Abstract: A system for cutting hasselback food items is disclosed. The system includes a conveyor having an upper surface for supporting at least one food item and for moving the food item along a path, and a cutting device positioned above the conveyor along the path. The cutting device includes an array of four or more parallel side-by-side cutting blades. A method of cutting hasselback food items is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method suitable for performing cutting operations on a product to yield a reduced-size product, for example, slicing, strip-cutting, dicing, shredding, and/or granulating a food product. The apparatus includes a casing, an impeller adapted for rotation within the casing about an axis thereof, and knives that perform, in sequence, slicing, strip-cutting and crosscutting on a product to produce reduced-size products. The apparatus is capable of performing a method by which a product is introduced into the impeller and the impeller is rotated to slice the product with a slicing knife and produce therefrom slices having peaks and valleys on opposite surfaces thereof and a cross-sectional shape that periodically varies in thickness. Strips are then produced from each of the slices by forming parallel cuts, each coinciding with a peak of each slice so that each strip has a width substantially identical to a wavelength of the slice.

Abstract: A stripping device for stripping a workpiece from a punch includes a body having a sidewall that defines a bore. The bore includes a first portion and a second portion spaced at different distances from a longitudinal axis of the bore. The first portion is dimensioned such that the sidewall at least partially closes off one end of the body. A stripping element slidably engages the first portion of the body and has a sidewall. A bore of the stripping element receives the punch during operation of the stripping device. A backup plug has a circular bore and is threadably secured in the bore of the body. The circular bore is sized to guide the punch into the bore of the stripping element during assembly of the stripping device onto the punch. The stripping device includes a spring element between the backup plug and the stripping element.

Abstract: Attachment/detachment of tablet cutting blades to/from a tablet cutting blade replacement jig inserted into and withdrawn from a tablet splitting apparatus to receive and deliver the tablet cutting blades is facilitated even in a dispensing site. The cutting edges of the tablet cutting blades are allowed to be exposed without detaching the tablet cutting blades. The tablet cutting blade replacement jig (60) includes: a jig main body (61) that can be inserted into and withdrawn from support members (28) in place of a falling tablet guiding member; blade holders (64) for retaining tablet cutting blades (41) within notches (63) of the jig main body (61); operating members (72) that are manually operated to switch between maintenance and release of retention of the tablet cutting blades; and urging members for maintaining the switched state even though the switched state is on a retention maintained side or is on a retention released side.

Abstract: A mount flange for mounting a cutting blade on a spindle is provided. The cutting blade has a central engaging hole and a peripheral cutting edge. The mount flange includes a cylindrical boss portion having a front portion adapted to be inserted into the engaging hole of the cutting blade and a rear portion whose inner circumferential surface is adapted to be engaged with the spindle, and a flange portion projecting radially outward from the rear portion of the boss portion and having a front surface functioning as a mounting surface adapted to come into abutment against one side surface of the cutting blade. An annular space is formed in the mount flange so as to surround the spindle and open to the inner circumferential surface of the boss portion, thereby suppressing rearward warpage of the outer circumference of the flange portion due to the rotation of the spindle.

Abstract: Adjustable fence systems and their methods of use are described. A fence adjustment system includes a drift angle adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the angle of a fence to correct for blade drift.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a baseboard with a decorative pattern along its top edge. A decorative pattern is first designed using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software that encapsulates the decorative pattern and is subsequently saved to a computer file that is readable by the CAD software. The CAD software file is then converted into a sequence of codes, normally G-Code, using a software conversion utility and the resulting sequence of codes is then loaded into a Computer Numeric Controller (CNC) machine. Wood material to be used in producing the baseboard(s) is placed onto the CNC machine and the CNC machine's numeric controller then executes the previously loaded sequence of codes to produce one or more baseboards with a decorative pattern along its top edge from the wood material loaded onto the CNC machine.

Abstract: A mold assembly is used for manufacturing a ventilated building block. The ventilated building blocks are configured such that adjacent stacked blocks are inverted and reversed, thereby establishing front-to-back air passages that do not provide a sight line and prevent rain from passing through while enabling air ventilation.

