Abstract: Polymer pellets are formed using laminar gas flow within a downstream gas conduit, as may be implemented consistent with one or more embodiments herein. A gas channel directs gas to an outlet of a polymer extrusion mandrel via which a polymer melt is extruded. A downstream gas conduit extends away from the outlet of the polymer extrusion mandrel, and provides laminar gas flow along the polymer melt extending from the extrusion mandrel, and within the downstream gas conduit. Using this approach, laminar flow can be maintained along an initial portion of the polymer melt, and used to control the subsequent formation of pellets therefrom.

Abstract: Electrical power cable having a reduced surface coefficient of friction and required installation pulling force, and the method of manufacture thereof, in which the central conductor core, with or without a separate insulating layer, is surrounded by a sheath of crosslinked polyethylene. A high viscosity, high molecular weight silicone based pulling lubricant or fatty acid amide pulling lubricant is incorporated by alternate methods with the polyethylene to form a composition from which the outer sheath is extruded, and is effective to reduce the required pulling force on the cable during installation.

Abstract: A filament for use with a printer head of a 3D printer includes an exterior surface and an interior surface having color selectively applied thereto, where the color of the interior surface is visible through the exterior surface, and where the color is applied only to the interior surface such that the color remains substantially isolated from components of the printer head when traveling therethrough.

Abstract: Polymer pellets are formed using laminar gas flow within a downstream gas conduit, as may be implemented consistent with one or more embodiments herein. A gas channel directs gas to an outlet of a polymer extrusion mandrel via which a polymer melt is extruded. A downstream gas conduit extends away from the outlet of the polymer extrusion mandrel, and provides laminar gas flow along the polymer melt extending from the extrusion mandrel, and within the downstream gas conduit. Using this approach, laminar flow can be maintained along an initial portion of the polymer melt, and used to control the subsequent formation of pellets therefrom.

Abstract: Electrical power cable having a reduced surface coefficient of friction and required installation pulling force, and the method of manufacture thereof, in which the central conductor core, with or without a separate insulating layer, is surrounded by a sheath of crosslinked polyethylene. A high viscosity, high molecular weight silicone based pulling lubricant or fatty acid amide pulling lubricant is incorporated by alternate methods with the polyethylene to form a composition from which the outer sheath is extruded, and is effective to reduce the required pulling force on the cable during installation.

Abstract: Electrical power cable having a reduced surface coefficient of friction and required installation pulling force, and the method of manufacture thereof, in which the central conductor core, with or without a separate insulating layer, is surrounded by a sheath of crosslinked polyethylene. A high viscosity, high molecular weight silicone based pulling lubricant or fatty acid amide pulling lubricant is incorporated by alternate methods with the polyethylene to form a composition from which the outer sheath is extruded, and is effective to reduce the required pulling force on the cable during installation.

Abstract: A filament for use with a printer head of a 3D printer includes an exterior surface and an interior surface having color selectively applied thereto, where the color of the interior surface is visible through the exterior surface, and where the color is applied only to the interior surface such that the color remains substantially isolated from components of the printer head when traveling therethrough.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer effects color changes in an extrudate using a color-application unit applying a colorant to the interior of a filament before it is melted within an extruder. Specifically, the color-application unit may receive a filament (or portions thereof) having an exposed interior surface, where color applicators are actuated to apply one or more colors to the interior surface of the filament in order to modify the extruded color. The filament may then be coupled, collapsed, or otherwise closed about the interior surface, e.g., by a mechanical coupler, to substantially enclose the interior surface of the filament, which is then fed to the extruder for fabricating a colored object in a three-dimensional fabrication process. By enclosing the colored surface within the filament before melting for extrusion, transition effects of a color change can be mitigated and transition time for a substantially complete change in color can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: An assembly that is configured to be coupled to and communicate with a 3D printer having a printer head includes a color-application unit positioned upstream of the 3D printer. The color-application unit is configured to receive a filament and direct the filament to the printer head of the 3D printer. The assembly also includes a color applicator coupled to the color-application unit. The color applicator is operable to selectively apply color to an interior surface of the filament.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer effects color changes in an extrudate using a color-application unit applying a colorant to the interior of a filament before it is melted within an extruder. Specifically, the color-application unit may receive a filament (or portions thereof) having an exposed interior surface, where color applicators are actuated to apply one or more colors to the interior surface of the filament in order to modify the extruded color. The filament may then be coupled, collapsed, or otherwise closed about the interior surface, e.g., by a mechanical coupler, to substantially enclose the interior surface of the filament, which is then fed to the extruder for fabricating a colored object in a three-dimensional fabrication process. By enclosing the colored surface within the filament before melting for extrusion, transition effects of a color change can be mitigated and transition time for a substantially complete change in color can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: Polymer pellets are formed using air to influence the separation of polymer from a polymer melt. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a polymer material is extruded through a nozzle to form a polymer melt extending from the nozzle. A non-uniform thickness is generated in the polymer melt using a gas or gasses to apply a drag force to the polymer melt. This drag force reduces a thickness of a portion of the polymer melt adjacent the nozzle, and the polymer melt is fractured into discrete droplets at the reduced thickness. The discrete droplets are then solidified to form pellets.

