Abstract: Many materials (e.g., PVDF) are difficult to use in additive manufacturing processes because the material does not bond to the build platform of additive manufacturing machines. In order to use such materials, a build platform can use a difference in air pressure to hold a base film in position on a top plate of the build platform. An object is to be printed using the material and the base film is of a material that the material will bond to during the printing process. The difference in air pressure may be achieved using a build plate with a voided internal region and a top plate with apertures. A low pressure source can draw a vacuum in the voided internal region. Placing the base film over the apertures causes the base film to be held in place by the difference in air pressure.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric is made by first forming a web (12) consisting predominately of thermoplastic fibers, then pattern embossing the web at an elevated temperature to form autogenous thermal bonds extending through the web, then creping the bonded web by pressing the bonded web against a driven, grooved roll (30) which feeds the web against a retarding member (32). The temperature of the web during the creping step is controlled so that some of the thermoplastic fibers are softened which assists the formation and retention in the web of both the crepe and noticeable ridges 50 of predominately unbonded fibers. This heating of the web (12) also results in some bonding of fibers in the grooves (52) of the creped web (12) which gives the web (12) a striped appearance. In the creped web, when the autogenous bonds are lineal and generally extend in the cross direction of the web, the creped web can take on a seersucker or corduroy-like appearance depending upon the amount of compaction during the creping step.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric is made by first forming a web (12) consisting predominately of thermoplastic fibers, then pattern embossing the web at an elevated temperature to form autogenous thermal bonds extending through the web, then creping the bonded web by pressing the bonded web against a driven, grooved roll (30) which feeds the web against a retarding member (32). The temperature of the web during the creping step is controlled so that some of the thermoplastic fibers are softened which assists the formation and retention in the web of both the crepe and noticeable ridges 50 of predominately unbonded fibers. This heating of the web (12) also results in some bonding of fibers in the grooves (52) of the creped web (12) which gives the web (12) a striped appearance. In the creped web, when the autogenous bonds are lineal and generally extend in the cross direction of the web, the creped web can take on a seersucker or corduroy-like appearance depending upon the amount of compaction during the creping step.