Abstract: Method of fabricating a 3-dimensional structure, mesh formwork element for fabricating a 3-dimensional structure, and method of fabricating the same. The method of fabricating a 3-dimensional structure comprises providing a mesh formwork element such that a cavity bound by at least two opposing portions of the mesh formwork is formed; accumulating a material in the cavity; and allowing the material to harden; wherein apertures in the at least two opposing portions of the mesh formwork element are adapted to the hydro-static pressure of the accumulated material or vice versa such that at least two surfaces of the hardened material substantially take on the respective shapes defined by the two opposing portions of the mesh formwork element.

Abstract: The machine for cutting sheets, particularly of marble, granite, glass and composite materials, comprises: a base frame; a work top for at least a sheet to be cut, which is associated with the base frame; a cutting head, having a cutting tool to cut the sheet and associated with the base frame by interposition of first movement means of the cutting head; at least a gripping/retention head of the sheet, associated with the base frame by interposition of second movement means of the gripping/retention head, the second movement means being separate and independent from the first movement means.

Abstract: A device for drilling a hole with an expanded diameter includes: a body, a shank; a sleeve; a compression spring; a drill bit body; an expanded diameter hole portion forming member attached to a side surface of the drill bit body and configured such that a cutting bit protrudes laterally from the drill bit body when the expanded diameter hole portion forming member moves forward on the side surface; a compression spring, which urges the expanded diameter hole portion forming member rearward relative to the drill bit body; and a cam. The expanded diameter hole portion forming member is configured to move forward on the side surface of the drill bit body owing to rotation of the cam when the body moves forward relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A material loading apparatus includes a movable material support surface that is pivotally mounted to the frame. The loading apparatus also includes a first link that extends between the support surface and the frame and is pivotally connected to the support surface at a first end of the first link and pivotally connected to the frame at a second end of the first link. The loading apparatus also includes a second link that extends between the support surface and the frame and is pivotally connected to the support surface at a first end of the second link and pivotally connected to the frame at a second end of the second link. The loading apparatus also includes an actuator that is pivotally connected to the frame and configured to move the support surface between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position.

Abstract: A machine (10) for machining materials in slab form (14) comprises a working surface (13), a cutting spindle (12) on which a cutting disc (22) is mounted, motor means (11) for moving the cutting spindle on the working surface, controlled by an electronic control system (23). The cutting spindle (12) is rotatable about an axis (21) so as to move upon command between a first position in which the cutting disc (22) is perpendicular to the working surface, and a second position in which the cutting disc (22) is parallel to the working surface. The cutting spindle (12) has a protection device (26) which covers at least partially the cutting disc and which comprises a pick-up element (27) with a surface (28) provided with sucker means (29) able to cause said device (26) to adhere and be fixed to the materials being machined on the working surface when the cutting spindle (12) is in the second position, so that the material can be moved on the working surface by moving the cutting spindle (12).

Abstract: One embodiment provides a twin-screw extruder which is used to knead materials and has excellent productivity. The twin-screw extruder includes screws. The screws include double thread screws in which first screw portions engage with each other. Ratio D1/C of external diameter D1 of the first screw portion to a shaft distance C ranges from 1.25 to 1.40. The screws further include triple thread screws in which third screw portions engage with each other. Ratio D3/C of external diameter D3 of the third screw portion to the shaft distance C ranges from 1.05 to 1.10. External diameter D2 of a second screw portion decreases gradually from the first screw portion toward the third screw portion.

Abstract: Provided is a water absorbent resin that is useful to sanitary materials such as a disposable diaper, a sanitary napkin, and a blood absorbent for medical use each having a higher liquid permeability and a higher water absorbing speed. Further provided is a water absorbent resin powder that is useful to sanitary materials such as a disposable diaper, a sanitary napkin, and a blood absorbent for medical use each having a smaller amount of return of a liquid and a higher heat retaining property. A gel grinding device to be used to produce a water absorbent resin, includes: a screw; a feed opening; an extrusion opening; a porous plate; and a barrel, the screw including: a rotating shaft; and a flight, and the screw satisfying at least one of specific parameters.

Abstract: Microneedle devices have projections that are generally sharp and elongated and designed to disrupt the upper layer of the skin, cause micro-indentations, or pierce the skin. High density arrays are produced using micro-fabrication or micro-molding techniques. The assembly of individual needles does not lend itself to the production of high density arrays. A method of forming microneedle arrays is disclosed which comprises attaching a plurality of microneedles to a substrate, and building up a 2-dimensional microneedle array by wrapping layers of the substrate around a core or folding the layers repeatedly back upon themselves. The arrays are capable of needle densities with a pitch within the range of needle radius plus several micrometres to millimetres.

