Abstract: A method for the variothermal temperature control of an injection mould using a temperature control device, the method including at least the following steps: in a learning phase, determining a temperature control characteristic of the temperature-controllable system including at least the injection mould and the temperature control device, in order to obtain individual reference values for the system, with which the temperature control device can be controlled in order to obtain a nominal temperature profile; and in a production phase: temperature control of the injection mould with the reference values determined during the learning phase; determining deviations of an actual temperature profile of the injection mould in relation to the nominal temperature profile during the production cycle and calculating corrected reference values from these deviations; and carrying out a resulting production process using the corrected reference values.

Abstract: A coated body having a substrate and a wear-resistant coating applied to the substrate by physical vapor deposition, the coating comprising a main layer applied to the substrate in a thickness of 1 to 10 ?m, wherein said main layer is formed from a nitride of aluminum and at least one other metal from the group consisting of Ti, Cr, Si, Zr and combinations thereof; and a cover layer adjacent to the main layer at a thickness of 0.1 to 5 ?m, wherein the cover layer comprises at least one alternating layer consisting of an oxynitride layer and a nitride layer arranged over the oxynitride layer, wherein the oxynitride layer is formed from an oxynitride of aluminum and optionally further metals from the group consisting of chromium, hafnium, zirconium, yttrium, silicon and combinations thereof, and the nitride layer is formed from a nitride of aluminum and at least one other metal from the group consisting of Ti, Cr, Si, Zr and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A multi-layered composite mold structure (10) is provided. The multi-layered composite mold structure (10) comprises a multi-layered member including (a) at least one metal heating layer (11); (b) at least one metal heat distribution layer (13); (c) at least one laminate composite layer (12); and (d) a surface layer (14). A process for preparing the multi-layered composite mold structure is also provided.

Abstract: A coated diamond-turned replication master for manufacturing wafer level lens arrays includes a low-hardness diamond-turnable sheet, a mold surface formed in the low-hardness diamond-turnable sheet, and an oxidation-resistant coating formed on the mold surface for protecting same. The mold surface includes a plurality of optical forms, all of which cut therein by a single diamond cutting tool. A process for forming a coated diamond-turned replication master includes a step of forming a mold surface in a low-hardness diamond-turnable sheet using a single diamond cutting tool. The mold surface includes a plurality of optical forms, all of which are formed by the single diamond cutting tool. The process also includes, after the step of forming a plurality of optical forms, coating the mold surface with an oxidation-resistant coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat insulated mold having a zirconia insulated layer, the deterioration of which is effectively limited or prevented. The present invention relates to a heat insulated mold having a heat insulating layer between a metal mold base material and a metal film forming a molding surface, wherein: (1) the insulating layer contains zirconia; and (2) a water-blocking layer for blocking entrance of water from the metal film to the heat insulating layer is provided between the heat insulating layer and the metal film.

Abstract: The present invention provides templating methods for replicating patterned metal films from a template substrate such as for use in plasmonic devices and metamaterials. Advantageously, the template substrate is reusable and can provide plural copies of the structure of the template substrate. Because high-quality substrates that are inherently smooth and flat are available, patterned metal films in accordance with the present invention can advantageously provide surfaces that replicate the surface characteristics of the template substrate both in the patterned regions and in the unpatterned regions.

Abstract: A mold for molding a wind turbine blade, the mold comprising a mold body having a front molding surface and a rear face, the mold body having at least one tube therein for conveying a heating liquid therethrough, the at least one tube defining a plurality of laterally spaced heating elements, and a continuous layer of heat conductive material located in the thickness direction of the mold body between the plurality of laterally spaced heating elements and the front molding surface and extending laterally across the space between adjacent heating elements.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a patterned aerogel-based layer that serves as a mold for at least part of a microelectromechanical feature. The density of an aerogel is less than that of typical materials used in MEMS fabrication, such as poly-silicon, silicon oxide, single-crystal silicon, metals, metal alloys, and the like. Therefore, one may form structural features in an aerogel-based layer at rates significantly higher than the rates at which structural features can be formed in denser materials. The invention further includes a method of patterning an aerogel-based layer to produce such an aerogel-based mold. The invention further includes a method of fabricating a microelectromechanical feature using an aerogel-based mold. This method includes depositing a dense material layer directly onto the outline of at least part of a microelectromechanical feature that has been formed in the aerogel-based layer.

