Abstract: The present invention relates to articles, systems, and methods for injection molding an article. The method includes directing a first shot of molten polymeric material into a mold cavity to form a first part while simultaneously occluding a portion of the gate orifice area with a mold core. Once the first shot is solidified, then the mold core is withdrawn and a second shot is directed into the space previously occupied by the mold core while a portion of the gate orifice area is occluded by the solidified first shot.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a solid part, and a device and process of making the solid part. The process includes introducing a glass fiber filled polymeric material to a hopper of an injection molding machine, where the glass fibers have a pre-molding length, melting the glass fiber filled polymeric material to form a melt in a plasticizing unit, pressurizing the plasticizing unit of the injection molding machine with a blowing agent, dissolving the blowing agent into the melt, injecting the melt into a mold cavity up to 100% of volume, and forming the solid part.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a molded part includes inserting melt into a cavity of a first tool part, and the first tool part and a second tool part are moved away from one another during or after the insertion of the melt by moving a mold clamping plate relative to a mold clamping plate such that in the first tool part or in a second tool part an at least partial clearance of a first or second zone of the cavity takes place, and a gap is formed between the first tool part and the second tool part. Melt is further inserted into the cleared area of the cavity, and the gap is bridged by an at least already partially solidified section of the melt. A holding force is transmitted from the second tool part through the partially solidified section of the melt bridging the gap to the first tool part.

Abstract: An injection molding machine capable of opening/closing a movable mold relative to a stationary mold by moving a crosshead backward and forward to move a movable platen backward and forward relative to a stationary platen through a toggle link. The injection molding machine includes a reciprocating mechanism that receives a counterforce exerted on the crosshead in the back-and-forth direction when the movable mold and the stationary mold are closed, and a load acquisition unit that acquires a load exerted on the reciprocating mechanism in a direction perpendicular to the back-and-forth direction of the crosshead.

Abstract: Moving servo motors of molds in synchronization with the operations of platens which enables fine patterns or shapes to be formed even on a large molded article. A mold clamping device forms patterns or the like on a molded article by detecting a mold position of a second platen among first, second, third platens with digital mold opening/closing position detector, and driving servo motors for molds of the molds in synchronization with a digital mold opening/closing position signal from the digital mold opening/closing position detector.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a molded article, which comprises: (a) a step of manufacturing the molded article by use of a laminate that has a first layer comprising polypropylene, and a second layer comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyamide, an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: A method of fabrication of a wristband of a watch or piece of jewelry, including: providing a first synthetic material; providing an extrusion line with a die plate for making an extrudate from the first material; providing one or more additional materials distinguished in their properties from the first material; providing a die plate including a first zone defining a profile allowing for fabrication of an extrudate having a hollow tubular profile at least at one of its ends in which the extrudate has a width corresponding to the length of one or two strands of the wristband; the die plate further includes a second zone allowing defining of particular profiles selected from among a flat profile, a curved profile, or a profile with projecting zones.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus includes: an injection molding section for injection molding a plurality of preforms at a time; a cooling section for cooling the preforms; a heating section for heating the preforms while continuously transporting them along a transport line; and a blow molding section for blow molding the preforms to form hollow containers. The blow molding section includes a primary blow molding section which is equipped with a heat-treating blow mold and blow molds the preforms moved from the transport line into the heat-treating blow mold to form intermediate molded products, and a secondary blow molding section which is equipped with a final blow mold and blow molds the intermediate molded products moved from the heat-treating blow mold into the final blow mold to form the hollow containers.

Abstract: A blow molding machine includes a support member and a moving mechanism that moves the support member to a projecting position a storing position. The blow molding machine includes a first fixed fulcrum shaft, and the support member includes a base end portion rotatably supported by the first fixed fulcrum shaft and a free end portion provided with a first movable fulcrum shaft. The moving mechanism includes a plurality of links connected rotatably to each other, one of the plurality of links being rotatably supported by the movable fulcrum shaft of the support member, and, when the support member is set at the projecting position, the plurality of links are maintained linearly by a first angle fixing tool, thereby enabling the plurality of links to serve as a leg portion that supports the free end portion of the support member.

