Abstract: A mold is provided for producing a composite part comprising at least one insert and a thermoplastic overmolding covering, at least partially, said at least one insert. The mold comprises at least one clamp capable of contacting said at least one insert in order to secure said at least one insert.

Abstract: The method comprises the following consecutive steps: providing at least one reinforcement layer and at least one matrix sheet made of thermoplastic material; forming a complex with the reinforcement layer and the matrix sheet; and placing the complex in a production tool so that the thermoplastic material impregnates the fibers of the reinforcement layer(s) in order to form a prepreg. The method comprises, in the production tool, the following consecutive steps: heating the complex to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material without applying pressure; heating the complex to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material while applying a production pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric arc cutting or welding torch comprising a torch body and torch head to be assembled to or disassembled from the torch body, the torch body comprising a peripheral wall and an axial housing, the axial housing comprising an orifice for receipt of at least part of the torch head, an actuator which is mobile in translation in the axial housing, at least one blocking element which is fitted so as to be mobile on the peripheral wall, the blocking element and the torch head each comprising reciprocal engagement means, the actuator being configured to maintain the blocking element spaced relative to the peripheral wall, the actuator also being configured to be displaced in the axial housing when the torch head is inserted in the orifice.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first part made of composite material including a polymer matrix and a second part made of metal. The two parts are assembled by opposite or assembly faces along an interface subjected to shear loads. The first part is made of a composite having continuous reinforcing fibers in a thermoplastic matrix. The second part includes, on its assembly face, a coupling form having a plurality of patterns. Each pattern has a closed contour in a plane parallel to the assembly face of the second part and extends along a direction normal to the assembly face of the second part. A method for making such an assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An automated plasma cutting system is provided that includes a positioning system mounted to a support, an automated plasma arc torch mounted to the positioning system, and at least one power supply operatively connected to the automated plasma arc torch. The power supply may provide electrical power and fluid flow to the automated plasma arc torch for operation. The system further includes a controller in communication with the automated plasma arc torch and the power supply, and an auxiliary plasma arc torch operatively connected to the power supply, wherein the power supply provides electrical power and fluid flow to both the automated plasma arc torch and the auxiliary plasma arc torch. The automated plasma arc torch may process the workpiece to generate a set of features, while the auxiliary plasma arc torch may process/cut a residual framework of the workpiece remaining after formation of the set of features.

Abstract: A pre-impregnated part includes a main layer and a reinforcing layer. The main layer is made from a first composite material including a first matrix made from thermoplastic material, and first reinforcing fibers embedded in the first matrix. The reinforcing layer is made from a second composite material including a second matrix made from thermoplastic material, and second reinforcing fibers embedded in the second matrix. The pre-impregnated part has a flattened shape of at least a portion of a finished part to be manufactured from said pre-impregnated part, and a surface of the main layer is smaller than a developed surface of the finished part to be manufactured.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing at least one composite material part including a matrix made from a thermoplastic material and at least one reinforcing layer comprising fibers includes the following successive steps. At least a reinforcing layer and a thermoplastic material are arranged in a molding cavity of a mold or a first shaping tool that is movable between an open position and a closed position. A closed molding cavity or a closed first shaping tool is heated to a first temperature above a melting temperature of the thermoplastic material. A first pressure is applied in the molding cavity or in the first shaping tool such that the thermoplastic material impregnates the fibers of the reinforcing layer in order to form a non-consolidated part. The non-consolidated part is cooled to a second temperature below the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material. A second pressure is applied on the non-consolidated part such that the non-consolidated part consolidates.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite part comprises placing a composite material part comprising fibers and a thermoplastic resin on a matrix; moving a presser towards the matrix in order to thermo-stamp the part; and making at least one orifice in the part by moving at least one punch through the part and at least one compactor pushing back the material of the part moved by the punch and forming a shoulder around the orifice or one of the orifices. This method also comprises a step of placing a metal insert on the shoulder of the or at least one of the orifices.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first part made of composite material including a polymer matrix and a second part made of metal. The two parts are assembled by opposite or assembly faces along an interface subjected to shear loads. The first part is made of a composite having continuous reinforcing fibers in a thermoplastic matrix. The second part includes, on its assembly face, a coupling form having a plurality of patterns. Each pattern has a closed contour in a plane parallel to the assembly face of the second part and extends along a direction normal to the assembly face of the second part. A method for making such an assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric arc cutting or welding torch comprising a torch body and torch head to be assembled to or disassembled from the torch body, the torch body comprising a peripheral wall and an axial housing, the axial housing comprising an orifice for receipt of at least part of the torch head, an actuator which is mobile in translation in the axial housing, at least one blocking element which is fitted so as to be mobile on the peripheral wall, the blocking element and the torch head each comprising reciprocal engagement means, the actuator being configured to maintain the blocking element spaced relative to the peripheral wall, the actuator also being configured to be displaced in the axial housing when the torch head is inserted in the orifice.