Abstract: Devices may be in contact with molten metals such as copper, for example. The devices may include, but are not limited to, a die used for producing articles made from the molten metal, a sensor for determining an amount of a dissolved gas in the molten metal, or an ultrasonic device for reducing gas content (e.g., hydrogen) in the molten metal. Niobium may be used as a protective barrier for the devices when they are exposed to the molten metals.

Abstract: A composite fabrication apparatus which may include a first tooling die and a second tooling die movable with respect to each other; a temperature control system having induction coils disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die; a first die susceptor provided on the first tooling die and a second die susceptor provided on the second tooling die and connected to the induction coils; and a cooling system disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die. A resin transfer system delivers resin from a resin source to the tooling dies to allow resin transfer molding. A composite fabrication method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing an alumina template of nanorods, the alumina template, and the nanorods are provided for overcoming the problems of the conventional alumina template having anodic aluminum oxide that may be peeled off from a substrate or forming a non-conductive oxide easily, and the alumina template includes a conductive substrate composed of an active metal and an inert metal, so that the alumina template can be attached onto the active metal and inert metal at the same time, and the active metal can be used for securing the alumina template and supporting the alumina template on the inert metal, and the anodic aluminum oxide attached onto the inert metal can be used for providing a better conductivity, such that a stable and highly conductive alumina template can be produced.

Abstract: A composite fabrication apparatus which may include a first tooling die and a second tooling die movable with respect to each other; a thermal control system having induction coils disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die; a first die susceptor provided on the first tooling die and a second die susceptor provided on the second tooling die and connected to the induction coils; and a cooling system disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die. A composite fabrication method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing an alumina template of nanorods, the alumina template, and the nanorods are provided for overcoming the problems of the conventional alumina template having anodic aluminum oxide that may be peeled off from a substrate or forming a non-conductive oxide easily, and the alumina template includes a conductive substrate composed of an active metal and an inert metal, so that the alumina template can be attached onto the active metal and inert metal at the same time, and the active metal can be used for securing the alumina template and supporting the alumina template on the inert metal, and the anodic aluminum oxide attached onto the inert metal can be used for providing a better conductivity, such that a stable and highly conductive alumina template can be produced.

Abstract: An optical element molding die is designed for molding an optical element having a concave-convex structure. The optical element can be manufactured by a wet system that enables element formation over a large area and a curved surface, without using a lithographic process, and is advantageous in terms of mass production and equipment cost. The optical element molding die includes a substrate having a surface with a negative standard electrode potential in the oxidation reaction and an anodic oxidation layer provided on the substrate. A protective layer with the positive standard electrode potential is provided between the substrate and the anodic oxidation layer.

Abstract: A stamper, used for fabricating an antireflective member, has an uneven surface pattern, which includes a plurality of very small recessed portions, each having a stepped side surface.

Abstract: A moth-eye mold fabrication method includes: (a) providing an aluminum film deposited on a base, the aluminum film having a thickness of not less than 0.5 ?m and not more than 5 ?m, a surface of the aluminum film having a plurality of crystal grains whose average crystal grain diameter is not less than 200 nm and not more than 5 ?m; (b) after step (a), anodizing the surface of the aluminum film to form a porous alumina layer which has a plurality of minute recessed portions; and (c) after step (b), bringing the porous alumina layer into contact with an etching solution, thereby enlarging the plurality of minute recessed portions of the porous alumina layer. A method of readily fabricating a mold is produced that is for manufacture of an antireflection film in which a moth-eye structure is superposed over an antiglare structure.