Abstract: A method for operating a system for handling containers, wherein said system for handling containers has a first handling device which handles the containers in a first predetermined manner, and at least one second handling device which handles the containers in a second predetermined manner, and a transport device which transports the containers from the first handling device to the second handling device.

Abstract: A preform has a flange that protrudes outward at a neck, and is supplied in an inverted state. A preform handling device includes a star wheel that is configured so that the preform is supplied to each of a plurality of depressions that are formed in an outer circumferential part of a wheel, and pushes the preform to rotationally transfer the preform from an upstream region to a downstream region, an end face guide member that is provided in the upstream region so as to be situated under the preform and that support and guide an open end face of the preform, and a pair of flange guide members that are provided in the downstream region and that support and guide a lower side of the flange of the preform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a maintenance method for an installation for production of containers from blanks made of plastic material, which includes: a blow-molding machine including a rotating carousel and a plurality of forming stations, each including a mold; a primary power unit connected to the carousel; a transfer device suitable for inserting a blank into a mold or for withdrawing a container therefrom; and a secondary power unit connected to the transfer device. The method includes the detection of a misalignment of the transfer device with the carousel, and, therefore, operations for desynchronization of the power units, for realigning and then for resynchronization of the transfer device and of the carousel.

Abstract: Described is a method for the preparation of an article, in particular a biodegradable article, from a thermoplastic composition comprising starch by thermoforming, comprising the steps of providing a sheet of the thermoplastic composition in rubber phase at a temperature of at least 100° C., stretching the sheet into or onto a mould, cooling the sheet to form the article, remove the article from the mould, wherein the mould in step b has a temperature of 5° C. or less, the sheet in step c is cooled to a temperature of 40° C. or less, steps b and c being performed in 10 s or less. Further, a thermoformed article, obtainable by the said method and the use of such an article is described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus (14a) for winding a section of each of one or more layers of material (18a) around a mandrel (30) and about a longitudinal axis of the mandrel (30), wherein each layer of material (18a) includes fibers and the winding is performed such that, for the wound section of each layer of material (18a), each of a majority of the fibers is angularly disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel (30), and: (1) disposing a tape (82) over the layer(s) of material (18a) such that at least a portion of the tape (82) overlies at least a portion of the wound section of each layer of material (18a) and a long dimension of the portion of the tape (82) is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel (30); and/or (2) spot-joining adjacent sections of the wound section(s) together.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first roll and a second roll on each of which a pattern is formed, a first motor and a second motor to rotate the respective rolls, a shaft direction supporting mechanism to support the second roll along a shaft direction and an axial position adjusting mechanism configured to move the shaft direction supporting mechanism along the shaft direction. The posture of the rotating shaft of the second motor is maintained constant at all times, and the second roll is moved in the shaft direction along the first roll, thereby adjusting the positions of both patterns on the first roll and the second roll along the shaft direction.

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: A nozzle for printing three-dimensional parts with an additive manufacturing system, the nozzle comprising a nozzle body having an inlet end and a tip end offset longitudinally from the inlet end, a tip pipe for extruding a flowable material, an inner ring extending circumferentially around the tip pipe at the outlet end, an outer ring extending circumferentially around the inner ring, at least one annular recessed groove located circumferentially between the inner ring and the outer ring.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement additive manufacturing techniques that employ different sets of deposition characteristics and/or material formation characteristics during the additive manufacture of an object so as to strategically build up the object. In many embodiments, material used to build up an object is deposited at different deposition rates during the additive manufacture of the object, and the object is thereby strategically built up. In one embodiment, a method of additively manufacturing an object includes: depositing material onto a surface at a first deposition rate so as to define a first region of the object to be additively manufactured; and depositing material onto a surface at a second deposition rate so as to define a second region of the object to be additively manufactured; where the second deposition rate is different from the first deposition rate.

Abstract: Method for producing a machine-readable controlling and/or operating means (M) for controlling and/or operating at least one functionality of an apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing a three-dimensional object (2) is provided which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam (4), including: providing a specified data format, producing a provisional controlling and/or operating means (PM), checking if the produced provisional controlling and/or operating means (PM) fulfils at least one pre-defined certification criterion, and if the provisional controlling and/or operating means (PM) fulfils the at least one certification criterion, producing the machine-readable controlling and/or operating means (M) by providing at least one certification key (K) to the provisional controlling and/or operating means (PM).

