Abstract: An insulation sheet forming apparatus that forms an insulation sheet having one or more bent regions includes an unwinding module; a preforming module configured to form a preforming region on the insulation sheet supplied from the unwinding module; and a bending module configured to form the bent region on the insulation sheet by bending the insulation sheet supplied from the preforming module, in which the preforming module has a width which is adjustable in a width direction that intersects a movement direction of the insulation sheet.

Abstract: A method of post manufacture processing of 3D printed parts involves a step of forming at least one treatment aperture through an exterior shell of a 3D printed part to provide access to a lattice of multiple layers of extruded thermo-plastic filaments within a hollow cavity of the part. The method involves a step of inserting a stabilizing substance that flows before it is set and then hardens when set through the at least one treatment aperture into the hollow cavity of the part. The method involves a step of coating the lattice with the stabilizing substance to fill spaces between the multiple layers and between individual thermo-plastic filaments, such that, when set, the stabilizing substance fixes the multiple layers of extruded thermo-plastic filaments of the lattice in position. The method reinforces and stabilizes the internal lattice structure of the part, without significantly adding material or increasing manufacturing cost.

Abstract: Continuous compression molding machines (CCMMs) and methods of continuous compression molding a consolidated thermoplastic matrix composite material are disclosed herein. The CCMMs include a mold, a heat zone heating structure, a consolidation zone heating structure, and a stress relaxation zone heating structure. The CCMMs also include a press structure, a demold structure, and a supply structure. The methods include providing a thermoplastic matrix composite material (TMCM) that includes a thermoplastic material to a CCMM. During the providing, the methods also include heating the TMCM within a heat zone of the CCMM, cooling and consolidating the TMCM within a consolidation zone of the CCMM, relaxing stress within the TMCM within a stress relaxation zone of the CCMM, demolding the TMCM within a demold zone of the CCMM at a mold temperature that is greater than a glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic material, and periodically compressing the TMCM.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system, and associated methods, comprise an image projection system comprising a plurality of image projectors that project a composite image onto a build area within a resin pool. The composite image comprises a plurality of sub-images arranged in an array. The properties of each sub-image and the alignment of the position of each sub image within the composite image can be adjusted using a set of filters comprising: 1) an irradiance mask that normalizes irradiance, 2) a gamma adjustment mask that adjusts sub-image energy based on a reactivity of the resin, and 3) a warp correction filter that provides geometric correction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling additive manufacturing processes are disclosed. The systems can include multiple laser directors, soot-removal devices, magnetic chucks, replenishable powder distribution blades, automated powder level detectors, and/or overall process automation techniques.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods of providing heat to enable an FDM additive manufacturing nozzle having refined print control and enhanced printing speed. The heating element may include at least one sheath sized to fittedly engage around an outer circumference of the FDM printer nozzle; at least one wire coil at least partially contacting an inner diameter of the sheath; and at least one energy receiver associated with the at least one wire coil.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods of providing heat to enable an FDM additive manufacturing nozzle having refined print control and enhanced printing speed. The heating element may include at least one sheath sized to fittedly engage around an outer circumference of the FDM printer nozzle; at least one wire coil at least partially contacting an inner diameter of the sheath; and at least one energy receiver associated with the at least one wire coil.

Abstract: Multi component fibres for the reduction of the damaging activity of wound exudate components such as protein degrading enzymes and inflammatory mediators in wounds, the fibres comprising: from 10% to 100% by weight of the fibres of pectin and a sacrificial proteinaceous material in a weight ratio of 100:0 to 10:90 pectin to sacrificial proteinaceous material and from 0% to 90% by weight of the fibres of another polysaccharide or a water soluble polymer.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods of providing heat to enable an FDM additive manufacturing nozzle having refined print control and enhanced printing speed. The heating element may include at least one sheath sized to fittedly engage around an outer circumference of the FDM printer nozzle; at least one wire coil at least partially contacting an inner diameter of the sheath; and at least one energy receiver associated with the at least one wire coil.

Abstract: Microporous breathable films include a polyolefin and an inorganic filler dispersed in the polyolefin. Methods for forming polymeric films and articles of manufacture prepared therefrom are described.