Abstract: A mold includes an anodized porous alumina layer over its surface. The anodized porous alumina layer has a plurality of first and second recessed portions. The plurality of second recessed portions have a two-dimensional size of not less than 190 nm and not more than 50 ?m when viewed in a direction normal to the mold surface and have a plurality of minute recessed portions over its inner surface. The plurality of minute recessed portions have a two-dimensional size of not less than 10 nm and not more than 200 nm; and have a two-dimensional size of not less than 10 nm and not more than 200 nm. The plurality of first recessed portions are provided between the plurality of second recessed portions. The average value of the two-dimensional size of the plurality of second recessed portions is greater than that of the plurality of first recessed portions.

Abstract: A thermal insulation stamper includes a first metal layer, a heat insulating layer, an intermediate layer, a conductive coating, and a second metal layer. The first metal layer has a fine pattern on an exposed surface. The heat insulating layer is formed of a heat-resistant resin and overlies the first metal layer. The heat-resistant resin contains oxygen. The intermediate layer overlies the heat insulating layer. The conductive coating overlies the intermediate metal layer. The second metal layer overlies the conductive coating. A region with a high concentration of oxygen is formed in the vicinity of an interface between the heat insulating layer and the intermediate layer. A method for producing such a thermal insulation stamper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical element forming metal mold to form an optical element, having steps of: laminating a heat insulation layer 13 on a surface of the base member 11 where the optical element is formed; laminating an intermediate metal layer 14 on a surface of the heat insulation layer 13 by thermal spraying; laminating a surface forming layer 15, on which a surface shape to be transferred to the optical element is formed, on the intermediate metal layer 14; wherein the intermediate metal layer 14 is laminated in a way that parts of the heat insulation layer 13 are exposed substantially evenly from the intermediate layer 14.

Abstract: A process to manufacture a 3D mold to fabricate a high-throughput and low cost sub-micron 3D structure product is disclosed. The process integrates use of 2-photon laser lithography and 3D write technology to make a 3D mold of each layer of the 3D structure product, and then use nanoimprinting to form a sheet of polymer film of each layer of the 3D structure from the said 3D mold of that layer. Each layer of the sheet of polymer film is then fabricated into the sub-micron 3D structure product. The 3D mold of each layer of a high-throughput and low cost sub-micron 3D structure product, is further used to make master molds which is then used to form a sheet of polymer film of each layer of the 3D structure to fabricate the sub-micron 3D structure product. Applications using this process are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a mold which contains at least two electroforming layers, wherein the mold has a concavo-convex pattern on a surface thereof, and the electroforming layers include at least two adjacent layers having the same crystal orientation.

Abstract: An optical element molding die is designed for molding an optical element having a concave-convex structure. The optical element can be manufactured by a wet system that enables element formation over a large area and a curved surface, without using a lithographic process, and is advantageous in terms of mass production and equipment cost. The optical element molding die includes a substrate having a surface with a negative standard electrode potential in the oxidation reaction and an anodic oxidation layer provided on the substrate. A protective layer with the positive standard electrode potential is provided between the substrate and the anodic oxidation layer.

Abstract: A heat insulating stamper is disclosed. The heat insulating stamper includes an uppermost section made of a metal material, a lowermost section made of the same material as the uppermost section, and a middle section having a heat conductivity lower than the uppermost section. The middle section includes the same metal material as the uppermost section and the lowermost section, and heat insulating portions.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a mold tool (1), devised for forming a structured nanoscale pattern on an object (24) and having a layer (16) which is anti-adhesive with regard to the object (24). A stamp blank (2) is provided with a structured pattern (4) on a surface (8). The patterned surface (8) is coated with a layer (6) of a metal, which has a stable oxidation number and can form a mechanically stable oxide film. The metal layer (6) is oxidized for forming of an oxide film (10). The oxide film (10) is exposed to a reagent comprising molecule chains (18), each of which has a linkage group (20) which bonds to the oxide film (10) by chemical bonding, wherein the molecule chains (18) either at the outset comprise at least a group (22) comprising fluorine, or in a subsequent step is provided with at least one such group (22).