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a three-dimensional joint and/or formation thereof, such as by 3D-printing the joint. The joint is provided with an interface region having a curable material in a curable state. The joint is positioned with the interface region in contact with a joinable member, and the interface region is cured to form a bond between the joint and the joinable member. Such an approach may, for example, involve forming a mechanical and/or chemical bond with the joint. Further, by utilizing such a joint (e.g., in a 3D-printed form), complex structural components can be formed from a curable material that can be partially cured with structures formed therein, and cured further to create the bond.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method produces a 3D part utilizes electrophotography-based additive manufacturing and molding processes. A layered structure having a cavity is printed on a build platform using at least one electrophotographic (EP) engine to develop imaged layers of powder material, and a transfusion assembly to stack and fuse the imaged layers on the build platform. Molding material is deposited into the cavity as the layered structure is printed, using a deposition unit. The molding material solidifies to form at least a portion of the 3D part, which may also include portions formed from imaged powder material.

Abstract: A method is for fabricating a part by additive manufacturing while sparing certain particularly sensitive surfaces of the part, and in particular surfaces that have an influence on the aerodynamics of the final part. The method includes the following steps: providing a digital model of a part that is to be fabricated, the part that is to be fabricated including at least one surface that is to be spared, and orienting the digital model relative to a construction direction wherein the part is to be constructed in such a manner that the surface that is to be spared presents a construction angle greater than 30°, preferably greater than 50°.

Abstract: Provided are methods for making shaped fluoropolymer by additive processing using a polymerizable binder. Also are 3D printable compositions for making shaped fluoropolymer articles and articles comprising a shaped fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional printed load cell part can include a part body formed of fused thermoplastic polymer particles, and a plurality of strain sensors separately formed of a matrix of conductive particles interlocked with a matrix of fused thermoplastic polymer particles. The plurality of strain sensors can have a first electrical contact at a first end and a second electrical contact at a second end. The particles of the plurality of strain sensors can be continuously fused to the particles of the part body.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional printed part can include a part body including a first matrix of fusing agent and thermoplastic polymer powder, a security feature including a second matrix of fusing agent, thermoplastic polymer powder, and photoluminescent agent, and a masking feature including a third matrix of fusing agent and thermoplastic polymer powder. The security feature can be positioned beneath and visible through the masking feature upon photoluminescent emission of the security feature.

Abstract: A surface equalization apparatus designed to be compatible with a wide variety of part technologies, composite materials and part geometries. The apparatus works with software, chemistry, abrasives and media and includes an oblong, elongated input tank for holding media and a part. The input tank is connected to a motor mount, which is connected to an eccentric motor. When the motor is activated, the input tank begins to move in a vibrational, sinusoidal manner. The motion of the tank on attached springs generates a rotational flow of media in the tank. This creates a low amplitude/high frequency movement of the part through the tank. Surface structures divert media to prevent the part from contacting the side of the tank. Spray nozzles are positioned above the input tank. Acoustic damping foam is positioned around the central components. A cooling fan allows airflow through the apparatus.

Abstract: Plant (1) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects (2), comprising at least two apparatuses (3, 4) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects (2) by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (5) which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam (6-9), wherein a separate beam generating unit (10) configured to generate at least one energy beam (6-9) that is guidable to at least one of the apparatuses (3, 4).

Abstract: An intermittent excitation apparatus of a 3D printer includes at least one guide, a drive rod, a movable seat, and a microcontroller. When the microcontroller controls a first motor in a non-excitation and non-rotation condition, the movable seat is fixed on the drive rod and the 3D printer performs a plane printing operation. When the microcontroller controls the first motor in an excitation and rotation condition, the movable seat moves along the drive rod. Therefore, it is to significantly reduce heat generated inside the first motor, decrease costs, and reduce the size of the 3D printer.