Abstract: A battery headlamp assembly that includes a light engine bezel, an adjustable linkage supporting the bezel and including an electrically conductive system terminating at the bezel. Also, a headband assembly supports the adjustable linkage and includes a longitudinal rigid-flex circuit assembly. This assembly has a strip of rigid-flex circuit having two longitudinally opposed ends and including battery contacts on the ends. Also, two networks of electrical components are each supported by and electrically connected together, and to one of the battery contacts, by the strip of rigid-flex circuit, which includes conductive traces connecting both the networks to the electrically conductive system and to each other, to power the bezel from the battery contacts and to permit communications between the networks. In addition, a further electrically conductive element, electrically connects at least one conductive trace of the rigid-flex circuit to the electrically conductive system of the adjustable linkage.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a film retainer 200 includes a base member 210 fixed to a tenter chain and a pin plate 220 supported on the base member 210 to be movable in the movement direction of the tenter chain. The pin plate 220 is provided with a plurality of protruding pins 230 that are stuck into the film for holding the film. The film retainer for a tenter apparatus is capable of suppressing a bowing phenomenon without significant modifications to an existing manufacture facility and being applicable under arbitrary manufacture conditions.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing an endless belt, including forming a coating film on an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical or columnar core body such that a film thickness of at least a portion of a non-product portion of an endless belt on a coating starting side of a resin solution is 30% or less of a film thickness of a product portion while the resin solution is discharged with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the core body from a solution discharging unit to coat the outer circumferential surface of the core body, heating and curing the coating film formed on the outer circumferential surface of the core body to obtain an endless belt, separating the endless belt formed in the heating from the core body, and cutting a non-product portion in both end portions of the endless belt separated from the core body.

Abstract: A method of reducing the number or size of voids in a polyurethane comprises reacting the formulation components in a container having an inner surface, or having a liner that has an inner surface, that has been modified to reduce the shear forces that normally accompany introduction of such components into a container. This is done by modifying the inner container's or container liner's surface by profiling and/or engraving it, or by including as a liner a mesh. The profiling and/or engraving or mesh serves to alter the formulation's flow dynamics such that the polyurethane has fewer and/or smaller voids, i.e., has a more uniform density, than polyurethanes formed without the modification.

Abstract: A movable mold includes a movable mold main body and a gear piece attached to the movable mold main body so as to relatively movable, and having a cavity formation space for forming a cavity. In the gear piece, a piece-side coolant flow path includes an annular flow path surrounding the cavity formation space, a piece-side supply flow path introducing coolant into the annular flow path, and a piece-side discharge flow path introducing the coolant from the annular flow path. The piece-side coolant flow path is connected to a movable mold main body-side supply flow path of the movable mold main body and a movable mold main body-side discharge flow path of the movable mold main body and the coolant flows therein under negative pressure generated by a coolant circulation device, so the inside of the cavity can be cooled effectively.

Abstract: An insert molding method includes: integrally molding a thermoplastic resin with an insert component, by setting the insert component, which is a metal conductor, in a mold; clamping the mold; and injection-filling the thermoplastic resin in a cavity. The insert component is made of copper or a copper alloy. Prior to injection molding, a thin film layer mainly made of a chlorosulfonated polyethylene is formed on a surface of a portion of the insert component to be covered with the thermoplastic resin, and the thin film layer is crosslinked in the mold during injection molding.

Abstract: Semi-finished products in the form of sheet bars or strips can undergo deep drawing and can produce three-dimensionally shaped hybrid components of metal/plastic composites. One example semi-finished product may comprise at least one metal sheet in the form of a sheet bar or a strip and at least one layer of thermoplastic applied in a material-bonding manner on the metal sheet. A side of the metal sheet on which the layer of plastic is applied may have a surface treated to improve the adherence of the layer of plastic. The layer of plastic of the semi-finished product may be formed as a coupling layer for material-bonding, adhesive-free attachment of at least one structural body produced from plastic. According to one example method, a plastic structural body may be molded in a material-bonding manner onto the layer of plastic formed as the coupling layer by injection molding or press-forming.

