Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material using a linear solidification device is shown and described. The apparatus and method compensate for a non-orthogonal angle between the travel axis and scanning axis of a linear scanning device and also provide a substantially constant solidification depth along the scanning axis. In certain examples, a solidification energy control system is also provided to regulate the solidification power supplied to the solidifiable material by modulating the power supplied to the linear solidification device's solidification energy source, examples of which include laser diodes.

Abstract: A positioning device is configured for positioning a runner system, and includes a retainer, a number of flanges, and a number of bearing assemblies. The retainer includes a supporting surface. The flanges extend substantially perpendicularly upward from the supporting surface. The flanges cooperatively define a cavity for receiving the runner system. The bearing assemblies are configured for inserting through the flanges to tightly abut against the runner system in the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprint apparatus comprising at least one first detector configured to detect a first number of first marks among a plurality of marks formed in the plurality of shot regions, a second detector having a field of view wider than that of the first detector, and configured to detect a second number of second marks different from the first marks among the plurality of marks, the second number being larger than the first number, and a controller configured to align the plurality of shot regions and the mold by using a detection result from the second detector.

Abstract: Some aspects provide a method of generating a support structure for an object, the support structure and the object to be fabricated via one or more additive fabrication techniques, comprising identifying one or more regions of the object as one or more regions to which mechanical support is to be provided, identifying one or more support points within at least a first region of the one or more regions, and generating the support structure for the object, the support structure comprising one or more support tips coupled to the object at the one or more support points, the support tips being generated based at least in part on a direction normal to the surface of the object at the respective support point.

Abstract: An injection mold includes a first plate, a second plate, a movable plate, a ball screw, a ball nut, an injection screw, a transmission shaft, an injection motor, a metering motor, a first driving assembly and a second driving assembly. The ball screw is rotatably supported by the first plate. The ball nut is fixed to the movable plate, and is threadedly engaged with the ball screw. The injection screw is coaxially positioned with the ball screw. The transmission shaft is rotatably supported by the second plate. The injection motor is fixedly mounted on the first plate. The metering motor is fixed mounted on the second plate. The first driving assembly is connected to the injection motor to drive the ball screw. The second driving assembly is connected to the metering motor to rotate the transmission shaft for moving the injection screw.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for molding fiber-reinforced plastics by which the molding cost can be reduced. A device for molding a fiber-reinforced plastic member 1 of the present invention includes a mold 40, and pressure plates 10 and 20 which press a fiber base material F and a resin R against the mold 40. An adjusting mechanism is configured to be able to adjust the dimensions of gaps G1 and G2 between the mold 40 and the pressure plates 10 and 20, and a fiber-reinforced plastic member 50 is obtained by heating, and then curing or solidifying the resin R impregnated in the fiber base material F.

Abstract: A mold-tool system (100), comprising: a body assembly (102); and a stem-guidance assembly (106) configured to maintain guiding movement of a valve-stem assembly (934) through the body assembly (102).

Abstract: An imprint apparatus for imprinting a mold pattern onto a substrate or a member on the substrate includes a light source for irradiating a surface of the mold disposed opposite to the substrate and a surface of the substrate with light; an optical system for guiding the light from the light source to the surface of the mold and the surface of the substrate and guiding reflected lights from these surfaces to a spectroscope; a spectroscope for dispersing the reflected lights guided by the optical system into a spectrum; and an analyzer for analyzing a distance between the surface of the mold and the surface of the substrate. The analyzer calculates the distance between the surface of the mold and the surface of the substrate by measuring a distance between the surface of the mold and a surface formed at a position away from the surface of the mold.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus for performing alignment between a mold and a substrate and imprinting a pattern of the mold to a layer of the substrate. A holder holds the mold. A stage holds the substrate opposite to the mold held by the holder. A microscope, including an image pickup device, detects a first alignment mark formed in the mold, via a first image pickup area of the image pickup device, and detects a second alignment mark formed in the substrate, via a second image pickup area of the image pickup device. The first and second image pickup areas do not overlap with each other.