Abstract: Provided are a manufacturing apparatus and method for a three-dimensional object, and a material supply unit to be used in the manufacturing apparatus for a three-dimensional object which make it possible to obtain an intended three-dimensional object formed by accumulating a shaping material and to hardly form an unnecessary portion on the surface of the three-dimensional object. A nozzle part (4) for ejecting a shaping material (81) is provided with a shut-off pin (5) for opening/closing a channel end part (41) from inside E1. When closing the channel end part (41), a stop position x (mm) of a tip (501) of the shut-off pin (5) with respect to the position of a tip (411) of the channel end part (41) satisfies a relation of ?3D?x?6D wherein an equivalent diameter of the channel end part (41) of the nozzle part 4 is represented as D (mm).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for printing a three-dimensional object. The system can include at least one nozzle assembly configured to receive a continuous fiber and at least partially encase the continuous fiber with a polymer material to create a composite material. The nozzle assembly can also include a liquefier assembly that is operable coupled to a nozzle, which is configured to allow for the controlled deposit of the composite material while minimizing or eliminating tension exerted on the continuous fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed are a head unit and a head supply unit. The head unit according to the present invention discharges a raw material made of plastic formable materials. The head unit includes: a head pipe which guides the movement of the raw material; a head heater which surrounds the entire or partial head pipe and controls the temperature of the raw material which is moving within the head pipe; and a discharge port which is provided on one end of the heat pipe and discharges the raw material to the outside. The head supply unit according to the present invention includes: an inlet through which a raw material made of plastic formable materials is introduced; an inlet pipe which guides the raw material introduced through the inlet; a head supply heater which controls the temperature of the raw material which passes through the inside of the inlet pipe; and a head fastener which is fastened to a head unit which discharges the raw material.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for printing a three-dimensional part includes a build roller that rotates while receiving part material such that layers of part material are formed on a cylindrical base of the build roller in a cylindrical scroll to form the three-dimensional part, wherein the part material of adjacent layers of part material are bonded together on the build roller, and wherein the three-dimensional part can be non-cylindrical.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam, comprising at least one process chamber (2), wherein the process chamber (2) comprises at least two chamber segments (3, 4), wherein at least one chamber segment (3, 4) is mounted on the at least one other chamber segment (3, 4) and is separately detachable.

Abstract: Powder module (1, 15, 24) for an apparatus for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects, comprising a powder chamber (2) defining a powder room (3), which is fillable with building material (4) in powder form and a cover (5) defining the powder room (3) at its top, whereby the powder module (1, 15, 24) comprises at least one equalization unit (7), configured for spreading the building material (4) inside the powder room (3).

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam, with a stream generating unit (2) configured to generate a stream of a process gas (3) being capable of being charged with particles (4), in particular non-consolidated particulate build material and/or smoke and/or smoke residues, generated during operation of the apparatus (1) and a filter unit (5) configured to separate particles (4) from the stream of process gas (3), wherein the filter unit (5) comprises a filter chamber (6) with at least one filter element (7) at least partly arranged in the streaming path of the generated stream of process gas (3), wherein particles (4) in the stream of process gas (3) are separated from the process gas (3) by the filter element (7).

Abstract: A digital light processing (DLP) three-dimensional (3D) printing system includes a container containing a solidifiable material; a platform contacting a portion of the solidifiable material; a projector projecting an electromagnetic radiation on the solidifiable material to form a solidified layer; and an optical component between the projector and the platform; wherein the optical component is rotated to shift the electromagnetic radiation during the formation the solidified layer, thus forming a rounded edge and an enlarged area of the solidified layer. A digital light processing (DLP) three-dimensional (3D) printing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for de-powdering one or more objects within a powder print bed comprises a build box configured to contain the powder print bed, and a de-powdering subsystem configured to engage the build box. The de-powdering subsystem comprises a vacuum device configured to withdraw loose powder agitated by the air jet device, and a robotic arm configured to convey the vacuum device to one or more locations on the powder print bed. The system may further comprise an air jet device disposed on the robotic arm, the air jet device configured to agitate, with a jet of air, unbound powder within the powder print bed. The system may further comprise a mechanical agitation instrument configured to facilitate agitation of the unbound powder within the powder print bed.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (13) which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam, comprising at least one module (2) moveable between at least two positions along a travel path, wherein a stream generating unit (6) is configured to create a stream of process gas (7) onto the module (2) at least partly along the travel path (5) of the module (2) between the first and the second position (3, 4).