Abstract: An improved longitudinal stretching unit is disclosed, in addition to the installation position or operating position (A) for the assembly to be replaced, a standby position (D) and/or standby station at which a further assembly is kept on standby. The standby position (D) and/or the standby station is arranged and/or configured in relation to the longitudinal stretching unit such that the further assembly provided at this standby position (D) and/or standby station, already before the installation at the operating position (A), is brought or can be brought to operating temperature or at least to a preheating temperature that is higher or less than 30° C. lower than operating temperature.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing an extruded sheet, which includes: a) providing calcium carbonate (CaCO3) powder; b) providing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) powder; c) providing additives as stabilisers; e) heating the mixture until the PVC softens to form a kneadable mass and the CaCO3 at least partially bonds to the PVC; f) cooling the mass; g) conveying the mass to an extruder; h) melting and extruding the mass by means of an extruder and moulding into a sheet by means of a slotted nozzle; i) pressing the still-warm sheet to a desired final thickness by means of at least two calendar rolls; and j) at least one layer of a pigmented lacquer is applied to the upper side; and k) an additional lacquer is applied to the pigmented lacquer to increase the scratch resistance.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method, resin in a molten state which becomes a film raw material is caused to hang down from a discharge port of a discharger and the film-like film raw material is continuously discharged, a sheet is conveyed along a sheet pass line, a tip part of the film raw material is formed by cutting and removing an initially formed part of the initially formed film raw material, the tip part is overlapped on the sheet on the sheet pass line, the sheet and the film raw material in a mutually overlapping state are conveyed along the sheet pass line, and the sheet and the film raw material are introduced to a joining part from the sheet pass line.

Abstract: A template (100) for controlling application of material (620) around a protuberance (610) is disclosed. The protuberance (610) extends from a workpiece (600) and has a base (612). The template (100) comprises a first portion (110) and a second portion (130), removably attached to the first portion (110). The first portion (110) comprises a first inner peripheral edge (111) that at least partially defines a positioning opening (115) and that is geometrically complementary to at least a portion of the base (612) of the protuberance (610). The first portion (110) also comprises a first-portion environment-facing surface (114). The second portion (130) comprises a second-portion environment-facing surface (136), which partially overlaps with and is removably attached to the first-portion workpiece-facing surface (114), forming an interface (120) between the first-portion workpiece-facing surface (114) and the second-portion environment-facing surface (136).

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods of providing heat to enable an FDM additive manufacturing nozzle having refined print control and enhanced printing speed. The heating element may include at least one sheath sized to fittedly engage around an outer circumference of the FDM printer nozzle; at least one wire coil at least partially contacting an inner diameter of the sheath; and at least one energy receiver associated with the at least one wire coil.

Abstract: Manufacturing a pre-molded stack of one or more lenses to be installable on a curved substrate such as a vehicle windshield includes placing a moldable stack of one or more lenses and adhesive layer(s) on a mold, applying heat and pressure to the moldable stack to produce a pre-molded stack of one or more lenses from the moldable stack, and removing the pre-molded stack from the mold. The pre-molded stack may have a compound curvature, which may match a curvature of the curved substrate. The mold may be formed using three-dimensional shape data derived from the curved substrate, such as by optically scanning the curved substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming a hose includes: extruding a web of plastics material from a first extruder; helically winding the extruded web about a mandrel or at least one rotating rod to form a wall of the hose; feeding an electrical wire into a second extruder; extruding a bead of plastics material around the electrical wire from the second extruder, wherein the first electrical wire is positioned at a first location within a cross-section of the bead that comprises a bonding surface; cooling the bead to cool the plastics material adjacent the first location to prevent migration of the first electrical wire from the first location; re-heating the first bonding surface to cause the plastics material of the bonding surface to become molten; and helically winding the bead onto the hose to put the bonding surface into contact with, and to cause bonding with, the wall of the hose.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods of providing heat to enable an FDM additive manufacturing nozzle having refined print control and enhanced printing speed. The heating element may include at least one sheath sized to fittedly engage around an outer circumference of the FDM printer nozzle; at least one wire coil at least partially contacting an inner diameter of the sheath; and at least one energy receiver associated with the at least one wire coil.

Abstract: A method of over-molding materials includes: providing a first material in a groove in a first portion of a mold such that only a single surface of the first material is exposed to a vacant portion of the mold; providing, via an injection molding process, a second material in a liquid form in the vacant portion of the mold adjacent to, and in engagement with, the first material; and allowing the second material to solidify and become directly coupled to the first material, thus forming a single component. During the method, the entire single surface of the first material is flush with a plane defined by outer surface of the first portion of the mold. The second material has one or both of a greater hardness when solidified than the first material and/or a higher melting temperature than the first material.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes: a build table, at least a portion of which is transparent, the build table defining a build surface; a material applicator operable to deposit a radio-energy-curable resin on the build surface; a stage positioned facing the build surface of the build table and configured to hold a one or more cured layers of the resin; one or more actuators operable to change the relative positions of the build table and the stage; a radiant energy apparatus positioned adjacent to the build table opposite to the stage, and operable to generate and project radiant energy on the resin through the build table in a predetermined pattern; a drive mechanism operable to move the build table so as to expose a new portion thereof for each layer; and material remover operable to remove remnants from the build surface. A method for using the apparatus is provided.