Abstract: A lens manufacturing apparatus includes a concave-convex shape forming unit that makes a notch in the surface of a workpiece to form a concave-convex shape portion, a resin supply unit that supplies resin for a lens onto the surface of the workpiece, a resin curing unit that cures the supplied resin for a lens, a moving unit that moves the concave-convex shape forming unit, the resin supply unit, and the resin curing unit relative to the workpiece, and a control unit that controls driving of the concave-convex shape forming unit, the resin supply unit, the resin curing unit, and the moving unit so as to form the concave-convex shape portion extending in a predetermined direction, supply the resin for a lens between adjacent concave-convex shape portions and cure the supplied resin for a lens.

Abstract: A process for producing at least one three-dimensional object by solidifying a solidifyable material, comprising the steps of: providing an object carrier capable of carrying the object to be produced; providing a material capable of solidifying when subjected to energy supply; bringing a solidifyable material carrier/provider in a position to carry/provide solidifyable material at least in a building region where solidifyable material is to be solidified; supplying, to the building region, energy capable of solidifying the solidifyable material; and sensing, measuring and/or controlling a condition selected from the group consisting of pressure and/or strain. Alternatively or in combination, contact pressure, fluid pressure and/or material flowability can be sensed and/or adjusted.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is manufactured by forming a series of three-dimensional formed curves of extruded material that together comprise the geometry of the surface of the object. The material is extruded from a nozzle that is positioned by a robotic arm under the control of a robotic controller. A computer that has a definition of the geometric surface generates commands to the robotic controller to cause it to sequentially form the series of formed curves that the computer calculates comprise the surface geometry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for three-dimensional (3D) printing and scanning (or rapid prototyping). For example, presented herein are 3D printing and scanning systems and methods to create a 3D replica of a 3D object on a build surface. Movements and/or controls of the system are generally based on polar coordinates relative to a center of a build surface. System components may generally include: (1) a rotatable build surface; (2) a media extruder positioned over the build surface; (3) a heating element to melt media as it is drawn into the extruder; (4) an extruder positioning system coupled to the extruder and configured to move the extruder over the build surface based on polar coordinates relative to a center of the build surface; and (5) an optical scanning system for scanning of a 3D object to obtain a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) images of the 3D object.

Abstract: Intraocular implants and methods of making intraocular implants are provided. The intraocular implant can include a mask adapted to increase depth of focus. The method of manufacturing the implant can include positioning the mask with an aperture on a protruding pin of a positioning mold portion. The protruding pin can be configured to center the mask in the intraocular lens.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, inscribing a grating in an optical waveguide so as to reduce transverse inscription variations, are provided. The waveguide is exposed to multiple beams or interference patterns of actinic radiation from multiple azimuthal directions. The beams of actinic radiation are preferably split into a plurality of beams that have wave vectors with different longitudinal components, e.g., via gratings such as phase masks. The periods and phases of the interference patterns of the beams of actinic radiation are preferably matched. A control beam may be provided that does not hit the waveguide. A control loop optionally controls at least one of the position or orientation of at least one of the beams of actinic radiation. The gratings are, for example, Bragg gratings.

Abstract: An imprinting machine that brings a mold having a pattern into contact with an object and transfers the pattern onto the object includes a measurement unit that measures a position of the mold when the mold contacts the object.

Abstract: Passive stamp alignment system. The system includes a stamp supported by a stamp holder resting on three balls affixed to a top platform. A bottom platform supports a substrate to be aligned with the stamp. Means are provided for moving either the top or the bottom platform and holding the other platform stationary so as to contact the substrate with the stamp whereby the stamp holder is lifted away from each of the balls in sequence resulting in alignment of the stamp and the substrate parallel to each other.

Abstract: The invention comprises a die apparatus including a flexible lip for adjusting a gap between the flexible lip and a second lip, along with an indicator system for measuring the lip and a corresponding adjustment. In one aspect the apparatus includes a sliding bar that communicates with the flexible lip. In addition, the sliding bar communicates with an indicator member having a body and an arm, where the arm corresponds with indicia and the indicator measure lip gap adjustment along the indicia in response to movement of the sliding member.