Abstract: An inexpensive and high-quality aluminum-based composite material which can be obtained by securely joining a resin substrate formed of a predetermined kind of synthetic resin to an aluminum-based metal plate by a relatively simple method. The aluminum-based composite material includes the aluminum-based metal plate, the resin substrate, and a resin sheet formed of a synthetic resin which is of the same kind as the synthetic resin forming the resin substrate or has an affinity therefor and provided between the metal plate and the resin substrate. The resin substrate is joined to the metal plate by being injection-molded to the one side of the metal plate on which the resin sheet is provided.

Abstract: A composite member includes a metal sheet having a bent portion formed by bending, and a resin member joined to at least a part of the bent portion. The metal sheet includes an opening provided on an inner side of the bent portion, and a tapered recess that tapers off from an outer side of the bent portion toward the opening. The resin member includes an inner resin part filled in the recess, and an exposed resin part provided to be continuous with the inner resin part and to extend to an inner surface of the bent portion through an edge portion of the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a component made of a polymer material via an injection-molding process comprising the following steps: (a) insertion of a polymer-saturated fiber structure, or of a semifinished product comprising a fiber structure, into an injection mold, (b) injection of a molten thermoplastic polymer into the injection molding in order to sheath or coat the fiber structure, or the semifinished product comprising the fiber structure, (c) allowing the polymer to solidify, and removal of the component from the injection mold, where dimensions established for molten-polymer-flow channels surrounding the fiber structure, or surrounding the semifinished product comprising the fiber structure, are such that the wall thickness of the first component corresponds to the wall thickness achievable for a component without inserted fiber structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a composite plastic part (CK). A first fiber material (F1) is impregnated with a polyamide matrix polymer (PAM), thereby obtaining a matrix composition (MZ), onto which a surface composition (OZ) is applied, and a first plastic component (K1) is obtained. In a second step, a second plastic component (K2) is molded on the first plastic component (K1), whereby the composite plastic part (CK) is obtained. The invention further relates to the composite plastic part (CK) which can be obtained using the method according to the invention. The invention additionally relates to the use of polyethyleneimine (PEI) for improving the impregnation of the first fiber material (F1) with the polyamide matrix polymer (PAM).

Abstract: A mould tool (100) has a first part (102) defining a first area (114) of a mould profile, an actuated part (130) defining a second, adjacent area (132) of the mould profile, which actuated part is configured to move from a moulding position to an actuated position at the end of each mould cycle to facilitate removal of a moulded component. The actuated part (130) comprises a temperature control apparatus (108) configured to control the temperature of the actuated part to influence a clearance (C) between the first part and the actuated part by thermal expansion and/or contraction of the actuated part.

Abstract: Injection Molded Nozzle Preform with Undercut Features Injection molded nozzle preforms (100) are disclosed. More specifically, an injection molded nozzle preform (100) with undercut features (120A, 120B,120C) is disclosed. The undercut features (120A, 120B,120C) extend from a major surface of a substrate (110), and have at least two non-parallel axis. An injection molded nozzle preform made from polypropylene is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a compounder-injection-molding unit, wherein a continuously operating compounder is coupled to a discontinuously operating screw injection-molding machine.

Abstract: A polyester resin for use in a process in which, during an expansion step, an incompressible fluid is injected through an opening of a preform, formed of the polyester resin, to form a container. The polyester resin includes a crystallizable polyester polymer wherein the polyester polymer is comprised of acid moieties and glycol moieties, with at least 85% of the total moles of acid moieties being terephthalate derived from terephthalic acid or its dimethyl ester and at least 85% of the total moles of glycol moieties derived from ethylene glycol. At least 2% of the total moles of acid plus glycol moieties are derived from a primary comonomer with the mole percents of the acid plus glycol moieties totaling 100 mole %.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for manufacturing a container with a handle, the method including a primary blow molding step of blow-molding a preform made of a polyethylene terephthalate resin to mold an intermediate molded body, and a secondary blow molding step of assembling the handle to a container body, which is made of the intermediate molded body expanded inside a blow mold, by arranging the intermediate molded body inside the blow mold which holds the handle by an inner surface thereof and blow-molding the intermediate molded body in a state where the handle is brought close to the intermediate molded body.

Abstract: A device (20) for gripping a container (16) made of a thermoplastic material, includes: a nose (30) having a main shaft (B) which is suitable for axially inserting into the neck (24) of the container (16); a plurality of jaws (46) which are mounted in the nose (30) in a radially mobile manner between a retracted position allowing the free axial sliding of the nose (30) in the neck (24) and an expanded position allowing the immobilization of the neck (24) in relation to the nose (30) by pressing against the inner part of the neck (24); and elements (54) for elastically returning the jaws to their expanded position, wherein the jaw assembly (46) is maintained circumferentially in a determined circumferential position in relation to the nose (30).

