Abstract: As a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery separator having a transverse direction/machine direction crease recovery angle ratio of close to 1, a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery separator is provided that includes a polyolefin porous film having a ratio of a 60-degree gloss in an machine direction to a 60-degree gloss in a transverse direction which ratio is not less than 1.00.

Abstract: A method is provided for additive manufacturing. This method includes monitoring a current to a recoater blade. The monitored current is compared to a predetermined current. An operation is initiated in response to the monitored current exceeding the predetermined current. Another method for additive manufacturing includes comparing a movement of a recoater blade to an expected movement. A single exposure sequence is initiated in response to movement of the recoater blade being different than an expected movement. An additive manufacturing system is also provided which includes a recoated blade and a control. The control is operable to identify resistance to movement of the recoater blade.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing onto a curved surface of an article are disclosed. An embodiment of a method may include receiving the article and extruding a composite yarn from a nozzle. A method may include attaching the composite yarn to the curved surface by moving the nozzle in a direction aligned with a first axis and a direction aligned with second axis along the curved surface. The first axis may be approximately normal to the print surface and the second axis may be approximately normal to the first direction. The article may be repositioned during printing to accommodate nozzle movement.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method for producing a three-dimensional overall structure by means of laser lithography, the overall structure being approximated by at least one partial structure, wherein, for the purposes of writing the partial structure, an exposure dose is radiated into the lithography material in a focal region of a laser writing beam while exploiting multi-photon absorption. Here, in the partial structure, the exposure dose in those edge portions that immediately adjoin an external surface of the overall structure to be produced is modified in comparison with the remaining partial structure.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating three-dimensional objects by 3D-inkjet printing technology are provided. The methods utilize a combination of curable materials that polymerize via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and curable materials that polymerize via free-radical polymerization (FRP) for fabricating the object. Systems suitable for performing these methods, kits containing modeling material formulations usable in the methods and objects obtained thereby are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to material sets, methods and printed articles and container supports. In one example, a material set can include a particulate fusible build material a particulate fusible build material having an average particle size ranging from about 0.01 ?m to about 200 ?m. The material set can also include a fusing ink including a fusing agent in a first liquid vehicle, wherein the fusing agent fuses the particulate fusible build material when exposed to electromagnetic energy or thermal energy. The material set can also include a binding ink including a binding agent in a second liquid vehicle, wherein the binding agent temporarily binds the particulate fusible build material when exposed to moderate temperatures ranging from ambient to 150° C.

Abstract: Non-time dependent measured variables are used to effectively determine an optimal hold profile for an expanding crosslinking polymer part in a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first inject molten expanding crosslinking polymer into a mold cavity, then measure at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. Next, the system and/or method commences a hold profile for the part, and upon completing the hold profile, the part is ejected from the mold cavity.

Abstract: In methods and apparatuses for producing auxetic foam from conventional foam, conventional foam is compressed into a mold before thermal, chemical or thermo-chemical treatment processes are performed. A segmented mold is accommodated in a compressing apparatus. After compressing the foam between the mold segments, the mold is fastened shut and removed from the compressing apparatus. The forces applied to any given volume of foam and the amounts by which the foam is compressed while being processed are controlled to impart desired mechanical properties to the produced foam. Poisson's ratio and density of discrete portions of finished foam shapes are reliably predicted and controlled to achieve uniform and non-uniform mechanical properties within a single continuous quantity of foam.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to manufacturing footwear. A first outer mold shell and a second outer mold shell may be provided. A first inner mold body and a second inner mold body may be manufactured. The first and second inner mold bodies may have respective first and second inner mold surfaces. The second inner mold surface, together with the first inner mold surface, may define an internal mold volume. The first and second inner mold bodies may be removably coupled to the respective first and second outer mold shells to form first and second hybrid side rings. The first hybrid side ring and the second hybrid side ring may be installed in an automated injection molding machine. The installed first hybrid side ring may be moved toward the installed second hybrid side ring to provide the internal mold volume. One or more liquids may be injected into the internal mold volume.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a head configured to discharge a continuous reinforcement that is at least partially coated with a matrix, and a housing trailing from the head and configured to at least partially enclose the continuous reinforcement after discharge. The system may also include a heat source disposed at least partially inside the oven, and a support configured to move the head during discharging.

