Abstract: A printing apparatus according to an embodiment of this invention brings, out of a cleaning unit that cleans a transfer member in contact with a transfer member and an application unit that applies a reactive liquid with ink to the transfer member, the cleaning unit into contact with the transfer member to clean the transfer member by the cleaning unit at the start of the printing operation. Alternatively, out of the application unit and an absorbing unit that absorbs a liquid component from the reactive liquid applied by the application unit in contact with the transfer member, the printing apparatus brings the application unit into contact with the transfer member to apply the reactive liquid by the application unit.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of this invention, a printing apparatus capable of cleaning a transfer member continuously while downsizing the apparatus and a cleaning method of the same are provided. The printing apparatus includes a cleaning roller configured to apply a cleaning liquid to the transfer member while rotating in contact with the transfer member, a liquid tank configured to reserve the cleaning liquid so that a part of the cleaning roller is immersed in the cleaning liquid, and a removal unit configured to remove a blot by contacting the surface of the cleaning roller which rotates in the liquid tank.

Abstract: An inkjet printing apparatus includes a printhead configured to form an image by discharging ink to a transfer member, a transfer unit configured to transfer the image from the transfer member to a print medium, and an application unit configured to apply a first liquid to the transfer member prior to formation of the image by the printhead. The inkjet printing apparatus also includes a first drying unit configured to dry the first liquid applied to the transfer member by the application unit by blowing air using a first air blower before the ink is discharged by the printhead to the transfer member.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a transfer member that rotates, a printhead that forms an image on the transfer member, and a transfer unit that transfers the image to a print medium. An application unit, provided at a downstream side of an area, at which the transfer unit transfers the image to the print medium, in a rotation direction of the transfer member, applies a cleaning liquid to a region on the transfer member after the image is transferred to the print medium. In addition, a collecting unit, provided between the printhead and the application unit, in the rotation direction of the transfer member, includes a collection roller that rotates in contact with the transfer member, in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the transfer member, for collecting the cleaning liquid applied to the transfer member by the application unit.

Abstract: Provided is a means which is capable of improving the durability of a hydrophilic member that has a photocatalyst layer containing tungsten oxide. The hydrophilic member includes a substrate, a first intermediate layer which is disposed on the substrate and contains a metal oxide that contains an element of Group 4, Group 6, Group 13 or Group 14 of the periodic table, and a photocatalyst layer which is disposed on the first intermediate layer and contains tungsten oxide.

Abstract: A low-friction sliding mechanism includes first and second sliding members having respective sliding surfaces slidable relative to each other and a lubricant applied to the sliding surfaces of the first and second sliding members. At least the sliding surface of the first sliding member is made of a diamond-like carbon material, and at least the sliding surface of the second sliding member is made of either an aluminum-based alloy material, a magnesium-based alloy material or a diamond-like carbon material. The lubricant contains a base oil and at least one of an ashless fatty-ester friction modifier and an ashless aliphatic-amine friction modifier.

Abstract: A low-friction sliding mechanism includes first and second sliding members having respective sliding surfaces slidable relative to each other and a lubricant applied to the sliding surfaces of the first and second sliding members. At least the sliding surface of the first sliding member is made of a diamond-like carbon material, and at least the sliding surface of the second sliding member is made of either an aluminum-based alloy material, a magnesium-based alloy material or a diamond-like carbon material. The lubricant contains a base oil and at least one of an ashless fatty-ester friction modifier and an ashless aliphatic-amine friction modifier.

Abstract: A low-friction sliding mechanism includes first and second sliding members having respective sliding surfaces slidable relative to each other and a lubricant applied to the sliding surfaces of the first and second sliding members. At least the sliding surface of the first sliding member is made of a diamond-like carbon material, and at least the sliding surface of the second sliding member is made of either an aluminum-based alloy material, a magnesium-based alloy material or a diamond-like carbon material. The lubricant contains a base oil and at least one of an ashless fatty-ester friction modifier and an ashless aliphatic-amine friction modifier.

Abstract: An engine hood structure including a hood panel, and a porous metal layer disposed on an inside of the hood panel. The porous metal layer has a density increased in a direction extending from an outer periphery of the engine hood structure toward a central portion of the engine hood structure. The porous metal layer is constructed such that a plateau stress generated in the porous metal layer upon a compression test is increased in a direction extending from an outer periphery of the engine hood structure toward a central portion of the engine hood structure.