Abstract: A method and a device for producing blow-molded containers, which are sterile at least in some areas, in a blow-molding machine. A preform made of a thermoplastic material is first guided through a heating device by a supporting device, heated in the heating device, and then supplied with a pressurized fluid, and the preform is supplied with a sterilizing radiation at least in some areas. At least one radiation source for the sterilizing radiation is arranged in the heating device in a stationary manner at a distance to the preform, and the radiation direction of at least one of the at least one radiation sources is oriented towards the opening region of the preform and/or towards the supporting device.

Abstract: A process of constructing a forming screen through metal deposition in a nonconductive preform structure to achieve a desired aspect ratio of the forming screen thickness to open area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bending device for producing bent plastic tubes by thermoforming, the tubes being inserted into the guide duct of forming templates (2a-2d). According to the invention, this bending de vice comprises at least three workstations (11-14) intended to take identical forming templates and comprising circulation means (18-20) designed to form a thermoforming fluids circulation circuit incorporating the tube borne by the forming template (2a-2d), a multi-articulated robotised system (28, 29) comprising a gripper (31) provided with a press member having a bearing surface able to apply to a tube a force that inserts said tube into the guide duct of the forming templates (2a-2d), and means for the relative displacement of the robotised system (28, 29) and workstations (11-14) which are designed so that said robotised system is positioned facing each of said workstations in succession.

Abstract: The invention provides an imprint apparatus configured to form a pattern including: a plurality of detectors configured to detect marks, the plurality of detectors including a first detector and a second detector, and a control unit, the control unit causing the first detector to detect a first mark on the mold and a first mark on the substrate formed in the first region, performing a first alignment, causing the first detector to detect the first mark on the mold and the first mark on the substrate, and then causing the second detector to detect a second mark formed on the second region of the mold and a second mark on the substrate while moving the first detector.

Abstract: A device for marking an ophthalmic lens (3), the lens (3) being made of at least one preset material, includes a laser (1) configured to produce permanent engravings on the lens (3) and configured to emit a focused beam of pulsed ultraviolet laser radiation that includes at least one radiation wavelength ranging between 200 nm and 300 nm, has a pulse length ranging between about 0.1 ns and about 5 ns, and has an energy per pulse ranging between about 5 ?J and about 100 ?J. A laser marking process configured to produce permanent engravings on an ophthalmic lens (3) via this device is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an improved friction-fused welded joint is provided for use with overlapping thermoplastic strap portions. In an embodiment, the gripper is caused to swing back and force with a sufficiently large stroke and with a sufficiently fast stroke to cause sufficient reciprocation to rapidly heat the thermoplastic so that the two straps are welded together while reducing the depth of the area that is melted compared to traditional methods. Also, in an embodiment, a method is provided for stopping the relative motion of the two portions of straps with the portions of the plastic straps oriented in the same aligned relative positions at the end of the welding operation as at the beginning is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention describes a device and method for making corrugated products. The device can be used with any substrate and includes, at least, first and second drive rollers for driving a middle substrate and a single wall corrugated product. In other embodiments the invention includes upper drive rollers, lower drive rollers and middle drive rollers for driving an upper substrate, a lower substrate and a middle substrate. The middle substrate is driven between the upper and lower substrates at a higher velocity to form flutes that are anchored between the upper an lower substrates thereby forming a corrugated product. The invention also provides for customized corrugated products having multiple fluted substrates in various desirable arrangements. Examples of such products include mattress, partition panels, other furniture and construction products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a welded bond between polymer surfaces, comprising (i) applying a welding promoter composition to a to-be-welded area of one or both polymer surface(s), wherein the welding promoter composition comprises particles with a particle size range of 0.1 to 1000 ?m, the particles being made of a material that is inert towards a chemical reaction with the first and/or second polymer surface; (ii) applying energy to the to-be-welded area of the first polymer surface, the second polymer surface or both, the energy being sufficient to melt at least a portion of the polymer in the to-be-welded area of the polymer surface, and contacting the to-be-welded areas of the polymer surfaces; and (iii) allowing the molten polymer in the to-be-welded area to solidify so that a welded bond is formed between the polymer surfaces. The invention further relates to the thus produced articles and the use of the described compositions as welding promoters.