Abstract: The imprint apparatus of the present invention includes a holding unit configured to hold a mold; a particle inspection unit configured to inspect whether or not particle is present on an imprint area, in which the resin pattern is formed, of the substrate; a dispenser configured to apply an uncured resin to the imprint area; a movable unit configured to move the imprint area with respect to the holding unit; and a controller. The movable unit is capable of moving the imprint area to each of an inspection position by means of the inspection unit, an application position by means of the dispenser, and a contacting position by means of the holding unit. Also, the controller causes the inspection unit to perform inspection of the imprint area in association with the movement of the imprint area by means of the movable unit.

Abstract: In an apparatus for manufacturing a scaffold and a scaffold manufactured by the apparatus, a collector is disposed under a dispensing head that dispenses melted bio materials (polymer) for manufacturing the scaffold. The collector has a cylindrical tube shape. Both sides of the tube shape are fixed. Thus, the tube is securely fixed and bending of the tube is prevented. Also, accuracy and preciseness of the scaffold are improved.

Abstract: A cranial implant molding device having a frame or base that receives a bottom or convex molding plate and a top or concave molding plate in a manner whereby the two plates are separated a distance to receive a settable or curable implant forming material therebetween. The plates are separated by a compressible member such that by the use of threaded mechanical fasteners or similar members the distance between the two plates can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the mechanical members. The thickness of the implant is varied by varying the separation distance on different sides of the frame.

Abstract: Pelletizing device and method for pelletizing pelletizing materials having a pelletizing disk inclined to the horizontal and provided rotatable wherein the pelletizing disk is driven via a motor device. The pelletizing disk comprises a bottom and a side wall, the effective height of the side wall being variable. The side wall comprises an inner side wall device and an outer side wall device, the inner side wall device being disposed height-adjustable relative to the outer side wall device.

Abstract: A nozzle N which moves in a scan direction Ds along a surface Wf of a substrate W discharges an application liquid which contains a photo-curing material, and a light emitter E moving as if to follow the nozzle N irradiates light (UV light for instance) upon the application liquid. Arriving at an application end position, the nozzle N stops discharging the application liquid and retracts in a direction away from the substrate surface Wf. Meanwhile, the light emitter E keeps moving in the scan direction Ds, thereby irradiating even the terminating end of the application liquid with the light without fail.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for forming aggregate materials may include a lower open-topped mold, an upper mold, an actuation assembly, a heating system, a pressure sensor, and a controller. The lower open-topped mold can receive a heat moldable material that can include a foaming agent. The lower open-topped mold can contact the heat moldable material and the upper mold can contact the heat moldable material. The controller can execute machine readable control logic to cause the actuation assembly to generate relative outward motion at an expansion rate. The foaming agent can expand the heat moldable material when heated. During outward motion, the lower open-topped mold can maintain close contact with the heat moldable material, and the upper mold can maintain close contact with the heat moldable material. The expansion rate of the relative outward motion can be based upon a pressure signal indicative of back pressure.

Abstract: A translating die apparatus and method for forming a piece of material into a part having complex contours. The translating die apparatus may comprise upper and lower mounts, fixed upper and lower dies fixed to the upper and lower mounts, respectively, and movable upper and lower dies translatably coupled with the mounts and configured to translate laterally toward and away from the fixed upper and lower dies. The piece of material may be placed between the upper and lower dies and one of the mounts may be actuated toward another of the mounts to sandwich the piece of material between the upper and lower dies. Simultaneously, the movable upper and lower dies may translate toward the fixed upper and lower dies, until the movable and fixed dies abut each other when the upper and lower dies are fully pressing the piece of material therebetween.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a container from a blank in a stretch blowing assembly equipped with a mold provided with a wall and a mold bottom axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position and a stretch unit having a rod axially movable with respect to the wall and a device for controlling the movement of the rod. The method involves a stretch blowing phase; a boxing phase during which the mold bottom, initially in the extended position, is moved towards its retracted position, the boxing phase having a retraction operation including controlling a movement of the rod in synchronization with the movement of the mold bottom, or releasing the rod to allow the free axial movement thereof.

