Abstract: A hot rolled austenitic stainless steel sheet contains 0.030 to 0.300% of C, from 0.30 to 3.20% of Si, from 0.90 to 17.00% of Mn, from 1.00 to 8.00% of Ni, from 14.00 to 19.00% of Cr, from 0.50 to 3.50% of Cu, from 0.045 to 0.250% of N, from 0.0001 to 0.0300% of Al, from 0 to 0.50% of V, from 0 to 0.50% of Nb, from 0 to 0.30% of Ti, and from 0 to 0.010% of B, all in terms of percentage by mass, with the balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, has a converted average composition of an oxide based inclusion that contains 30% by mass or less of Al2O3, 60% by mass or less of SiO2, and 15% by mass or more of MnO, and satisfies MnO3-3SiO2+110. Anisotropy of workability and fatigue resistance characteristics caused by an oxide based inclusion is decreased.

Abstract: This invention relates to prevention of delayed cracking of metal alloys during drawing which may occur from hydrogen attack. The alloys find applications in parts or components used in vehicles, such as bodies in white, vehicular frames, chassis, or panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a high strength coated steel sheet having a yield stress YS>550 MPa, a tensile strength TS>980 MPa, and improved formability and ductility. The steel contains: 0.15%?C?0.25%, 1.2%?Si?1.8%, 2%?Mn?2.4%, 0.1%?Cr?0.25%, Al?0.5%, the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities. The sheet is annealed at a temperature between TA1=Ac3?0.45*(Ms?QT) and TA2=830° C. for at least 30s then quenched by cooling it to a quenching temperature QT between 180° C. and 300° C., then heated to a partitioning temperature PT between 380° C. and 480° C. and maintained at this temperature for a partitioning time Pt between 0 sec and 300 sec, then either hot dip coated and cooled to the room temperature with a cooling rate of at least 25° C./s below 300° C., or directly cooled to the room temperature with a cooling rate of at least 25° C./s and further electro-galvanized, or cooled to the room temperature with a cooling rate of at least 25° C./s without coating.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of lithium from lithium bearing mica rich minerals, the process comprising passing an ore containing one or more lithium bearing mica rich minerals to at least one pre-treatment step, passing the pre-treated ore to an acid leach step thereby producing a pregnant leach solution, subjecting the pregnant leach solution to a series of process steps in which one or more impurity metals are removed, and recovering lithium as a lithium containing salt product.

Abstract: A method of selectively removing impurities from a scandium-containing feed solution includes contacting an aqueous scandium-containing solution with an organic solvent stream containing an extractant, thereby forming a loaded organic solvent stream containing the impurity or impurities while leaving the scandium in the raffinate. The aqueous stream containing the scandium is washed, diluted and has inorganic salts added before being contacted with a second organic solvent stream to extract the scandium selectively, and followed by stripping the scandium from the scandium-containing loaded organic extractant stream by adding oxalic acid to the loaded organic extractant stream to form scandium oxalate.

Abstract: A titanium-containing structure made of a titanium material includes: a package made of a commercially pure titanium material; and a filler packed into the package, wherein an internal pressure of the package is 10 Pa or less, the pressure being an absolute pressure, and wherein the filler includes at least one selected from titanium sponge, titanium briquet, and titanium scrap, and the filler has the same type of a chemical composition of the commercially pure titanium material. This titanium-containing structure enables production of a titanium product by performing hot working and eliminating the conventional melting step and forging step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a titanium alloy which is capable of nonlinear elastic deformation and simultaneously has super-high strength, super-low elastic modulus and stable super-elastic properties. The titanium alloy according to the present invention comprises Nb, Zr and O as alloy elements, the remainder being Ti and inevitable impurities, and has a valance electron ratio (e/a) of 4.17 to 4.22, a Mo equivalent (Moeq) of 7.50 to 9.72, and an Al equivalent (Aleq) of 1.42 to 14.53.