Abstract: An apparatus for the generative production of a three-dimensional object by successive, selective layer-by-layer solidification of construction material layers of a solidifiable construction material by means of at least one energy beam, comprising at least one device for generating at least one energy beam for selective layer-by-layer solidification of individual construction material layers of a solidifiable construction material, wherein the device is configured to generate an energy beam directed directly onto a construction plane, and an exhaust device which is configured to exhaust non-solidified construction material detached from the construction plane during processing and/or process gases arising during processing, wherein the exhaust device comprises at least one exhaust element through which a suction flow may or does flow, wherein at least one passage opening is formed in the at least one exhaust element for passage of an energy beam generated by the device and directed directly onto the construc

Abstract: Techniques for improved efficiency of sintering in additive fabrication are described. According to some aspects, mechanisms for depositing and leveling source material are combined with a mechanism for heating the material. In some embodiments, one or more heating elements may be arranged to lead and/or follow a material deposition mechanism such that heat may be applied to the build region in concert with deposition of material. As a result of this technique, the heating and depositing steps may be performed closer together in time and/or heat may be applied more directly to the material than in conventional systems. As a result, greater control over material temperature may be achieved, thereby avoiding excess temperature exposure and subsequent undesirable changes to the material.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber preform for ceramic matrix composite (CMC) fabrication that utilizes a fugitive binder and a machining step is described. The method includes, according to one embodiment, laying up a plurality of plies to form a stack, where each ply comprises an arrangement of fibers. The stack is infiltrated with a polymer at an elevated temperature to form an infiltrated stack that is cooled to form a rigid preform. The rigid fiber preform is machined to have a predetermined shape, such that a machined fiber preform is formed. A composite assembly including the machined fiber preform is formed and then the composite assembly is heated at a sufficient temperature to pyrolyze the polymer. Thus, a porous preform of a predetermined geometry is formed for further processing into a CMC.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for stabilizing a colloidal dispersion during transport for low defect tolerance applications. The methods involve eliminating fluid interfaces within a dispersion, storing the dispersion in an environment of inert gas, and degassing the dispersion. Several bottle closure devices are described which may be ideal for use with these methods, being able to seal a container filled with a dispersion, permit the removal of headspace and rapidly empty the contained dispersion. In one aspect, the device includes a vented cap and semi-permeable membrane, which allows the passage of gas into and out of the container, and a dispenser nozzle integrated with the device to allow a stored dispersion to be dispensed without removing the device from the container. In another aspect, the bottle closure device includes an attachment point for a removable downtube and dispenser nozzle.

Abstract: According to one example, there is provided apparatus for generating a three-dimensional object. The apparatus comprises a build material distributor movable bi-directionally in a first axis to deposit successive layers of a build material on a support, and an agent distributor movable bi-directionally in a second axis different to the first axis to deliver an agent onto selected portions of successive layers of build material.

Abstract: A method of performing powder bed fusion process is provided. A powder bed and a group of information of the powder bed are obtained. A powder bed simulation is performed to obtain a thickness of the powder bed and a packing density. Then, a group of parameters of a laser is obtained. A Ray Tracing simulation for the powder layer and a heat transfer simulation are performed. A first surrogate model is constructed to obtain first processing maps. The points in the first processing maps with the depths of the melt pool that are greater than a predetermined depth value and smaller than a laser beam radius are a first group of parameter values. A parameter setting operation is performed by using the first group of parameter values. A laser melting operation is performed, and a temperature distribution is measured by using an infrared thermal camera.

Abstract: Substrates comprising a functionalizable layer, a polymer layer comprising a plurality of micro-scale or nano-scale patterns, or combinations thereof, and a backing layer and the preparation thereof by using room-temperature UV nano-embossing processes are disclosed. The substrates can be prepared by a roll-to-roll continuous process. The substrates can be used as flow cells, nanofluidic or microfluidic devices for biological molecules analysis.

Abstract: A method for producing low density polyester foam utilizing low I.V. polyester feedstock includes providing a low intrinsic viscosity raw material. The low intrinsic viscosity raw material includes between 25% to 100% of a post consumer polyester and has an intrinsic viscosity of less than 0.8 dl/g. The intrinsic viscosity of the low intrinsic viscosity raw material is increased via a de-condensation reaction configured to support foaming. The intrinsic viscosity of the low intrinsic viscosity raw material is increased to 1.1 dl/g or greater. A starting formulation is created including the low intrinsic viscosity raw material with the increased intrinsic viscosity. The starting formulation is foamed to create the polyester foam. Wherein, the polyester foam produced has a specific gravity of less than 0.65 g/cc.

Abstract: The present invention has disclosed a 3D printing method, comprising the following steps: (1) importing a model to be printed into the printing area; (2) a support unit in arrayed arrangement is provided at the lower part of the printing area; dividing the printing area where the model is located into supporting divisions in corresponding quantity according to arrangement of the support unit; (3) traversing each supporting division to obtain the lowest point on the model in the supporting division; set the target height value of each supporting unit; the target height value shall be no more than the height value of the lowest point; (4) hierarchically slicing of the model and establishment of hierarchical relationship to obtain a series of 2D contour lines in reference to intersection of plane with the model according to layer height; (5) proceeding with treatment of the supporting structure according to target height value of the supporting unit to deduct substituted part of supporting unit in the supporting

Abstract: A bottom-up stereolithography apparatus includes a frame; a light-transmissive window the window having a top surface portion; a drive assembly connected to the frame (and in some embodiments positioned above the light-transmissive window); a micro-LED or a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) source array to the frame and positioned below the light-transmissive window; and a controller operatively associated with the drive assembly and the source array, the controller configured for producing an object on the elevator assembly from a polymerizable resin on the window by bottom-up stereolithography.