Abstract: A method for producing a cover element for upholstery of a motor vehicle seat element, includes at least one layer of foam and a cap made at least from a covering material. The forming of the cover element includes the steps of: placing the cap against a matrix defining the visible shape of the cover element, with the covering material on a side of the matrix; holding the cap pressed against the matrix by suction; placing the at least one layer of foam against a back of the covering material; and applying a forming punch defining a rear face of the cover element.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a skin system or its elements using a laser cutter. The laser cutter is controlled to perform multiple passes to selectively cut away layers of material on a surface of a sheet of cellular foam materials. Each layer of material to be removed is defined by a cut or texture pattern. The laser cutter is operated to cut deeper with each layer of material removed by setting a different resolution for the laser cutter for each layer. For example, a laser cutter may be selectively controlled to operate within a resolution range, and each layer defined by the same or different cut pattern is cut using a different resolution. The method includes associating lower resolution settings for the first or outer layers to remove a first depth of material from the skin sheet's surface and associating higher and higher resolution settings for additional layers.

Abstract: A method for producing a polymer composite fiber comprised of a polymer matrix with filaments incorporated therein whose lengthwise dimensions are substantially oriented with the axial dimension of the composite fiber, the method comprising subjecting a melt comprised of a polymer matrix and filaments to an extrusion process in which the melt is extruded into a fibrous form in the absence of screw extruders and in the substantial absence of shear forces that result in breakage of the filaments, followed by cooling and solidification of the extruded melt to provide the polymer composite fiber. Integration of these polymer composite fibers with additive manufacturing technologies, particularly rapid prototyping methods, such as FFF and 3D printing, are also described. The resulting polymer composite fibers and articles made thereof are also described.

Abstract: A device for producing plastics parts having at least one rod-shaped metal insert, and comprising first and second mold half elements. At least one of the mold half elements is movable along a closure direction (Z). The mold half elements together can form a closed cavity for molding a plastics part, the insert projecting at least in portions into the cavity in order to be overmolded with plastics material, and being substantially arranged between the two mold half elements in a dividing plane which comprises a longitudinal direction (X) and a width direction (Y). At least one of the mold half elements has at least one fixing means wherein the insert can be fixed in the width direction. A positioning means can be arranged at a proximal end of the insert, allowing the insert to be moved along the longitudinal direction (X) into an injection position.

Abstract: Hollow fiber membranes are potted by injecting a liquid material into a substantially closed cavity (44) containing the fibers. The cavity may be formed in part by the interaction of a mold a permeate pan (52) and a layer of an adhesive pre-applied to a bundle of the membranes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises: a base layer molding step that injection-fills a mold cavity with a base layer resin to mold a base layer; a first expansion step that causes the volume of the mold cavity to expand to a specified quantity such that a certain space is formed between an outer surface of the base layer molded by the base layer molding step and an inner surface of the mold; a first injection-filling step that injection-fills the space formed by the first expansion step with a first resin; a second expansion step that, after the start of the first injection-filling step, causes the mold cavity to expand to a specified quantity such that the space is expanded; and a second injection-filling step that, after completion of the first injection-filling step and after the start of the second expansion step, injection-fills a second resin into the first resin.

Abstract: A nozzle terminal for injectors of plastic material injection moulding apparatus, includes a tubular tip defining a flow passage for the injected plastic material and including a radially inner element made of a first abrasion resistant material, an intermediate element made of a second high thermal conductivity material, and a radially outer element made of a third corrosion resistant material. The radially inner, intermediate and radially outer elements are joined to each other in intimate mutual contact, and the radially outer element fully covers the intermediate element thus insulating it from the environment.

Abstract: Injection molding of plastic materials by an apparatus comprising at least one injector including a valve pin displaceable in a controlled manner between a closed position and an open position by an electric rotary actuator. At least one step is provided of detecting the value of the torque developed by the electric rotary actuator when the valve pin is in the path from the closed position to the open position, and the torque value detected is used to pilot the molding process.