Abstract: Cobalt-based alloy compositions are described herein having properties compatible with thermal spray and sintering techniques. Such alloy compositions can provide claddings to a variety of metallic substrates having complex geometries, wherein the claddings exhibit desirable density, hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Briefly, an alloy composition described herein comprises 15-25 wt. % chromium, 15-20 wt. % molybdenum, 0-15 wt. % tungsten, 10-20 wt. % nickel, 2.5-3.5 wt. % boron, 2.5-4.5 wt. % silicon, 1-2 wt. % carbon and the balance cobalt, wherein a ratio of boron to silicon (B/Si) in the alloy composition ranges from 0.5 to 1.0.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an Al—Mg—Si alloy sheet for forming, that contains 0.2-2.0% of Mg, 0.3-2.0% of Si, and 0.005-0.3% of Si (all amounts given with respect to mass), the balance comprising Al and unavoidable impurities, wherein the aluminum alloy sheet for forming is characterized in that the structure of the aluminum alloy sheet is such that the average number density of compounds having a circle-equivalent diameter within a range of 0.3-20 ?m as measured by SEM at 500 times magnification is more than 0/mm2 but not more than 5,000/mm2, and of the compounds measured by SEM, the average count ratio of compounds that contain 0.5% by mass or more of Sn as identified using an X-ray spectrograph, is 0% or more but less than 50%. This aluminum alloy sheet for forming exhibits high BH response and good formability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cold work tool steel. The steel comprises the following main components (in wt. %): C 0.5-2, N 1.3-3, Si 0.05-1.2, Mn 0.05-1, Cr 2.5-5.5, Mo 0.8-2.2, V 6-18, with a balance of optional elements, iron, and impurities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high entropy alloy having more improved mechanical properties by controlling contents of additive elements in a NiCoFeMnCr 5-element alloy to control stacking fault energy, thereby controlling stability of a ? austenite phase to control a transformation mechanism, wherein the stacking fault energy is controlled in a composition range of NiaCobFecMndCre (a+b+c+d+e=100, 1?a?50, 1?b?50, 1?c?50, 1?d?50, 10?e?25, and 77a?42b?22c+73d?100e+2186?1500), and thus, the ? austenite phase exhibits a twin-induced plasticity (TWIP) property or a transformation induced-plasticity (TRIP) property in which the ? austenite phase is subjected to phase transformation into an ? martensite phase or an ?? martensite phase, under stress, thereby having improved strength and elongation at the same time to have excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a product comprising a 1xxx, 3xxx and 8xxx series aluminum alloy made by a non-ingot casting process, where the aluminum alloy has a thickness of about 5 micrometers to about 150 micrometers for a foil product. The product has an O-temper tensile strength, O-temper elongation, and O-temper Mullen pressure that are at least 10% greater compared to the average values of the same alloy in O-temper cast using a slab or roll-casting process. The product is substantially free of pinholes caused by centerline segregation of intermetallic particles. In another embodiment, the present invention discloses a 8111 or 8921 aluminum alloy made by a non-ingot casting process, where the aluminum alloy has a thickness of about 5 micrometers to about 150 micrometers for a foil product.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy, a method for producing a lightweight metal workpiece, a lightweight metal workpiece including the aluminum alloy, as well as the use of the aluminum alloy for producing high-strength lightweight metal workpieces by additive layer manufacturing (ALM) and/or spraying methods for load-optimized components, in particular in automobile manufacturing or in aviation and aerospace applications, plant engineering, medical technology, or as coating material for structural components are described herein.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to treated titanium alloys comprising a titanium substrate coated with an oxidized surface coating or an oxide-interdiffused titanium substrate. By creating an oxidized surface coating or oxide-interdiffused titanium substrate at the titanium substrate surface, the resulting treated titanium alloy has a dark color (e.g., grey to black).

Abstract: Steel strip provided with a hot dip galvanized zinc alloy coating layer, in which the coating of the steel strip is carried out in a bath of molten zinc alloy, the zinc alloy in the coating of: 0.3-2.3 weight % magnesium; 0.6-2.3 weight % aluminium; optional <0.2 weight % of one or more additional elements; unavoidable impurities; the remainder being zinc in which the zinc alloy coating layer has a thickness of 3-12 ?m.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a component in a plasma processing apparatus is provided. The method includes: performing a surface conditioning on a surface of an underlying layer on which a film is to be formed by thermal spraying, the surface of the underlying layer includes a surface of a base or a surface of a layer formed on the surface of the base; and forming the film on the surface of the underlying layer by thermally spraying yttrium fluoride. A high velocity oxygen fuel spraying method or an atmospheric plasma spraying method is used in the forming of the film.

