includes a groove of the cross-sectional profile extending along the longitudinal axis, where the groove is to align movement of a cutting tool to cut the applique.

Abstract: Multilayer riblet applique and methods of producing the same are described herein. One disclosed example method includes applying a first high elongation polymer material to a web tool, where the web tool is to be provided from a first roll, and heating, via a first heating process, the first high elongation polymer material. The disclosed example method also includes applying a second high elongation polymer material to the first high elongation polymer material, and heating, via a second heating process, the second high elongation polymer material. The disclosed example method also includes applying, via a laminating roller, a support layer to the second high elongation polymer material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to align applique cutters are disclosed. A disclosed example alignment rail is for use with cutting an applique relative to a surface of a vehicle. The example alignment rail includes a base to contact the surface. The example alignment rail also includes a body including a cross-sectional profile extending along a longitudinal axis of the alignment rail. The example alignment rail also includes a groove of the cross-sectional profile extending along the longitudinal axis, where the groove is to align movement of a cutting tool to cut the applique.

Abstract: Multilayer riblet applique and methods of producing the same are described herein. One disclosed example method includes applying a first high elongation polymer material to a web tool, where the web tool is to be provided from a first roll, and heating, via a first heating process, the first high elongation polymer material. The disclosed example method also includes applying a second high elongation polymer material to the first high elongation polymer material, and heating, via a second heating process, the second high elongation polymer material. The disclosed example method also includes applying, via a laminating roller, a support layer to the second high elongation polymer material.

Abstract: Multilayer riblet applique and methods of producing the same are described herein. One disclosed example method includes applying a first high elongation polymer material to a web tool, where the web tool is to be provided from a first roll, and heating, via a first heating process, the first high elongation polymer material. The disclosed example method also includes applying a second high elongation polymer material to the first high elongation polymer material, and heating, via a second heating process, the second high elongation polymer material. The disclosed example method also includes applying, via a laminating roller, a support layer to the second high elongation polymer material.

Abstract: Multilayer riblet applique and methods of producing the same are described herein. One disclosed example method includes applying a first high elongation polymer material to a web tool, where the web tool is to be provided from a first roll, and heating, via a first heating process, the first high elongation polymer material. The disclosed example method also includes applying a second high elongation polymer material to the first high elongation polymer material, and heating, via a second heating process, the second high elongation polymer material. The disclosed example method also includes applying, via a laminating roller, a support layer to the second high elongation polymer material.