Abstract: An automated plasma cutting system is provided that includes a positioning system mounted to a support, an automated plasma arc torch mounted to the positioning system, and at least one power supply operatively connected to the automated plasma arc torch. The power supply may provide electrical power and fluid flow to the automated plasma arc torch for operation. The system further includes a controller in communication with the automated plasma arc torch and the power supply, and an auxiliary plasma arc torch operatively connected to the power supply, wherein the power supply provides electrical power and fluid flow to both the automated plasma arc torch and the auxiliary plasma arc torch. The automated plasma arc torch may process the workpiece to generate a set of features, while the auxiliary plasma arc torch may process/cut a residual framework of the workpiece remaining after formation of the set of features.

Abstract: A component for use in a plasma arc torch is provided that includes an orifice that defines a continuously changing cross-sectional size along the length of a surface of the orifice from an inlet portion to an outlet portion. The surface extends along the component and directs a flow of shield gas at a predetermined angle to result in a specific pierce or cut location on a workpiece. In one form, the component is a shield cap. The continuously changing surface may be convergent, divergent, or a combination of convergent and divergent according to the principles of the present disclosure. Additionally, the shield cap may comprise a single, unitary piece or alternately a plurality of pieces or components.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a method of piercing a workpiece with a plasma arc torch of the type having a plasma gas flow path for directing a plasma gas through the torch and a secondary gas flow path for directing a secondary gas through the torch. The method comprises directing a flow of shield gas along a distal end portion of the plasma arc torch to deflect metal spatter generated from the piercing, and ramping a current provided to the plasma arc torch along a profile during piercing and controlling current ramp parameters as a function of a thickness of the workpiece and an operating current level, wherein the current ramp parameters comprise a length of time, a ramp rate, a shape factor, and a modulation.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a method of piercing a workpiece with a plasma arc torch of the type having a plasma gas flow path for directing a plasma gas through the torch and a secondary gas flow path for directing a secondary gas through the torch. The method comprises directing a flow of shield gas along a distal end portion of the plasma arc torch to deflect metal spatter generated from the piercing, and ramping a current provided to the plasma arc torch along a profile during piercing and controlling current ramp parameters as a function of a thickness of the workpiece and an operating current level, wherein the current ramp parameters comprise a length of time, a ramp rate, a shape factor, and a modulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shock absorber (6) for the bumper (2) of a vehicle. The inventive absorber comprises: a support (12), and strips (32, 34) which extend forward from the support and which are equipped with a face (38) that is directed toward the interior of the absorber. In addition, the invention comprises one opening (36) for each strip, said opening extending opposite the aforementioned face (38) and opening onto the exterior of the absorber.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata ‘RENHY’, characterized by its large panicles of sterile flowers that emerge white and change to pink and finally to a red with maturity with the red coloration lasting about 3 to 4 weeks, its continuous flush of new flowering stems that give an overall multicolored effect in late summer to early fall, and its plant habit that changes from erect in early summer to cascading as the season progresses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for controlling the operation of a thermal spray torch (12). The inventive device and method are characterized in that an on-board camera (54) and pyrometer (70) are used to measure the properties of the jet (16) and the temperature of the deposit (24) on the part (22) and in that the correction to be made to supply parameters of the torch (12) is deduced. Furthermore, the invention is characterized in that the corrected parameters are sent to the cabinet (30) that controls the torch (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for control of the operation of a thermal projection torch (12), characterized in that the characteristics of the jet (16) and the temperature of the deposit (24) on the piece (22) are measured by means of a camera (54) and a combined pyrometer (70). The correction to be made to the supply parameters of the torch (12) are deduced therefrom and the corrected parameters are transmitted to the unit (30) controlling the torch (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for controlling the operation of a thermal spray torch (12). The inventive device and method are characterised in that an on-board camera (54) and pyrometer (70) are used to measure the properties of the jet (16) and the temperature of the deposit (24) on the part (22) and in that the correction to be made to the supply parameters of the torch (12) is deduced. Furthermore, the invention is characterised in that the corrected parameters are sent to the cabinet (30) that controls the torch (12).

Abstract: A new cultivar of Hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata ‘RENHY’, characterized by its large panicles of sterile flowers that emerge white and change to pink and finally to a red with maturity with the red coloration lasting about 3 to 4 weeks, its continuous flush of new flowering stems that give an overall multicolored effect in late summer to early fall, and its plant habit that changes from erect in early summer to cascading as the season progresses.