Abstract: In a multi-mask alignment system and method, a carrier frame is provided having a number of apertures therethrough. A number of shadow mask-frame combinations are also provided. Each shadow mask-frame combination includes a first set of alignment features and each shadow mask-frame combination is positioned on a first side of the carrier with the frame supporting the shadow mask in alignment with one of the apertures. An alignment system is provided and a control system including a programmed controller is also provided. Under the control of the controller, the alignment system is caused to adjust the position of each shadow mask-frame combination with respect to the carrier based on positions of the first set of alignment features determined by the controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for open-air pulsed laser deposition with a low pressure zone maintained between the targets and the substrate by pumping the ambient gas out with a vacuum pump. The zone between the targets and the substrate may be shielded from ambient oxygen with an inert gas flowing from outside. The films can be deposited on a large substrate, which may be freely translated with respect to the targets. The apparatus may accommodate multiple pulsed laser beams and multiple targets. The targets may be remotely tilted in order to provide optimal plume overlapping on the substrate. At least one target may be deposited using the matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation process. The target may be made of a polymer solution frozen with circulating liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: An Ag alloy sputtering target of the present invention includes, as a composition, 0.1 at % to 3.0 at % of Sn, 1.0 at % to 10.0 at % of Cu, and a balance of Ag and inevitable impurities. In addition, an Ag alloy film of the present invention includes, as a composition, 0.1 at % to 3.0 at % of Sn, 1.0 at % to 10.0 at % of Cu, and a balance of Ag and inevitable impurities.

Abstract: A metal deposition source assembly includes a housing, a crucible disposed inside the housing, a heater disposed between the housing and the crucible, a nozzle disposed at an upper portion of the housing, and a bead layer disposed inside the crucible, the bead layer including a plurality of beads.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of processes for the generation of thin inorganic films on substrates. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process comprising bringing a compound of general formula (I) into the gaseous or aerosol state and depositing the compound of general formula (I) from the gaseous or aerosol state onto a solid substrate, wherein R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R18 are independent of each other hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a trialkylsilyl group, R21, R22, R23, R24 are independent of each other an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a trialkylsilyl group, n is 1 or 2, M is a metal or semimetal, X is a ligand which coordinates M, and m is an integer from 0 to 3.

Abstract: A film forming apparatus includes: a processing chamber receiving a substrate and performing a film forming process for forming a predetermined film; a gas supply means supplying inert gas; an exhaust means exhausting an inside of the processing chamber to adjust a pressure in the processing chamber; an impurity concentration detecting means detecting impurity concentration in the processing chamber; and a controller performing a purge process which includes supplying the inert gas into the processing chamber without exhausting the inside of the processing chamber and exhausting the inside of the processing chamber without supplying the inert gas into the processing chamber when the impurity concentration detected by the impurity concentration detecting means is equal to or more than a predetermined value, and perform the film forming process with respect to the substrate when the impurity concentration detected by the impurity concentration detecting means is less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A vapor phase growth apparatus according to as embodiment includes n reaction chambers, a main gas supply path supplying a process gas to the n reaction chambers, a main mass flow controller controlling a flow rate of the process gas, a branch portion branching the main gas supply path, n sub gas supply paths branched from the main gas supply path at the branch portion, the n sub gas supply paths supplying branched process gases to the n reaction chambers, n first stop valves in the n sub gas supply paths between the branch portion and the n reaction chambers, distances from the n first stop valves to the branch portion are less than distances from the n first stop valves to the n reaction chambers, and n sub mass flow controllers in the n sub gas supply paths between the n first stop valves and the n reaction chambers.