Abstract: A injection molding system extracts molding data and inspection data having a difference between a first position information of a conveyance part where a molded article produced by an injection molding apparatus is picked up by a conveyor device and a second position information of the conveyance part where the molded article is inspected by an inspection device is equal to a predetermined distance between a pickup position and an inspection position, and stores the molding data and the inspection data in association with each other as a set. This configuration makes it possible to associate molding data of an injection molding apparatus when producing a molded article and inspection data with each other to control the quality of molded articles.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and processes of manufacturing irradiation crosslinked polypropylene foam. In some embodiments, this includes extrusion of all material components, including a liquid crosslinking agent, to manufacture extruded structures for production of irradiation crosslinked polypropylene foam.

Abstract: A laminate film including at least one bio-based polyester layer. The polyester layer has a radiocarbon (14C) content of at least 21.5 pMC. The laminate film may further have additional layers such as a second bio-based polyester resin-containing layer of at least about 21.5 pMC radiocarbon content, a metal layer, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A blow molding machine for blow molding a container having an integrally formed handle; said container blow molded from a previously injection molded preform; said preform comprising a body portion and said integrally formed handle; said machine including a preform loading station at which said preform is oriented by a preform orienting apparatus.

Abstract: The unit (1) for processing hollow-body plastic blanks (2) includes a chamber (6) wherein the blanks (2) move along a predetermined path. The chamber (6) is defined, on both sides of the path, by two side walls (3, 4) having inner surfaces (5) that face each other. The chamber (6) includes a main section (9) wherein at least one of the walls (3, 4) is provided with a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources (10). The side walls (3, 4) define therebetween, on at least one end of the chamber, an opening (8) for the preforms to pass therethrough. The chamber (6) includes at least one optical confinement section (12) that extends between the main section (9) and the opening (8) and wherein the inner surfaces (5) of the side walls (3, 4) are optically reflective and converge toward the opening (8).

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual tenter clip and table assembly for moving, by means of an endless chain consisting of alternating pairs of first chain links and pairs of second chain links rotatably connected by pins arranged in parallel to the plane of a rail and perpendicular to the direction of the endless chain's movement, a polymer material web on a stretching plant or stretching device for stretching said polymer material web at least in a transverse direction.

Abstract: In blown film installations, it is known to provide longitudinal stretching of the produced double layer film strip downstream of the draw-off, more precisely downstream of the reversing unit and upstream of the winder. It is also known to stretch the down-drawn film, wherein the film must then be preheated owing to the long cooling path from the draw-off. According to a first feature, the present invention specifies warming the film above the draw-off and then treating it mechanically. The film can thereby be brought with only little energy from a first level of warmth to a temperature level at which it can easily be worked. According to a second feature, the invention specifies providing a tractive force breakdown brake.

Abstract: A blade of a cutting tool is stuck into a medium adhered on a support member and is stopped in a state in which a blade edge is positioned between upper and lower surfaces of the medium. A cut line is formed in the medium by the support member and the cutting tool being moved. The blade is pulled out from the medium. An embossing tool is pressed against a position along the cut line of the medium. A continuous recess extending along the cut line is formed in the medium by the support member and the embossing tool being moved.

Abstract: A system and method for fused deposition modelling that deposits using a nozzle a material on a substrate at a first predetermined temperature, moves, using processing circuitry, the nozzle and an ultrasonic hammer at a predetermined speed in a predetermined pattern to create an object, and hammers the deposited material using the ultrasonic hammer to compress the deposited material, wherein the deposited material is at a second predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object is disclosed. The method includes operating a first ejector of a three-dimensional object printer to eject a first material towards a platen to form an object. The method further includes operating a second ejector of the three-dimensional object printer to eject a second material towards the platen to form support for portions of the object, the support being configured to provide support for portions of the object during the operation of the first ejector to form the object, at least one portion of the support having a body with at least one fluid path that connects at least one opening in the body to at least one other opening in the body. The method further includes connecting a fluid source to the at least one fluid path of the support to enable fluid to flow through the at least one fluid path to remove at least an inner portion the support from the object.

