Abstract: Various systems and methods for forming a polymer part with utilizing heating fluid are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention a method for forming polymer includes heating the mold apparatus with a first heat energy source comprising heating fluid to a first mold temperature, and then heating the mold apparatus with a second energy source which is different than the first energy source. The second energy source heats the mold surface to a second mold temperature greater than the first mold temperature to form the part to achieve a desired surface finish of the polymer part.

Abstract: Various mold apparatuses and methods for forming a polymer with induction heat energy are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mold apparatus for forming polymer includes a mold having a top mold portion and a top mold surface that is magnetic. The bottom mold portion of the mold includes an induction heating unit that is at least partially embedded in the bottom mold portion that provides induction heat energy to the mold. The mold apparatus is constructed and arranged to dissipate greater than about 50% of the induction heat energy in the top mold portion. The induction heating unit of the bottom portion of the mold provides rapid heating to the top mold surface to provide high surface quality polymer parts and a shorter molding cycle time while utilizing less energy.

Abstract: Various mold apparatuses and methods for forming a polymer with induction heat energy are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mold apparatus for forming polymer includes a mold having a top mold portion and a top mold surface that is magnetic. The bottom mold portion of the mold includes an induction heating unit that is at least partially embedded in the bottom mold portion that provides induction heat energy to the mold. The mold apparatus is constructed and arranged to dissipate greater than about 50% of the induction heat energy in the top mold portion. The induction heating unit of the bottom portion of the mold provides rapid heating to the top mold surface to provide high surface quality polymer parts and a shorter molding cycle time while utilizing less energy.

Abstract: Various mold apparatuses and methods for forming a polymer with induction heat energy are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mold apparatus for forming polymer includes a mold having a top mold portion and a top mold surface that is magnetic. The bottom mold portion of the mold includes an induction heating unit that is at least partially embedded in the bottom mold portion that provides induction heat energy to the mold. The mold apparatus is constructed and arranged to dissipate greater than about 50% of the induction heat energy in the top mold portion. The induction heating unit of the bottom portion of the mold provides rapid heating to the top mold surface to provide high surface quality polymer parts and a shorter molding cycle time while utilizing less energy.

Abstract: A light collimating and diffusing film and a method for making the film are provided. The film includes a plastic layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and at least a first peripheral edge. The first side has a first textured surface, wherein between 7 to 20 percent of slope angles on the first textured surface proximate a first axis has a value between zero and five degrees. The first axis is substantially parallel to the first peripheral edge. The plastic layer collimates light propagating therethrough.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for forming a polymer part with utilizing heating fluid are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention a method for forming polymer includes heating the mold apparatus with a first heat energy source comprising heating fluid to a first mold temperature, and then heating the mold apparatus with a second energy source which is different than the first energy source. The second energy source heats the mold surface to a second mold temperature greater than the first mold temperature to form the part to achieve a desired surface finish of the polymer part.

Abstract: Various mold apparatuses and methods for forming a polymer with induction heat energy are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mold apparatus for forming polymer includes a mold having a top mold portion and a top mold surface that is magnetic. The bottom mold portion of the mold includes an induction heating unit that is at least partially embedded in the bottom mold portion that provides induction heat energy to the mold. The mold apparatus is constructed and arranged to dissipate greater than about 50% of the induction heat energy in the top mold portion. The induction heating unit of the bottom portion of the mold provides rapid heating the top mold surface to provide high surface quality polymer parts a shorter molding cycle time while utilizing less energy.

Abstract: A light collimating and diffusing film and a method for making the film are provided. The film includes a plastic layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and at least a first peripheral edge. The first side has a first textured surface, wherein between 7 to 20 percent of slope angles on the first textured surface proximate a first axis has a value between zero and five degrees. The first axis is substantially parallel to the first peripheral edge. The plastic layer collimates light propagating therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embossing lines and methods for their use. In one embodiment an embossing line comprises: an embossing belt disposed about a heating roll and a chill roll, a joining roll disposed between the heating roll and the chill roll, and a pre-embossing heater disposed between the joining roll and the heating roll such that the substrate film can be heated by the pre-embossing heater prior to the embossing belt contacting the heating roll. In another embodiment, a film making process is disclosed.

Abstract: Bumper assemblies for vehicles include multiple spaced apart layers formed of a polymeric material. In one embodiment, the polymeric layers are arranged such that a thickness gradation of the layers exists, wherein the thinnest layers are positioned to provide (and absorb a portion of the kinetic energy associated therewith) the initial impact surface. In another embodiment, the polymeric layers are arranged such that a modulus property gradation of the layers exists, wherein the layers having the lowest modulus property are positioned to provide the initial impact surface. Since the bumper assembly is formed of polymeric materials, the resulting mass is approximately one half that of a conventional bumper assembly. Moreover, the polymeric bumper assembly can be easily extruded and is recyclable.

Abstract: A light collimating and diffusing film and a method for making the film are provided. The film includes a plastic layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and at least a first peripheral edge. The first side has a first textured surface, wherein between 7 to 20 percent of slope angles on the first textured surface proximate a first axis has a value between zero and five degrees. The first axis is substantially parallel to the first peripheral edge. The plastic layer collimates light propagating therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a textured polymeric film are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first roller and a second roller, wherein the first roller and the second roller may be configured to cooperatively form the textured polymeric film. In one embodiment, a limited portion of at least the first roller is heated, passively, actively, or by a combination of active and passive techniques.

Abstract: A light collimating and diffusing film and a method for making the film are provided. The film includes a plastic layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and at least a first peripheral edge. The first side has a first textured surface, wherein between 7 to 20 percent of slope angles on the first textured surface proximate a first axis has a value between zero and five degrees. The first axis is substantially parallel to the first peripheral edge. The plastic layer collimates light propagating therethrough.

Abstract: A light collimating and diffusing film and a method for making the film are provided. The film includes a plastic layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and at least a first peripheral edge. The first side has a first textured surface, wherein between 7 to 20 percent of slope angles on the first textured surface proximate a first axis has a value between zero and five degrees. The first axis is substantially parallel to the first peripheral edge. The plastic layer collimates light propagating therethrough.

Abstract: A light collimating and diffusing film and a method for making the film are provided. The film includes a plastic layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and at least a first peripheral edge. The first side has a first textured surface, wherein between 7 to 20 percent of slope angles on the first textured surface proximate a first axis has a value between zero and five degrees. The first axis is substantially parallel to the first peripheral edge. The plastic layer collimates light propagating therethrough.