Abstract: A cavity is formed between stationary and movable mold members, and a runner is connected to a gate to the mold cavity to supply a molten resin material thereto. The stationary and movable mold members have bodies of an aluminum alloy of high heat conductivity and light weight. Iron base plating is applied at least to transfer wall surfaces of the cavity, leaving and exposing other wall surfaces in a non-plated state.

Abstract: A preparing method for a substrate for a stamper where the entirety of the metal rolled plate can be used as the material for the substrate so that a high yield in the preparation can be maintained is provided. A metal is rolled so as to generate a metal rolled plate, the metal rolled plate that is generated is cut to a predetermined size, and metal plating is operated on the front surface or the rear surface, or both the front and rear surfaces, of the metal rolled plate that has been cut to a predetermined size, and then, a polishing process is operated. A target plate thickness that is set when the metal rolled plate is rolled is smaller than the plate thickness that is required at the time of completion of the polishing process.

Abstract: A mold is for obtaining, on a substrate, an array of carbon nanotubes with a high control of their positioning. The mold includes a first layer of a first preset material having a surface having in relief at least one first plurality of projections having a free end portion with a substantially pointed profile.

Abstract: Provided is a method of making microarrays that includes providing a substrate with discrete first microfeatures that have a first profile, and depositing vapor-coated materials onto the first microfeatures to form second microfeatures having a second profile that is substantially different from the first profile. Also provided is a method of adding a replication material to the vapor-coated microfeatures to form a mold. Microarrays made by this method can be used as substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).

Abstract: The invention provides: a mold for molding optical glass, the mold comprising: a mold base; and a protective film comprising one or two or more layers formed on the mold base, the outermost layer of the protective film containing one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, In, Tl, Ge, Sn, Pb, As, Sb, Bi, S, Se, and Te; a process for producing the mold; and a process for press-molding with the mold.

Abstract: There is provided a mold which contains at least two electroforming layers, wherein the mold has a concavo-convex pattern on a surface thereof, and the electroforming layers include at least two adjacent layers having the same crystal orientation.

Abstract: Product forming molds have surfaces conformally coated with a coating composite comprising superabrasive particles. In one embodiment, the mold surface is plated (electrolessly or electrolytically) or coated with a metal having superabrasive particles dispersed therein. In another embodiment, the composite is a SiC composite having superabrasive particles dispersed therein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for improving demolding polar resin molds used in the production of silicone hydrogel materials are described. The present compositions and methods include the use of one or more reactive demolding agents. The reactive demolding agents react with components of a polymerization mixture to produce a polymerized silicone hydrogel device containing a reactant product of the demolding agent and the other components of the polymerization mixture. Polar resin molds used during the polymerization of the polymerization mixture are more easily separated than substantially identical molds used in the polymerization of a substantially identical material without a reactive demolding agent. The present compositions and methods may be used in the manufacture of silicone hydrogel lenses, such as contact lenses. The demolding aids may also be useful as delensing aids.

Abstract: To provide a glass molding die which is more excellent in durability than the conventional ones. A glass molding die 10 includes a base body 12, an Au layer 14 which is laminated on a surface of the base body 12, and an Rh layer 16 which is laminated on a surface of the Au layer 14. On a surface of the Rh layer 16, an Ir-containing layer may be further laminated. The Au layer 14 functions as a bonding layer, the Rh layer 16 functions as an anti diffusion layer, and the Ir-containing layer functions as a mold releasing layer. The Au layer 14, the Rh layer 16, and the Ir-containing layer are preferably formed by plating.

Abstract: Injection moulding mould part consisting of a mirror and a venting ring that can be moved with respect thereto. A wear-resistant coating has been applied to the mirror and/or the interface between the two parts that can be moved with respect to one another. This coating consists of hard metal based on tungsten with a minimum thickness of 0.01 mm and more particularly with a thickness of at least 0.1 mm. This coating is applied with an HP-HVOF process (High Velocity Oxygen Fuel).