Abstract: A method for controlling the exposure of a selective laser sintering or laser melting apparatus. The method includes providing a selective laser sintering apparatus or laser melting apparatus that uses successive solidification of layers of a powder-type construction material that can be solidified using radiation.

Abstract: A 3-D printer includes a development station positioned to electrostatically transfer layers of material to an intermediate transfer surface, and a transfer station adjacent the intermediate transfer surface. The transfer station is positioned to receive the layers as the intermediate transfer surface moves past the transfer station. Also, a platen is included that moves relative to the intermediate transfer surface. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the material to the platen each time the platen contacts one of the layers on the intermediate transfer surface at the transfer station to successively form a freestanding stack of the layers on the platen. A fusing station is positioned to apply light to each layer, after each layer is transferred from the transfer station to the platen. The fusing station selectively applies the light to sinter a portion of the material within the layer.

Abstract: Functionally graded materials can be prepared through additive manufacturing by determining the path that a head of 3D printer can follow while extruding a material mix of a required composition at required points of a layer of an FGM. Each point within the layer is evaluated regarding the directions within which the printing head can move into from that point while extruding the material mix of a required composition. Based on the evaluation, a multitude of polygons are defined within the polygonal shape that are guaranteed to be printable. A path can be designed for the printing head to follow to print all of the defined polygons, and consequently, to print the entire polygonal layer. Material extrusion commands are generated for the printing head.

Abstract: A uniquely featured addition to previous three dimensional prototyping machinery without any traversing X and Y coordinate moving parts, thus saving time by focusing on only an incrementally regular Z stage and the rapidity of chemical deposition via electrically localized reaction nodes through a porous/channeled plane called the build/extrusion platen. Processes for making objects using such machine and platen are also disclosed as well as features and further indexing of extrusion location inventions. Other features including chemistry, curing material, and curing control as well as activation methods and machines are also disclosed in combination with the feature of a simultaneous two-dimensional layer-wise deposition machine and process for “growing” the object in the Z direction using the displaceable platen or object supporting stage in a rapid manner. Further due to the rapid growth and deposition manner, additional benefits to the object creation and curable material, e.g. a monomer can be realized.

Abstract: A three dimensional mold object manufacturing apparatus is adapted to manufacture a three dimensional mold object by repeatedly forming and layering layers using a composition including particles. The apparatus includes a layer forming section configured to form the layers using the composition and a bulge detecting unit configured to detect a bulge on the layers. When the bulge detecting unit detects the bulge with a height equal to or more than a predetermined height formed on one of the layers, the layer forming section is configured and arranged to adjust a thickness of a subsequent one of the layers, which is provided directly on the one of the layers where the bulge is detected.

Abstract: A method for bonding fibers includes providing a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer positioned below the first fiber layer to bond the first fiber layer with the second fiber layer. The method may also include providing a first additive layer. The first additive layer is located between the first fiber layer and the second fiber layer. Then, the method may further include activating the first additive layer by directing energy at the first additive layer.

Abstract: A mat unit is formed from at least two layers ultrasonically welded together. Each layer is individually formed from non-vinyl nontoxic thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. In ultrasonically joining the two layers together, there is no need to use additional materials, such as adhesive (i.e., chemical attachment) or stitched thread (i.e., mechanical attachment) to form the joint/weld point. Once formed from the two layers, the mat unit has four quadrants and a plurality of longitudinal ribs integrally formed in the first layer positioned in the first and third quadrants, and a plurality of transverse ribs integrally formed in the first layer positioned in the second and fourth quadrants. Additionally, there are a plurality of longitudinal ribs integrally formed in the second layer positioned in the second and fourth quadrants, and a plurality of transverse ribs integrally formed in the second layer positioned in the first and third quadrants.

