Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program for additive manufacturing. In one aspect, the method comprises: forming an at least partially solidified portion within a first scan region (801), wherein the solidified portion within the first scan region (801) is formed by irradiating a build material along a first irradiation path (811). A second portion of a build material may be irradiated along a second irradiation path (813), wherein the second scan region (803) is offset with respect to the first scan region (801) thereby defining an offset region (802). The offset region (802) is at least partially solidified by the first irradiation path (811) and the second irradiation path (813) and a reference line (819) intersects the first irradiation path (811) and the second irradiation path (813) within the offset region (802), wherein the reference line (819) is substantially parallel to a side (810) of the first scan region (801).

Abstract: A pliable structure includes a first impermeable layer, a second impermeable layer opposed from the first impermeable layer to at least partially define an internal volume between the first impermeable layer and the second impermeable layer, and a flow media layer disposed in the internal volume.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a composite structure includes a first processing-tool and a second processing-tool that are movable between an open position, in which the first processing-tool and the second processing-tool are separated from each other, and a closed position, in which the first processing-tool and the second processing-tool are configured to be sealed to each other. In the closed position, the first processing-tool and the second processing-tool are configured to be sealed to a mandrel-tool, located between the first processing-tool and the second processing-tool and supporting the composite structure. In the closed position, the first processing-tool, the second processing-tool, and the mandrel-tool form a vessel, configured to apply at least one of pressure and heat to the composite structure.

Abstract: Forming systems and methods for forming an elongate charge of composite material are disclosed herein. The forming systems include an elongate forming tool having an elongate forming surface with a forming surface shape that corresponds to a predetermined material shape for the elongate charge of composite material. The forming systems also include an elongate end effector, which is configured to tension the elongate charge of composite material across the forming surface. The elongate end effector includes an elongate vacuum distribution manifold, a porous elongate vacuum region, and an elongate friction surface. The methods include methods of tensioning an elongate charge of composite material across an elongate forming surface of an elongate forming tool utilizing an elongate end effector.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of improving heat transfer between a composite wind turbine blade surface are provided to reduce cure time. The assembly includes molds having heating wires disposed proximate the mold surface for delivering heat to the composite blade during layup and/or resin cure. Additionally, the vacuum bag disposed on top of the composite part includes a plurality of fluid channels for distributing a thermal fluid (e.g. heated/cooled water, air or oil) across the composite surface (opposite the mold surface).

Abstract: Method for cooling a three-dimensional object manufactured by layer-wise selective solidification of a pulverulent building material and non-solidified building material in which the three-dimensional object is embedded by a treatment with a fluid medium. The fluid medium is constituted by a carrier gas that is specifically enriched with an additional component which comprises a further gas and/or a liquid and/or by a gas mixture from which specifically at least one mixture components is at least partially withdrawn.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to methods and apparatus involving the extrusion of polymers or other materials. As may be implemented in accordance with various embodiments, a polymer is delivered into an inlet of a nozzle structure having the inlet and an outlet. The polymer is viscously heated and melted by rotating the nozzle structure about an axis extending through the inlet and the outlet, therein facilitating extrusion of the melted polymer through the nozzle structure outlet. A polymer supply may deliver the polymer into the nozzle structure inlet, and a coupler may facilitation rotation of the nozzle structure. A driver may further operate to control rotation of the nozzle structure relative to the coupler, for instance by generating a rotational output that causes rotation of the nozzle structure.

Abstract: A connector (1) is provided with a plurality of connector terminals (3), core resin portions (2A, 2B), through nuts (4) and an outer resin portion (5). An opening (402) of a screw hole (40) located in an inner end surface (42) of the through nut (4) is closed by a nut facing surface (21A) of the core resin portion (2A). The outer resin portion (5) covers the core resin portions (2A), (2B) and the through nuts (4) with exposed surfaces (25) of the core resin portions (2A, 2B) and outer end surfaces (41) of the through nuts (4) exposed. Injection marks (51) at the time of molding the outer resin portion (5) are formed on a surface of a part of the outer resin portion (5) covering an opposite side surface (22B) of the core resin portion (2B).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a machine for compacting agricultural fibrous matter into a board, comprising a hopper for receiving the agricultural fibrous matter; an extruder comprising an extrusion passage downstream of the hopper; and a ram configured for moving in a reciprocal manner along the extrusion passage; wherein the extrusion passage further comprises a movable wall configured for moving between a feed position, opening the extrusion passage to the hopper, and an extrusion position, closing the extrusion passage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus involved in the process of hardening a composite part are disclosed herein. The methods include applying a preform to a mandrel, covering the preform with a caul plate, sealing the caul plate to the mandrel, pushing the caul plate toward the preform and the mandrel and hardening the preform into a composite part while the caul plate is held against the preform. The apparatus include a mandrel, a caul plate which defines a surface of a preform and where the caul plate may include a rigid material and seals disposed between the mandrel and the caul plate. In an additional aspect, the apparatus may include a sealed chamber with a mandrel and a caul plate and a circumferential seal between the mandrel and the caul plate.