Abstract: Embodiments provided herein describe systems and method for processing substrates. A substrate is provided. A showerhead is positioned above the substrate. The showerhead includes a plurality of injection ports, at least one isolation channel, and at least one exhaust port on a bottom surface thereof. The at least one isolation channel separates the plurality of injection ports into two or more sections. The at least one exhaust port is positioned within the at least one isolation channel. The plurality of injection ports are not in fluid communication with the at least one exhaust port within the showerhead. At least one processing fluid is caused to be delivered from the plurality of injection ports onto the substrate. At least some of the at least one processing fluid is caused to be removed from the substrate through the at least one exhaust port.

Abstract: Provided is a reaction chamber for a chemical vapor apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an advantageous method for producing a coating (3) increasing the coefficient of friction on a surface (5) of an element (6), wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) activating of hard particles (1) partially or completely covered by a bonding agent (2) in a non-thermal plasma (low-temperature plasma) at atmospheric pressure; and b) producing a layer (3) increasing the coefficient of friction on a surface (5) of the element (6) by depositing the hard particles (1), which are activated by the non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma and which are coated with the bonding agent onto the surface (5) of the element (6). Specifically, for elements having a complicated shape or having a big size, this method is more efficient than known methods. No matrix or intermediate layers are necessary to fix the hard particles. The anchoring of the hard particles takes place directly in the joining surfaces themselves.

Abstract: A pre-coating agent composition for a grain-oriednted electrical steel sheet, a grain-oriednted electrical steel sheet including the same, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. Particularly, a pre-coating agent composition for a grain-oriednted electrical steel sheet including an acid containing boron (B); and a solvent, a grain-oriednted electrical steel sheet including the same, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting corrosion of metal surfaces by aqueous acids are described. The methods include combining an effective amount of a corrosion inhibitor composition with an aqueous acid solution to form an inhibited acid solution and contacting a metal surface with the inhibited acid solution. The corrosion inhibitor composition includes an aromatic ketone or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A composition and a method for inhibiting corrosion of a metal by contacting a metal surface with the composition. The composition includes a wood tar oil, from an Olea europaea subsp. Cuspidate plant, and an alcohol solvent. The wood tar oil is present at 5%-80% v/v relative to the total volume of the composition, and the alcohol solvent is present at 10%-95% v/v relative to the total volume of the composition. The composition has a coating resistance of greater than 2.5 ohms and inhibits corrosion of a metal.

Abstract: Alcohols are prepared by electrochemical reductive coupling of an aromatic vinyl compound and a carbonyl compound in a process which comprises electrolyzing an electrolyte solution in an electrochemical cell, the electrolyte solution comprising the aromatic vinyl compound, the carbonyl compound and a non-aqueous protic solvent, such as methanol, wherein the electrolyte solution is in contact with a carbon-based cathode Styrene is reacted with acetone to prepare 2-methyl-4-phenyl-2-butanol.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolytic process for preparation of metal carboxylate complex comprising placing a semi-permeable membrane (18) between the electrodes in order to isolate the same. This membrane (18) prevents the migration of the metal ions from the anode to the cathode, thus increasing the metal ion concentration in the anolyte, leading to highly increased and faster formation of metal carboxylate complex.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture possessing corrosion resistance characteristics are described, in particular for use in the chlor-alkali and other industries. The articles are formed from a resin composition, e.g., a cyclic olefin composition, polymerized with a Group 8 olefin metathesis catalyst. In particular aspects, an electrolytic cell component, such as a cell cover for use in the electrolysis of brine, may be formed from the resin composition. Among other benefits, such articles provide improved corrosion resistance compared to articles molded from other resin compositions, such as fiberglass reinforced polyesters and vinyl esters, and two-component dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) resins comprising molybdenum or tungsten pre-catalysts.

Abstract: Methods of preparing hetero ionic complexes, and ionic liquids from bisulfate salts of heteroatomic compounds using dialkylcarbonates as a primary quaternizing reactant are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making electrochemical cells comprising the ionic liquids, and an electrochemical cell comprising an alkaline electrolyte and a hetero ionic complex additive.