Abstract: A method is provided of bonding together at least two parts. The method includes assembling together at least two parts and at least one adhesive layer, the adhesive being configured so that its adhesive power increases on heating as a result of it polymerizing, at least one of the parts being made of composite material or of metal, the adhesive layer being present, after assembly, between the parts, the assembled together parts and the adhesive being present in a chamber defined by a wall, the wall having an inside face situated facing a first part present between the adhesive layer and the wall, the first part being intended to be bonded to a second part and only a fraction of the second part being present inside the chamber; and applying a liquid against the wall on its side opposite from the chamber.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object includes: providing a carrier which has a predetermined surface including a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface; and driving a discharging head to move on a work track and conduct a three-dimensional spread corresponding to the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface, wherein the predetermined surface and the work track have an identical spacing therebetween. Wherein the discharging head moves relative to the first surface using a first movement speed and conducts the three-dimensional spread, the discharging head moves relative to the second surface using a second movement speed and conducts the three-dimensional spread, the discharging head moves relative to the third surface using a third movement speed and conducts the three-dimensional spread.

Abstract: Methods to form cross-linked or sintered objects include forming walls for reservoir layers, with cross-linkable or sinterable materials deposited in the reservoir layers. The cross-linkable or sinterable materials can then be cross-linked, e.g., changing the structure of the deposited cross linkable materials, or sintered, e.g., heat treated to fused the sinterable materials together. The walls for the reservoir layers can be removed after the objects are formed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for process simulation are described. The methods may use a reference model identifying sensitivity of a reference scanner to a set of tunable parameters. Chip fabrication from a chip design may be simulated using the reference model, wherein the chip design is expressed as one or more masks. An iterative retuning and simulation process may be used to optimize critical dimension in the simulated chip and to obtain convergence of the simulated chip with an expected chip. Additionally, a designer may be provided with a set of results from which an updated chip design is created.

Abstract: According to one example, there in provided a system for processing three-dimensional object data representing a three-dimensional object to be generated by an additive manufacturing system. The system comprises a processor to perform a transformation on the three-dimensional object data, and to generate a plurality of slice images from the transformed three dimensional object data.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens (10) having at least one optical function, includes: a step (100) of additively manufacturing the ophthalmic lens (10) by depositing a plurality of preset volume elements of at least one material having a preset refractive index in order to form a target geometric envelope; a step of determining an actual geometric envelope at least once during the implementation of the additive manufacturing step (100); and a step of triggering a corrective action if there is in a zone a discrepancy larger than a preset threshold between the target geometric envelope and the actual geometric envelope.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of preparing a polygon mesh for printing by a process of additive manufacturing includes the steps of receiving a model of an object to be printed in the form of a polygon mesh, converting the polygon mesh into a signed distance field which comprises voxels identified as interior or exterior to the object, the conversion including a process for resolving degeneracies in the model so that the signed distance field defines an outer surface that is an orientable manifold, and thus may exist in reality and an output step which converts the signed distance field to a format that facilitates additive manufacturing of the object.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing three-dimensional fiber fabrics and three-dimensional component preforms include clamping at least two edge regions of an overall convex body made a fiber fabric and then reshaping at least one to-be-reshaped region of the overall convex body into a concave region. Devices for manufacturing three-dimensional fiber fabrics and three-dimensional component preforms include a workpiece carrier for supporting the overall convex body, a clamping device that clamps the at least two edge regions of the overall convex body and a re-molding tool that re-shapes the at least one to-be-reshaped region of the overall convex body into the concave region.