Abstract: A positioning device is configured for positioning a runner system, and includes a retainer, a number of flanges, and a number of bearing assemblies. The retainer includes a supporting surface. The flanges extend substantially perpendicularly upward from the supporting surface. The flanges cooperatively define a cavity for receiving the runner system. The bearing assemblies are configured for inserting through the flanges to tightly abut against the runner system in the cavity.

Abstract: A molding system (100), comprising: a platen assembly (102) having: (i) a mold-support face (104), and (ii) a central axis (106) extending orthogonally from the mold-support face (104); and a detection assembly (108) being positioned relative to the central axis (106), the detection assembly (108) being configured to detect, at least in part, an amount of change in orientation of the central axis (106).

Abstract: An imprint apparatus of the present invention molds an uncured resin on a substrate using a mold and cures the resin to thereby form a pattern of the cured resin on the substrate. The imprint apparatus includes a gas supply mechanism configured to supply gas from the mold side toward the substrate and to recover the supplied gas at the mold side, when the mold is pressed against the uncured resin; a substrate holding unit configured to be movable while holding the substrate and have a flat plate portion that has a surface height which is adjusted to the level of the surface of the held substrate and is disposed on the outside of the substrate so as to surround the substrate; and a gas recovery mechanism configured to recover the gas entrapped in a gap region which is present between the outer circumferential side of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit and the inner circumferential side of the flat plate portion toward the substrate.

Abstract: A pattern forming method for forming an imprinted pattern on a coating material disposed on a substrate with a pattern provided to a mold. The method includes preparing a mold provided with a first surface including a pattern area, a second surface located opposite from the first surface, and an alignment mark provided at a position at which the alignment mark is away from the first surface, contacting the pattern area of the mold with the coating material disposed on the substrate, obtaining information about positions of the mold and the substrate by using the alignment mark and a mark provided to the substrate in a state in which the coating material is disposed on the substrate at a portion where the alignment mark and the substrate are opposite to each other, and effecting alignment of the substrate with the mold in an in-plane direction of the pattern area, on the basis of the information in a state in which the pattern area and the coating material contact each other.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus includes: a support member which supports the mold; a substrate stage which supports the substrate; a detector which detects a force applied to the mold; a mechanism which forms a space for removing the mold supported by the support member, between the support member and the substrate stage, and a controller. The controller determines a release force required to detach the mold from the cured resin, based on a detection result from the detector, compares the determined release force with a first threshold value, and causes the mechanism to form the space if the determined release force is larger than the first threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention can be included in the technical field of moulds for precast concrete element production and relates to a mould for precast concrete element production wherein the relative position of the side walls that define the upper and lower flanks of the precast concrete element is defined by elements that are independent from the rest of the mould, as well as to the manufacturing process that uses the aforementioned mould for precast concrete element production, the precast concrete element thus obtained and a wind turbine comprising, in turn, at least one precast concrete element produced using said mould.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pattern formation method includes placing a master on a substrate including a concave-convex pattern, performing alignment between the master and the substrate, curing a photosensitive resin applied onto the substrate, with the pattern brought into contact with the resin, and removing the master from the resin. The performing alignment includes measuring amount of misalignment of first marks provided at least three of four corners of the shot region and performing alignment of the corners, after the alignment of the corners, measuring misalignment of a second mark, calculating a target value of amount of movement of the corners so as to minimize the amount of misalignment of the first marks and amount of misalignment of the second mark, and performing alignment between the master and the substrate so that the amount of movement of the corners is made close to the value.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a pellet mill 2 for forming pelleted material, the pellet mill 2 comprising: A die 4 having a cylindrical inner surface 6 with a plurality of apertures 8 formed therein and extending to the outside of the die 4, the volume bounded by said inner cylindrical surface 6 defining a die chamber 10. At least two cylindrical rollers 12, 14, 16 adapted to travel over said inner cylindrical surface 6 of the die 4 in a rolling motion. Drive means for causing relative rotation of the die 4 and the rollers 12, 14, 16, so that the rollers 12, 14, 16 will travel over the inner cylindrical surface 6 of the die 4, thereby forming wedge-shaped spaces 18, 20, 22 between the rollers 12, 14, 16 and the inner cylindrical surface 6 of the die 4.