Abstract: An electrochemical hydrogen pump includes: an electrolyte membrane; a cathode catalyst layer provided on one principal surface of the electrolyte membrane; an anode catalyst layer provided on the other principal surface of the electrolyte membrane; a pair of separators which include gas flow paths and which are provided so as to sandwich the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer; and a voltage application portion applying a voltage between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer. In the electrochemical hydrogen pump, the one principal surface is disposed at an upper side in the gravity direction, and the cathode catalyst layer has a hydrophilic property.

Abstract: The invention provides electro-catalyst compositions for an anode electrode of an acid mediated proton exchange membrane-based water electrolysis system. The compositions include a noble metal component selected from the group consisting of iridium oxide, ruthenium oxide, rhenium oxide and mixtures thereof, and a non-noble metal component selected from the group consisting of tantalum oxide, tin oxide, niobium oxide, titanium oxide, tungsten oxide, molybdenum oxide, yttrium oxide, scandium oxide, cooper oxide, zirconium oxide, nickel oxide and mixtures thereof. Further, the non-noble metal component can include a dopant. The dopant can be at least one element selected from Groups III, V, VI and VII of the Periodic Table. The compositions can be prepared using any solution based methods involving a surfactant approach or a sol gel approach. Further, the compositions are prepared using noble metal and non-noble metal precursors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electrochemical reduction of oxygen in alkaline media, a catalyst comprising nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) having nanoparticles located on their surface being used.

Abstract: Water electrolyzers employs base metal catalysts and an anion-conducting polymeric membrane comprising a polymer of styrene, vinylbenzyl-Rs and possibly vinylbenzyl-Rx. Rs is a positively charged cyclic amine group. Rx is at least one constituent selected from the group consisting of —Cl, —OH, and a reaction product between an —OH or —Cl and a species other than a simple amine or a cyclic amine.

Abstract: A hanging bar for supporting an anode (10) without lugs which is formed by a first lower portion of the body (11) and a second upper hanging portion (12) which comprises: two elongated splints (15) having a width similar to said second upper hanging portion (12); two plastic spacer pieces (33) connecting the ends of said two splints (15) being each one of said two plastic spacer pieces (33) formed by a base (28) from which two pillars (20) emerge, leaving between both pillars (20) a central housing zone (34), wherein on said base (28) and between said pillars (20) there is a planar surface (31) and on the inner portion of said base (28) there is an inclined surface (30), two pivoting supports (17), being each one of them housed in the central housing (34) of said two plastic spacer pieces (33), wherein said pivoting supports (17) are formed by a straight piece (43) which finishes in one of its ends in a bushing (27) in the center of which has a first hole (39) which matches second holes (38) of said pillars (

Abstract: An aqueous electrolytic composition and a process for electrodeposition of copper on a dielectric or semiconductor base structure using the aqueous electrolytic composition. The process includes (i) contacting a metalizing substrate comprising a seminal conductive layer on the base structure with an aqueous electrolytic deposition composition; and (ii) supplying electrical current to the electrolytic deposition composition to deposit copper on the substrate.

Abstract: A Cu core ball and a method of manufacturing such a Cu core ball. Purity of the Cu internal ball is at least 99.9% and not greater than 99.995%. A total contained amount of Pb and/or Bi in impurity contained in the Cu ball is equal to or larger than 1 ppm. Its sphericity is at least 0.95. A solder plating film coated on the Cu ball is of Sn solder or a lead free solder alloy whose primary component is Sn. In the solder plating film, a contained amount of U is not more than 5 ppb and that of Th is not more than 5 ppb. A total alpha dose of the Cu ball and the solder plating film is not more than 0./0200 cph/cm2. An arithmetic average roughness of the Cu core ball is equal to or less than 0.3 ?m.

Abstract: This invention provides a simple approach for the straightforward and direct preparation of iron-oxide based electrocatalytic materials film (FeOx—Ci) on a simple Fe substrate by controlled surface-anodization and/or self-deposition in simple and low-cost carbonate buffer. The FeOx—Ci based electrocatalysts may advantageously be employed as electrode and as anode material in water oxidation, water conversion systems and fuel generation assemblies. The FeOx—Ci exhibits remarkably low over potential (??360) for anodic oxygen evolution relative to other Fe-oxide based catalysts, and show very high activity and stability for long-term water electrolysis operation.