Abstract: A method for placing material for a composite part. A roller may be positioned relative to a material delivery structure in which the roller is associated with an end of the material delivery structure. A material delivery structure may be moved relative to a mold. A plurality of lengths of material may be moved towards a roller associated with an end of the material delivery structure. The plurality of lengths of material may be placed on the mold with the roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle comprising a steering shaft which is mounted in a steering shaft mounting unit and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and comprising a support unit for connecting the steering shaft mounting unit to the body of the motor vehicle. At least one component of the steering column is composed at least partially of a fiber-reinforced composite material and the component lies in the flux of force between the steering column and the body. The component is provided with at least one pultrusion layer which has multiple fibers produced by pultrusion as reinforcing fibers, said fibers being oriented parallel to one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A filament winding apparatus includes a controller that controls the action of the filament winding apparatus. The controller includes a tension controller that controls a tension adjuster in such a way that an adjusted tension waveform that relates the rotation phase of a liner to the tension of a fiber adjusted by the tension adjuster has a phase opposite to the phase of a temporary tension waveform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a laser unit and a controller. The laser unit is configured to generate a number of laser beams. The controller is configured to operate the laser unit to generate the number of laser beams resulting in a desired level of heating of a composite patch that cures the composite patch on a composite structure.

Abstract: A method of hose construction comprises: providing a sacrificial layer on the surface of a hose former; constructing a hose on the sacrificial layer; forcing pressurized fluid between the sacrificial layer and the hose former to separate the hose former from the sacrificial layer; and separating the sacrificial layer from the hose.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a green tire by winding a carcass reinforcement ply onto a tire-building drum on which a number of profiled elements are axially spaced apart one from one another and have a given thickness of which the meridian line has a curved profile are laid, wherein: the front edge of the carcass reinforcement ply is grasped with the aid of a transport device having a chassis that supports a transverse row of ply gripping pads, the carcass reinforcement ply is transferred between a supply station and drum, the front edge of said ply is laid on the tire-building drum, said transport device is withdrawn, an applicator roller having a deformable profile is applied to the front edge of said ply and pressure is exerted in the radial direction across the width of said ply, and said drum is made to rotate.

Abstract: A tire building machine for applying an apex to a bead to form a bead-apex assembly for a green tire, including a bead holder for holding the bead, wherein the tire building machine includes a first gripper and a second gripper for engaging and moving the apex in a direction of conveyance towards the bead, wherein the first gripper is moveable between a first start position and a first end position and the second gripper is moveable between a second start position and a second end position, wherein the tire building machine is provided with wedges, wherein the grippers are biased to a closed state in which the grippers are arranged to engage the apex, and wherein the wedges are arranged for countering the bias of the grippers when the grippers are at one of the start positions or the end positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resealable package (1, 1?, 1?), comprising a package body (2) having a first side wall (4), a second side wall (6) opposite the first side wall (4), an openable top end (8) and a closed bottom end (10), wherein a portion (12) of the first side wall (4) protrudes beyond the second side wall (6) at the top end (8) in a direction from the bottom end (10) to the top end (8), and a closure element (18) which is releasably adhered to an inner surface (14) of the portion (12) of the first side wall (4) which protrudes beyond the second side wall (6) and the second side wall (6) so as to close the top end (8), Upon removal of the closure element (18) from the package body (2), a resealable adhesive arrangement (20, 22; 23; 25) is exposed so as to allow the inner surface (14) of the portion (12) of the first side wall (4) which protrudes beyond the second side wall (6) and an outer surface (16) of the second side wall (6) to be resealably adhered to one another in a position to close the top

Abstract: Embodiments include a carton feeding system for feeding a plurality of cartons to a conveyor track, comprising a plurality of feeding devices, where each feeding device comprises a pick-up head with a plurality of vacuum cups, and an erecting finger pivotally suspended at the pick-up head, where the pick-up head has a pick-up position (P1) in which the holding plane of the pick-up head is positioned parallel to the folded carton blank that is to be picked up, and an insertion position (P2) in which the erecting finger is pivoted with respect to the holding plane of the pick-up head in such a way that the carton is opened, and where at least two cartons are inserted simultaneously into the conveyor track.