Abstract: A mold used to form a magnetic member includes a mold body having a mold opening, a mold support that supports the mold cavity, and a mold insert. The mold insert is disposed in the mold opening of the mold body to form a mold cavity. The mold insert is coated with a coating to protect the mold body from chemical attack and abrasive wear of the mold material. The coating comprises an electroless nickel layer formed on or over the mold insert, and a chromium nitride layer formed on or over the electroless nickel layer. The mold insert can be formed of beryllium-copper (Be—Cu).

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for rapidly fabricating a robust 3-dimensional silicon-mold for use in preparing complex metal micro-components. The process begins by depositing a conductive metal layer onto one surface of a silicon wafer. A thin photoresist and a standard lithographic mask are then used to transfer a trace image pattern onto the opposite surface of the wafer by exposing and developing the resist. The exposed portion of the silicon substrate is anisotropically etched through the wafer thickness down to conductive metal layer to provide an etched pattern consisting of a series of rectilinear channels and recesses in the silicon which serve as the silicon micro-mold. Microcomponents are prepared with this mold by first filling the mold channels and recesses with a metal deposit, typically by electroplating, and then removing the silicon micro-mold by chemical etching.

Abstract: An molding apparatus useful for molding polymer compositions includes a substrate; a first insulating layer having an electrical resistivity of at least about 1010 ohm-centimeters and thermal conductivity of about 0.2 to about 5 watts/(meter-kelvin); a heating element; a second insulating layer having an electrical resistivity of at least about 1010 ohm-centimeters and a thermal conductivity of at least about 5 watts/(meter-kelvin); and a first molding layer having a specific heat capacity of about 100 to about 2,500 joules/(kilogram-kelvin), and optionally, a second molding layer. The apparatus provides rapid heating and cooling of the mold surface. The apparatus may be employed for rapidly molding articles having desirable surface characteristics.

Abstract: A mold construction is provided having a layered configuration including a substrate or mold core preferably of ampcoloy, an intermediate or primer coat preferably of electroless nickel, and an outer mold surface layer made of a high strength metal preferably of titanium. The mold construction is particularly advantageous for use in molding glass objects. The electroless nickel undercoat or primer coat serve to adhere the softer ampcoloy substrate to the high strength outer layer of titanium alloy. The electroless nickel also provides some elasticity for the outer layer of titanium alloy layer to reduce cracking and flaking of the titanium alloy. The layer of titanium alloy provides good strength and durability to withstand abrasive contact with the molten glass, while the ampcoloy still facilitates high thermal conductivity for reducing mold cycle times.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for fabricating an embossing tool or an x-ray mask tool, providing microstructures that smoothly vary in height from point-to-point in etched substrates, i.e., structure which can vary in all three dimensions. The process uses a lithographic technique to transfer an image pattern in the surface of a silicon wafer by exposing and developing the resist and then etching the silicon substrate. Importantly, the photoresist is variably exposed so that when developed some of the resist layer remains. The remaining undeveloped resist acts as an etchant barrier to the reactive plasma used to etch the silicon substrate and therefore provides the ability etch structures of variable depths.