Abstract: Direct current plating methods inhibit void formation, reduce dimples and eliminate nodules. The method involves electroplating copper at a high current density followed by a pause in electroplating and then turning on the current to electroplate at a lower current density to fill through-holes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor for a solar cell and other applications is disclosed. A separating layer may be introduced into a mold having an interior defining a shape of a solar cell or other substantially planer object. A silicon nitride coating may be applied onto one or more interior surfaces of the mold. A planar capillary space is formed along the conductive layer. The silicon is melted under an ultra-low oxygen content cover atmosphere and allowed to flow into the capillary space. The melted silicon is then cooled within the capillary space such that the silicon forms one part of a P-N junction in the body of the semiconductor.

Abstract: A substrate processing system is described that has a reactor and a gas panel, and a common exhaust for the reactor and the gas panel. An exhaust conduit from the reactor is routed to the gas panel, and exhaust gases from the reactor are used to purge the gas panel. Gases from the reactor may be cooled before flowing to the gas panel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a diamond by a vapor phase synthesis method includes: preparing a substrate including a diamond seed crystal; forming a light absorbing layer lower in optical transparency than the substrate by performing ion implantation into the substrate, the light absorbing layer being formed at a predetermined depth from a main surface of the substrate; growing a diamond layer on the main surface of the substrate by the vapor phase synthesis method; and separating the diamond layer from the substrate by applying light from a main surface of at least one of the diamond layer and the substrate to allow the light absorbing layer to absorb the light and cause the light absorbing layer to be broken up.

Abstract: Provided are a diamond composite body capable of shortening a separation time for separating a substrate and a diamond layer, the substrate, and a method for manufacturing a diamond, as well as a diamond obtained from the diamond composite body and a tool including the diamond. The diamond composite body includes a substrate including a diamond seed crystal and having grooves in a main surface, a diamond layer formed on the main surface of the substrate, and a non-diamond layer formed on a substrate side at a constant depth from an interface between the substrate and the diamond layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a diamond membrane. The method comprises providing a substrate and a support structure. The substrate comprises a diamond material having a first surface and the substrate further comprises a sub-surface layer that is positioned below the first surface and has a crystallographic structure that is different to that of the diamond material. The sub-surface layer is positioned to divide the diamond material into first and second regions wherein the first region is positioned between the first surface and the sub-surface layer. The support structure also comprises a diamond material and is connected to, and covers a portion of, the first surface of the substrate. The method further comprises selectively removing the second region of the diamond material from the substrate by etching away at least a portion of the sub-surface layer of the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a Ga2O3-based single crystal substrate capable of achieving a high processing yield. A Ga2O3-based single crystal substrate having a crack density of less than 0.05 cracks/cm can be obtained that has as a principal surface thereof a surface rotated 10-150° from the (100) plane, when a rotation direction from the (100) plane to the (001) plane via the (101) plane is defined as positive, having the [010] axis as the rotation axis.

Abstract: A SiC epitaxial wafer including: a SiC epitaxial layer that is formed on a SiC substrate having an off angle, wherein the surface density of triangular defects, in which a distance from a starting point to an opposite side in a horizontal direction is equal to or greater than (a thickness of the SiC epitaxial layer/tan(x))×90% and equal to or less than (the thickness of the SiC epitaxial layer/tan(x))×110%, in the SiC epitaxial layer is in the range of 0.05 pieces/cm2 to 0.5 pieces/cm2 (where x indicates the off angle).

Abstract: An ultrafine fiber production device has a first heating unit, a nozzle unit, a hot air heating unit, a hot air blowing unit, a second heating unit, and a fiber collecting unit. The first heating unit melts a thermoplastic resin. The nozzle unit discharges the thermoplastic resin melted by the first heating unit. The hot air blowing unit performs fiber forming by blowing high-temperature gas produced by the hot air heating unit to the melted thermoplastic resin discharged by the nozzle unit and by extending the thermoplastic resin. The second heating unit further heats, extends, and fines produced fibers. The fiber collecting unit collects the thermoplastic resin in a fibrous form which is fined by the second heating unit.