Abstract: A mask alignment system for providing precise and repeatable alignment between ion implantation masks and workpieces. The system includes a mask frame having a plurality of ion implantation masks loosely connected thereto. The mask frame is provided with a plurality of frame alignment cavities, and each mask is provided with a plurality of mask alignment cavities. The system further includes a platen for holding workpieces. The platen may be provided with a plurality of mask alignment pins and frame alignment pins configured to engage the mask alignment cavities and frame alignment cavities, respectively. The mask frame can be lowered onto the platen, with the frame alignment cavities moving into registration with the frame alignment pins to provide rough alignment between the masks and workpieces. The mask alignment cavities are then moved into registration with the mask alignment pins, thereby shifting each individual mask into precise alignment with a respective workpiece.

Abstract: A method for use in forming a molded part includes providing a mold having a cavity and a movable pin, injecting a moldable material into the cavity, biasing the movable pin to maintain an end of the movable pin in contact with the moldable material in the cavity during the curing of the moldable material and until the moldable material is cured, and monitoring movement of the biased movable pin during curing of the moldable material in the mold. Also disclosed is a sensor engageable with an end of a movable pin of a mold for monitoring the forming of a moldable part, and systems employing the same.

Abstract: The invention disclosed apparatuses and methods to do nanoimprint lithography using a deformable mold. Generally, the apparatus has a chamber with a transparent section on its top wall, which is capable of vacuuming and pressurizing. The deformable mold fixed firmly onto a hollow mold holder around its full periphery is attached to top inner surface of the chamber and positioned underneath the transparent section. The central area of the mold is freely accessible from underneath through the opening of the mold holder. An enclosed volume referring to mold mini-chamber is formed between the mold/holder and top wall of the chamber. Inside chamber, a stage assembly is installed. A chuck to vacuumly hold a substrate is mounted on top of the stage assembly. At beginning of the imprinting, the substrate with a layer of resist is positioned underneath the mold at a predetermined gap between them. Then, the substrate is moved up to contact with the mold either under vacuum or under atmosphere.

Abstract: A thermoplastic pultrusion die system for pultruding a thermoplastic composite includes a first pultrusion die member with a curved, concave top surface; a second pultrusion die member with a curved, convex bottom surface; a curved die cavity gap formed between the a curved, concave top surface of the first pultrusion die member and the curved, convex bottom surface of the second pultrusion die member; a die cavity gap adjustment mechanism that imparts movement to at least one of the first pultrusion die member and the second pultrusion die member to vary the die cavity gap from closed to a specified location to open at a specified location; a pultrusion gripper mechanism having one or more grippers in series, and a computer numerical control (CNC) computer system controlling the die cavity gap adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor or metal oxide ingot by sequentially inducing a liquid-to-solid phase transition of a liquid raw material following a solidification direction, the apparatus including: a crucible containing a semiconductor or metal oxide raw material; a cooling unit spaced apart from the crucible at a predetermined distance in a vertical direction, when a height direction of the crucible is designated by the vertical direction and a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is designated by a horizontal direction; a first heating unit spaced apart from the crucible at a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction and surrounding a circumferential surface of the crucible; and an insulating member provided between the crucible and the cooling unit in the horizontal direction, a position of the insulating member being shifted by a shifting unit.

Abstract: In an optical disk manufacturing apparatus, a movement mechanism changes the movement speed of a laser beam irradiation component from a first to a second speed at a first radial position located within where the laser beam irradiation component moves from an inner peripheral region of the optical disk to an identification information recording region of the optical disk, and changes the movement speed from the second to a third speed at a second radial position at which the laser beam irradiation component has reached the identification information recording region at the second speed. The second speed is lower than the first speed and the third speed. The laser beam irradiation component records the identification information by irradiating with a laser beam while alternating between a first power level and a second power level low enough not to crystallize the recording layer, when moving through the identification information recording region.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus for coating a substrate with a resin by a coating mechanism, and curing the resin while pressing at least one of the substrate and a mold against the other, includes a measurement device configured to detect a position of the coating mechanism, a substrate stage configured to hold a substrate, a positioning system configured to position the substrate stage, and a controller configured to control positioning of the substrate stage by the positioning system, based on the measurement result.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus of the present invention that molds and cures an imprint material on a substrate using a mold to form a pattern on the substrate. The imprint apparatus includes a supply unit configured to supply a gas into a gap between the imprint material on the substrate and the mold. The supply unit is configured to supply a mixed gas in which a permeable gas, which permeates at least one of the mold, the imprint material and the substrate, and a condensable gas, which is liquefied under a pressure generated by the molding, is mixed with each other.