Abstract: A corner board includes first and second sides, each including a board material; a bend between the first and second sides, joining first and second sides together; and a slit adjacent to a first end of the corner board, the slit completely crossing the bend and partially crossing the first and second sides. In addition, a method of manufacturing a corner board includes bending a board stock to form first and second sides of the corner board with an angle therebetween; cutting the board stock into fixed lengths, the bent and cut board stock forming the corner board; and forming a slit near a first end of the corner board. The present corner board may be advantageously rested or placed along a vertical edge of a container or stack of containers.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum insulator having both an excellent insulating performance and an excellent bending strength. A vacuum insulator (1) is configured by a sack-shaped enveloping member (3) and at least one sheet (7) including a plurality of inorganic fibers and includes a core member (5) enclosed in the enveloping member (3). The sheet (7) includes a plurality of bundled inorganic fibers (9) formed by bundling some inorganic fibers from among the plurality of inorganic fibers. At least a part of the bundled inorganic fibers (9) are in contact with each other.

Abstract: Floorboards with a surface of flexible fibers for laying a mechanically joined floating floor, and methods for manufacturing and providing floorings containing such floorboards. For example, floorboards including a surface layer and a core, for making a floating flooring, which floorboards are mechanically lockable and which along their edge portions have pairs of opposing connectors for locking similar, adjoining floorboards to each other both vertically and horizontally, wherein the surface layer comprises flexible resilient fibers.

Abstract: Provided is a water-repellent, thermoplastic resin sheet provided with a textured layer having a microtexture on one surface side, and a water repellent layer formed with an approximately constant thickness on the aforementioned one surface side of the textured layer, wherein at least the surface region on the one surface side of the textured layer is a cross-linked material which maintains the microtexture even after heated drawing, and the water-repellent layer is formed from an olefin copolymer resin containing hydrophobic oxide particles. Also provided is a molded article, such as a molded container, formed by thermoforming the thermoplastic resin sheet.

Abstract: A structural body which comprises a base and a microrelief structure layer having a microrelief structure. The microrelief structure layer is laminated on the base so as to form the surface layer of this structural body, and the microrelief structure layer has at least one physical property selected from the group consisting of (A) and (B) described below. (A) The elastic modulus at 25° C. is 50 MPa or more, and the elastic modulus at 80° C. is 30 MPa or less. (B) The tensile elongation at break at 80° C. is from 20% to 100% (inclusive).

Abstract: A light weight flexible flame, arc flash and flash fire resistant fabric for protective garments is made from a flexible polyvinylchloride sheet having phthalate or phthalate free plasticizers coated with well defined parallel lines or grids of adhesive layer. The adhesive coated polyvinylchloride sheet contacts a non-woven meta-aramid fiber liner and is heated to produce a bond between the polyvinylchloride sheet and the liner. Both polyvinylchloride sheet and meta-aramid non-woven liner resist heat. When heat from arc flash or flash fire is applied, the heat is conducted away at local contacting regions of the adhesive with the polyvinylchloride sheet to the liner whereby the temperature of the polyvinylchloride is locally reduced preventing sagging, charring or burning of the space between adhesive contacting regions. This structure produces mechanically strong lightweight arc flash and flash fire resistant fabric suited for producing garments that meet all ASTM specifications for fireproof garments.

Abstract: A composite comprising adhered components and method of refurbishing such composites are described herein. The composite includes a first component, a second component, and the first component being adhered to the second component using an adhesive stack. The adhesive stack comprises a first adhesive-impregnated scrim layer disposed between the first component and the second component and a bulk adhesive layer disposed between the first component and the second component.

Abstract: In a composite material structure, which is configured as a fiber-reinforced plastic composite material extending in one direction and having a plurality of holes defined at intervals in a row in the one direction and which is subjected to a tensile load and/or a compressive load in the one direction, a peripheral region around the holes comprises a first area obtained by bending composite material, which is reinforced using continuous fibers that have been made even in a longitudinal direction, so that a center line of a width of the composite material weaves between adjacent holes and zigzags in the one direction. A tensile rigidity and/or a compressive rigidity in the one direction of the peripheral region around the holes is lower than a tensile rigidity and/or a compressive rigidity in the one direction of other regions that surround the peripheral region.