Abstract: Described are molds, dies and forming tools comprising: a) a heat exchanging body support member; and b) within the support member, a molding cavity portion formed by thermal spraying metallic particles to a desired configuration in the support member. Also described are methods of making a mold, die or forming tool comprising the steps of: a) providing a body support member having a controlled and designed porosity which permits the enhancement of the heat transfer ability of said mold, die or forming tool; b) configuring a surface of the support member to a desired cavity; and c) spraying particles to the configured cavity in the support member, thereby producing a mold, die or forming tool. Preferably, the materials of construction are metallic and are applied by thermal plasma spraying. The particles may also be ceramics, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, thermoplastic resins, thermoset resins, and composites based thereupon.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an Invar tool includes the step of superplastically forming an Invar facesheet for the tool. A tool header is provided, and the Invar facesheet is then formed with an SPF diaphragm driver to match the predetermined contour of the tool header. The Invar facesheet is then welded to the tool header. Forming the Invar facesheet is achieved by positioning the Invar facesheet between a superplastically formable diaphragm and a die having the predetermined contour. The diaphragm is heated to a predetermined superplastic temperature, and a predetermined pressure is applied to the diaphragm. Application of the predetermined pressure allows the diaphragm to cause the Invar facesheet to form against the predetermined contour of the die. Superplastically forming the Invar facesheet results in a negligible amount of excess scrap, reduces material costs, and reduces labor costs.

Abstract: An oxidation and corrosion resistant coating is applied to glass forming equipment by physical vapor deposition. The coating material is preferably aluminum oxide.

Abstract: A method of patterning metallic building elements, and also to a metallic building element, where the measuring accuracy achieved can lie in the sub-micrometer range is disclored. Starting from a silicon master or original that can be etched to sub-micrometer precision and then plated with a metal, such as nickel, on the silicon surface, there can be produced a nickel shim where precision and surface fineness can lie in the sub-micrometer range. Subsequent to removal of the silicon master, a photo-sensitive material can be used in liquid form or in film form to create mould cavities that reach down to the nickel shim. These cavities can then be metal-plated to provide a building element of higher precision in three dimensions.

Abstract: Method comprises:

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for casting a workpiece, especially a turbine blade with inner cooling, comprising a casting cavity (1) in which casting cores (2) which produce channels (3) that pass through the workpiece are provided. The aim of the invention is to improve a device of this type in such a way that there are no poorly cooled areas present in the workpiece. To this end, the casting cores (2) are placed in the casting cavity (1) in such a way that they rest against each other loosely.

Abstract: A resin mold has a surface layer formed on the molding surface of a main body from a thermosetting resin and containing fine particles of silicon carbide. The surface layer can be formed simply by thermosetting the resin without calling for any plating, so that the mold can be made in a short time. The high hardness of silicon carbide gives a high wear resistance to the surface layer. The main body is formed from a thermosetting resin and contains metal particles.

Abstract: A sacrificial plastic mold having an electroplatable backing is provided as are methods of making such a mold via the infusion of a castable liquid formulation through a porous metal substrate (sheet, screen, mesh or foam) and into the features of a micro-scale master mold. Upon casting and demolding, the porous metal substrate is embedded within the cast formulation and projects a plastic structure with features determined by the mold tool. The plastic structure provides a sacrificial plastic mold mechanically bonded to the porous metal substrate, which provides a conducting support suitable for electroplating either contiguous or non-contiguous metal replicates. After electroplating and lapping, the sacrificial plastic can be dissolved, leaving the desired metal structure bonded to the porous metal substrate. Optionally, the electroplated structures may be debonded from the porous substrate by selective dissolution of the porous substrate or a coating thereon.

Abstract: A mold for a microlens includes a substrate at least a portion of which is electrically conductive, such as an electrically-conductive substrate or a substrate with an electrode layer, an insulating mask layer formed on the substrate and including an opening or plural openings, and a plated layer electroplated in the opening and on the mask layer. A first condition that a diameter or width (&phgr;) of the opening has a relation of &phgr;≦0.35R, wherein (R) is a radius of curvature of the plated layer right above the opening, or a second condition that the diameter or width (&phgr;) of the opening is &phgr;≦10 &mgr;m, is met.

Abstract: A double-shell nickel mold produced by nickel vapor depositoin. A first nickel shell is deposited on a mandrel, heating/cooling lines are attached to the first nickel shell, a thermally-conductive filler is applied to fill all gaps between the heating/cooling lines and the first nickel shell, and a second nickel shell is deposited on the first nickel shell to encapsulate the heating/cooling lines.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for rapidly molding chocolate products.