Abstract: Polymer pellets are formed using air to influence the separation of polymer from a polymer melt. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a polymer material is extruded through a nozzle to form a polymer melt extending from the nozzle. A non-uniform thickness is generated in the polymer melt using a gas or gasses to apply a drag force to the polymer melt. This drag force reduces a thickness of a portion of the polymer melt adjacent the nozzle, and the polymer melt is fractured into discrete droplets at the reduced thickness. The discrete droplets are then solidified to form pellets.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer effects color changes in an extrudate using a color-application unit applying a colorant to the interior of a filament before it is melted within an extruder. Specifically, the color-application unit may receive a filament (or portions thereof) having an exposed interior surface, where color applicators are actuated to apply one or more colors to the interior surface of the filament in order to modify the extruded color. The filament may then be coupled, collapsed, or otherwise closed about the interior surface, e.g., by a mechanical coupler, to substantially enclose the interior surface of the filament, which is then fed to the extruder for fabricating a colored object in a three-dimensional fabrication process. By enclosing the colored surface within the filament before melting for extrusion, transition effects of a color change can be mitigated and transition time for a substantially complete change in color can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: Polymer pellets are formed using air to influence the separation of polymer from a polymer melt. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a polymer material is extruded through a nozzle to form a polymer melt extending from the nozzle. A non-uniform thickness is generated in the polymer melt using a gas or gasses to apply a drag force to the polymer melt. This drag force reduces a thickness of a portion of the polymer melt adjacent the nozzle, and the polymer melt is fractured into discrete droplets at the reduced thickness. The discrete droplets are then solidified to form pellets.

Abstract: An assembly that is configured to be coupled to and communicate with a 3D printer having a printer head includes a color-application unit positioned upstream of the 3D printer. The color-application unit is configured to receive a filament and direct the filament to the printer head of the 3D printer. The assembly also includes a color applicator coupled to the color-application unit. The color applicator is operable to selectively apply color to an interior surface of the filament.

Abstract: Electrical power cable having a reduced surface coefficient of friction and required installation pulling force, and the method of manufacture thereof, in which the central conductor core, with or without a separate insulating layer, is surrounded by a sheath of crosslinked polyethylene. A high viscosity, high molecular weight silicone based pulling lubricant or fatty acid amide pulling lubricant is incorporated by alternate methods with the polyethylene to form a composition from which the outer sheath is extruded, and is effective to reduce the required pulling force on the cable during installation.

Abstract: Electrical power cable having a reduced surface coefficient of friction and required installation pulling force, and the method of manufacture thereof, in which the central conductor core, with or without a separate insulating layer, is surrounded by a sheath of crosslinked polyethylene. A high viscosity, high molecular weight silicone based pulling lubricant or fatty acid amide pulling lubricant is incorporated by alternate methods with the polyethylene to form a composition from which the outer sheath is extruded, and is effective to reduce the required pulling force on the cable during installation.

Abstract: Polymer pellets are formed using air to influence the separation of polymer from a polymer melt. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a polymer material is extruded through a nozzle to form a polymer melt extending from the nozzle. A non-uniform thickness is generated in the polymer melt using a gas or gasses to apply a drag force to the polymer melt. This drag force reduces a thickness of a portion of the polymer melt adjacent the nozzle, and the polymer melt is fractured into discrete droplets at the reduced thickness. The discrete droplets are then solidified to form pellets.

Abstract: Electrical power cable having a reduced surface coefficient of friction and required installation pulling force, and the method of manufacture thereof, in which the central conductor core, with or without a separate insulating layer, is surrounded by a sheath of crosslinked polyethylene. A high viscosity, high molecular weight silicone based pulling lubricant or fatty acid amide pulling lubricant is incorporated by alternate methods with the polyethylene to form a composition from which the outer sheath is extruded, and is effective to reduce the required pulling force on the cable during installation.

Abstract: A device to visualize in-line the polymer melting in plasticating screw machines has an external metallic cylinder to be fixed in radial position regarding the barrel of the plasticating machine, a bushing with an optical window clear to the visible light spectrum resistant to pressure and temperature positioned in such a way that its external face is tangent to the internal surface of the barrel of the plasticating machine, and an internal metallic cylinder to guide the coolant gas and allow the use of an observation probe with operating temperature limits and an illumination system.