Abstract: A method for machining a workpiece by means of a laser beam, in which material of the workpiece is removed layer-by-layer according to predetermined definitions to produce a workpiece by traversing the exposed workpiece surface in lengths across the entire surface with a laser beam in order to vaporize and/or combust workpiece material. In a first material removal phase, the laser beam is guided relative to the workpiece over the workpiece surface by adjustable mirrors inside the laser tool, more particularly without mechanical control axes being moved to adjust the relative position between the laser tool and the workpiece. In a second material removal phase, the laser beam is guided relative to the workpiece over the workpiece surface by means of one or more control axes of the machine, the focal length being variably adjustable by means of a variable optical unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and to a method for the electromechanical drive for mold closing systems and calibration blow mandrel systems in blow molding machines, wherein the arrangement for the drive of an extrusion blow molding machine includes a push mechanism (3; 11), a push rod (4; 12) and exactly one electric motor (1; 9), wherein the push rod (4; 12) is movable by the push mechanism (3; 11) which is driven by the electric motor (1; 9), wherein the electric motor (1; 9) has an additional braking device (2; 10) which can be activated on the reaching of a required torque or a required force of the electric motor (2; 10) to hold the push rod (4; 12) in a state of maximum tension in its instantaneous position.

Abstract: A mold fastening device has a fixed die plate, a rear plate, a movable die plate that can move back and forth, a toggle mechanism, and a drive motor that drives a cross-head. The position where the cross-head should be stopped is associated with the rate at which to accelerate the cross-head from that position or the rate at which to decelerate the cross-head to that position. The cross-head is operated at an acceleration that corresponds to that position. The drive motor is thereby driven at a constant output torque, regardless of the position of the movable die plate. Further, the time for opening and closing metal molds can be shortened.

Abstract: A print head assembly that includes a print head carriage and multiple, replaceable print heads that are configured to be removably retained in receptacles of the print head carriage. The print heads each include a cartridge assembly and a liquefier pump assembly retained by the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: An injection molding machine has a die-height adjustment system. External screws formed individually on four tie-bars and die-height adjusting nuts threadedly engaged therewith are configured to be rotated independently with one another. In processes prior to mold clamping, the die-height adjusting nuts are rotated so that movable and stationary platen surfaces maintain a desired parallelism. During mold clamping, the die-height adjusting nuts are rotated so that clamping forces produced by the tie-bars are in a desired balance.

Abstract: A mold-tool system for use with a molding-system platen structure, the mold-tool system a frame assembly being connectable with the molding-system platen structure (107); and a set of shooting-pot assemblies being supported by the frame assembly, wherein control of each shooting-pot assembly of the set of shooting-pot assemblies is independent.

Abstract: An injection molding machine may include a split mold where a gas discharge portion is formed at parting surfaces. Further, the cross-section of a flow passage of the gas discharge portion may be reduced at a predetermined timing after the start of the filling of a molding material. Since the cross-section of the flow passage of the gas discharge portion is reduced after a cavity space starts being filled with a molding material, it may be possible to make the amount of gas, which flows through the gas discharge portion, large until the cross-section of the flow passage of the gas discharge portion is reduced. It may be possible to prevent a foreign material from adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the gas discharge portion.

Abstract: The invention comprises a die apparatus including a flexible lip for adjusting a gap between the flexible lip and a second lip. The apparatus includes linear moving members that are adjusted through operative communication with gradients on a slide bar. Ball bearings may be in operative communication with the gradients of the slide bar. Movement of the slide bar causes the ball bearings to move linearly, which, in turn, cause the linear moving members to move in a similar linear direction. The moving members operatively communicate with the lip. As a result, the dimensions of the gap may be changed by moving the slide bar in a first direction.