Abstract: A low-friction sliding mechanism includes first and second sliding members having respective sliding surfaces slidable relative to each other and a lubricant applied to the sliding surfaces of the first and second sliding members. At least the sliding surface of the first sliding member is made of a diamond-like carbon material, and at least the sliding surface of the second sliding member is made of either an aluminum-based alloy material, a magnesium-based alloy material or a diamond-like carbon material. The lubricant contains a base oil and at least one of an ashless fatty-ester friction modifier and an ashless aliphatic-amine friction modifier.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy filler material for use in welding of metal members including at least one aluminum die-cast member containing Mg includes an aluminum or an aluminum alloy as base material and Al—K—F series flux. The Al—K—F series flux is contained by 2 to 4 mass % with respect to the entire filler material.

Abstract: A low-friction sliding mechanism includes first and second sliding members having respective sliding surfaces slidable relative to each other and a lubricant applied to the sliding surfaces of the first and second sliding members. At least the sliding surface of the first sliding member is made of a diamond-like carbon material, and at least the sliding surface of the second sliding member is made of either an aluminum-based alloy material, a magnesium-based alloy material or a diamond-like carbon material. The lubricant contains a base oil and at least one of an ashless fatty-ester friction modifier and an ashless aliphatic-amine friction modifier.

Abstract: A low-friction sliding mechanism includes first and second sliding members having respective sliding surfaces slidable relative to each other and a lubricant applied to the sliding surfaces of the first and second sliding members. At least the sliding surface of the first sliding member is made of a diamond-like carbon material, and at least the sliding surface of the second sliding member is made of either an aluminum-based alloy material, a magnesium-based alloy material or a diamond-like carbon material. The lubricant contains a base oil and at least one of an ashless fatty-ester friction modifier and an ashless aliphatic-amine friction modifier.

Abstract: An engine hood structure including a hood panel, and a porous metal layer disposed on an inside of the hood panel. The porous metal layer has a density increased in a direction extending from an outer periphery of the engine hood structure toward a central portion of the engine hood structure. The porous metal layer is constructed such that a plateau stress generated in the porous metal layer upon a compression test is increased in a direction extending from an outer periphery of the engine hood structure toward a central portion of the engine hood structure.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy filler material for use in welding of metal members including at least one aluminum die-cast member containing Mg includes an aluminum or an aluminum alloy as base material and Al—K—F series flux. The Al—K—F series flux is contained by 2 to 4 mass % with respect to the entire filler material.

Abstract: A low-friction sliding mechanism includes first and second sliding members having respective sliding surfaces slidable relative to each other and a lubricant applied to the sliding surfaces of the first and second sliding members. At least the sliding surface of the first sliding member is made of a diamond-like carbon material, and at least the sliding surface of the second sliding member is made of either an aluminum-based alloy material, a magnesium-based alloy material or a diamond-like carbon material. The lubricant contains a base oil and at least one of an ashless fatty-ester friction modifier and an ashless aliphatic-amine friction modifier.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy for die casting, contains, in terms of mass percentage: Si in the range of 1.0˜3.5 %; Mg in the range of 2.5˜4.5 %; Mn in the range of 0.3˜1.5%; Fe in the range equal to or less than 0.15%; Ti in the range of equal to or less than 0.20%; and the balance of aluminum and inevitable impurities. A die cast product having good strength and elongation in a high strain rate region is produced from the aluminum alloy without the need for solution heat treatment.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy for a die casting, used as the material of parts of an automotive vehicle. The aluminum alloy consists essentially of Si in an amount ranging from 10 to 12% by weight, Mg in an amount ranging from 0.15 to 0.50% by weight, Mn in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 1.0% by weight, Fe in an amount of not more than 0.15% by weight, Ti in an amount of not more than 0.1% by weight, Sb in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 0.20% by weight, B in an amount ranging from 0.005 to 0.02%, and balance consisting of aluminum and inevitable impurities.

Abstract: A filler wire for laser-welding an aluminum alloy is described, which comprises a base material of Aluminum-Silicon based alloy and a flux of Aluminum-Potassium-Fluorine-based composition. The amount of the flux in the base material is greater than 0 (zero) wt. % and less than approximately 1.0 wt. %.

Abstract: A valve seat (2) is formed by build-up cladding by irradiating a laser beam on a copper alloy powder (4) provided in the rim of a port (3) formed in an engine cylinder head (1). The copper alloy powder (4) consists of copper (Cu), 6-9 wt % nickel (Ni), 1-5 wt % silicon (Si), and 1-5 wt % of one of molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), tantalum (Ta), niobium (Nb) and vanadium (V). Due to this composition, the valve seat (2) has few microcracks and excellent abrasion resistance.