Abstract: A mold assembly, for an overhead console button carrier having a unitary body, includes a cavity side and a core side. The core side includes at least one zero draft core insert, a first buried retractor mechanism and a first slide mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making it easier to remove support structures printed in conjunction with printing an object using stereolithographic additive manufacturing are disclosed. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more interfaces between the printed object and the support structures are modulated to allow for easy separation between them, in some instances even when the object and support structures are made from the same material. Various modulation techniques are disclosed, including adjusting an intensity of exposure to light at interfaces between the object and support structures, and using two materials where one material cures at two wavelength ranges and the other material only cures at one of the two wavelength ranges. Other systems and methods that allow for easy separation of part and support structure are also described.

Abstract: A device for fabricating a continuous thermoplastic filament having a plurality of segments comprises first and second filament supply components for supplying first and second thermoplastic filaments and a filament cutting component for cutting each of the first and second thermoplastic filaments into segments. The device also includes first and second filament guide components for guiding the first and second thermoplastic filaments into position to be cut by the filament cutting component. The device further includes a filament segment joining section positioned after the filament cutting component to join the first and second thermoplastic filaments to form a continuous thermoplastic filament having a plurality of segments. The first and second filament guide components are movable so as to alternatively and sequentially permit the first and second thermoplastic filaments to be cut by the filament cutting component.

Abstract: An apparatus having a first portion including a first front wall, a first rear wall, and a bottom wall integrally coupled to the first front wall and the first rear wall, and pivotal pin structures integrally coupled to and extending from the first rear wall. The apparatus includes a second portion having a second front wall, a second rear wall, and a top wall integrally coupled to the second front wall and the second rear wall, and pin holders integrally coupled to and extending from the second rear wall and at an offset angle with reference to the top wall. The pivotal pin structure includes a base support connected to the first rear wall and a shaft connected to the base support, and the pin holder defines an opening sized and shaped to accept the shaft. The first and second portions are sized and shaped to be pivotally movable between open and closed configurations.

Abstract: To provide a composite preform that can ensure that worsening of the appearance of a surface of a plastic member caused by near-infrared heating prior to blow molding is effectively prevented and that an inner preform is efficiently heated. The composite preform of the present invention includes a preform and a heat-contractive plastic member, the preform including a mouth part; a trunk part linked to the mouth part; and a bottom part linked to the trunk part, and the heat-contractive plastic member being disposed so as to surround the outside of the preform and including at least a colored layer that contains a resin material and a colorant, wherein the heat-contractive plastic member has a near-infrared transmittance of 50% or higher.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the position of a flow of melt within an injection molding system comprises a switch and a pin that actuates the switch. The pin has a first end positioned closer to the anticipated flow path of the melt and a second end that is positioned to be in contact with the switch, such that when melt enters the anticipated flow path, the pin is pushed to activate the switch.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes: a molding mold including a fixed mold in which a gate into which a molding material flows is formed, and a movable mold in which a cavity portion is formed and which is separated from the fixed mold when the mold is opened; a nozzle in which a flow path that guides the molding material to the gate is formed; and a first cooling plate which is detachably attached to an opposite-side surface of the movable mold from a surface to be in contact with the fixed mold and which is provided with a first cooling mechanism therein, and the first cooling mechanism cools the molding material in the cavity portion.

Abstract: A process for constructing a printing plate by successively depositing a plurality of n layers of photopolymer on a substrate, curing each layer 1 through (n-m) using a wide area radiation source, and selectively curing layers (n-m+1) to layer n using a small area radiation source modulated in accordance with a desired image to be printed by the printing plate. Non-cured polymer is removed from layers (n-m+1) to n, and all of the layers are further cured with a detacking area radiation source. Also disclosed is a system for constructing a printing plate by additive manufacturing, including a printing assembly and means for providing relative motion between the substrate and the printing assembly. The assembly comprises one or more ink jet print heads, at least one wide area radiation source, and the small area radiation source.

Abstract: A method of making a magnetically-drivable microrobot that is suitable for carrying and delivering cells includes photo-curing a photo-curable material composition to form a body of the magnetically-drivable microrobot. The photo-curable material composition includes a degradable component, a structural component, a magnetic component, and a photo-curing facilitation composition including a photoinitiator component and a photosensitizer component.

Abstract: A production method for a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin composite material, the method using a crosshead die (1) that has a maximum aperture height of 1 mm or more, wherein reinforcing fibers are supplied in a reinforcing fiber bundle to the crosshead die (1), the reinforcing fibers are conjugated with a melted thermoplastic resin, and the conjugate is brought into contact with a pressurization surface that is at or below the solidification temperature of the thermoplastic resin, is pressurized, and is shaped to have a thickness that is 50% or less of the aperture height.