Abstract: A device includes a plurality of skin penetrating devices for delivering or withdrawing a substance through the skin of a patient. The device has a support formed with a top and bottom end and a plurality of channels extending axially through the support. A plurality of the skin penetrating members is positioned in the channels with a tip extending from the bottom end of the support. A coupling member is attached to the support for coupling with a fluid supply and directing the fluid to the skin penetrating members. The skin penetrating members have a length of about 100 microns to about 2000 microns and are about 30 to 50 gauge.

Abstract: A large tubular plastic tank, for use in holding unpressurized water or wastewater, is formed by fusion welding together half-shell parts to form a tubular body. Then end caps are fusion welded onto the outermost ends of the tubular body. Fusion welding fusion weld elements are secured beforehand to one of the mated joining surfaces of the tank parts at a factory; the tank parts are then economically stored or shipped in nested condition to a fabrication site remote from the manufacturing site. Electric or electromagnetic energy is used to melt in situ the fusion weld elements, thereby to make welds between the parts of the tank.

Abstract: An encapsulation structure for a container comprising a sealing layer, having an aluminum layer and a heat-sealing adhesive layer, wherein the aluminum layer is sealed on a rim of the container by the heat-sealing adhesive layer; a strippable foamed-plastic layer deposited in a cap of the container; and a strippable adhesive layer, wherein the strippable foamed-plastic layer is adhered to the aluminum layer by the strippable adhesive layer, and the adhesion force of the strippable adhesive layer is smaller than that of the heat-sealing adhesive layer. Therefore, the encapsulation structure for a container may be environmentally friendly, reduce used materials, be partially recyclable, and securely seal the container.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fabricating adhesive bonded joints while minimizing the voids and/or porosity found in the cured bondline. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus comprises an evacuation chamber combined with a pressure inducing device to produce bonded joints that are both void free and thoroughly compacted. The surfaces to be bonded are continuously evacuated throughout the bonding process (pre-mating, mating, debulking and cure). Continuous evacuation is provided via standard vacuum, while the induced pressure can be pneumatically or mechanically provided.

Abstract: Methods and techniques of using 3D printers to create physical models from image data are discussed. Geometric representations of different physical models are described and complex data conversion processes that convert input image data into geometric representations compatible with third party 3D printers are disclosed. Printing templates are used to encapsulate complex geometric representations and complicated data conversion processes from users for fast and simple 3D physical model printing applications.

Abstract: A controller places the set of three-dimensional objects in the formation area. The controller sets a plurality of placement zones in the formation area. The placement zones are defined by borderlines extending along an extension direction of a recoater for leveling a liquid surface. The controller places the three-dimensional objects in descending order of height in the placement zones. The three-dimensional objects are placed in each of the placement zones in order from a first placement zone of the placement zones.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for manufacturing three-dimensional objects by selective solidification of a build material applied in layers. In order to improve the manufacturing process and in particular to optimize heat input, it is proposed to use a heating element having at least two functional openings, one of the at least two functional openings serving as a material passthrough and another of the at least two functional openings serving simultaneously as a radiation passthrough.

Abstract: A 3D printer has a dual stage structure and includes: a frame; an extrusion unit having a nozzle configured to extrude a raw material; a stacking base unit positioned under the extrusion unit and configured to receive the raw material on a surface thereof so that an object is formed in a layer-by-layer manner on the surface; and a cutting unit positioned between the stacking base unit and the extrusion unit and configured to grind or cut the object formed on the surface of the stacking base unit, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to outer sides of the stacking base unit, the extrusion unit, and the cutting unit, the stacking base unit and the cutting unit are configured to be vertically movable along the frame, and the nozzle is configured to be movable on a plane.

Abstract: A printing module of a rapid prototyping apparatus is disclosed. The printing module includes a printing platform, a carrying seat and at least two modular ink cartridges. The printing platform has a frame and a driving shaft, and the driving shaft is installed on the frame. The carrying seat is penetrated and disposed on the driving shaft. The two modular ink cartridges are disposed on the carrying seat. Each modular ink cartridge has a case body and three ink chambers. The three ink chambers are divided within the case body for receiving different print liquids, respectively, and the case bodies of the at least two modular ink cartridges contain at least one print liquid the same with each other for performing the rapid prototyping printing process.