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (2) by successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (3) which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam (4), the apparatus (1) comprising: —a process chamber (8) comprising a build plane (7) in which layers of build material (3) are successively layerwise selectively irradiated and consolidated by means of an energy beam (4) during operation of the apparatus (1); —a gas stream generating device (9) configured to generate a gas stream at least partly streaming through the process chamber (8) during operation of the apparatus (1), the gas stream being capable of being charged with non-consolidated build material particles (25); and —an optical determining device (12) configured to optically determine at least one parameter suitable for characterizing the streaming properties of the gas stream streaming through the process chamber (8).

Abstract: A custom insole and process for fabrication comprised of scanning to map a foot, sending the scan to a remote processing computer and returning a 3D compatible printable file that can render the custom insole in a short time. The foot is preferably not deformed by standing pressure during the scan. The podiatrist taking the scan can amend the electronic file to add or remove material from the yet-to-be-made custom insole to tailor the fit to the specific patient.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an additive manufacturing apparatus. The method includes receiving one or more sensor signals from the additive manufacturing apparatus during a build of a workpiece, comparing the one or more sensor signals to a corresponding acceptable process variation of a plurality of acceptable process variations and generating a log based upon the comparisons. Each acceptable process variation of the plurality of acceptable process variations is associated with at least one state of progression of the build of the workpiece and the corresponding acceptable process variation is the acceptable process variation associated with the state of progression of the build when the one or more sensor signals are generated.

Abstract: A 3D printing device including a printing platform, a printing head, a sensor and a controller is provided. The printing platform includes a carrying surface. The printing head is disposed above the printing platform. The sensor is disposed above the printing platform. The controller is coupled to the printing head and the sensor. The sensor is used for analyzing a first layer slicing data of a 3D object to obtain a printing range. The controller operates the sensor to sense a plurality of sensing points corresponding to the printing range on the carrying surface of the printing platform, so as to obtain a plurality of sensing parameters corresponding to the sensing points. The controller determines whether the printing platform is inclined according to the sensing parameters. If yes, the controller determines an object shape of a compensation object according to the printing range and the sensing parameters.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optoelectronic sensor (10) is provided that has a reception unit (22) having a reception optics (24), a light receiver (28), and a diaphragm (26) therebetween, wherein the diaphragm (26) is arranged in a focal plane of the reception optics (24) so that a received light beam (20) generated by the reception optics is incident through the diaphragm aperture (42) of the diaphragm (26) at the point of smallest constriction. The diaphragm (26) is manufactured as an individual diaphragm using the reception optics (24).

Abstract: Method for controlling operating of at least one additive manufacturing apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects is provided by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a powdered build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam, embodiments including exemplary steps of: supplying authorization data (AD) which contains at least one authorization parameter that authorizes the operation of at least one additive manufacturing apparatus (1) or at least one functional unit (2-7) of the at least one additive manufacturing apparatus (1) from an external data supply source (10), transmitting the authorization data (AD) from the external data supply source (10) to a control unit (8) of the at least one additive manufacturing apparatus (1), and controlling operation of the additive manufacturing apparatus (1) or the at least one functional unit (2-7).

Abstract: Examples include apparatuses, processes, and methods for generating three-dimensional objects. An example apparatus comprises build material distributor and a controller. Examples distribute a particular build layer in a build area of the apparatus over a previous build layer. Examples determine a build layer temperature corresponding to the particular build layer. Examples analyze build layer coverage for the particular build layer based at least in part on a build layer temperature of the previous build layer and the build layer temperature of the particular build layer. Examples selectively recoat the particular build layer with additional build material based at least in part on the build layer coverage for the particular build layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a workpiece includes heating a pre-formed blank of a first fiber reinforced thermoplastic material in an oven. A second fiber reinforced thermoplastic material is heated in an extruder. The second fiber reinforced thermoplastic material is extruded from the extruder, within the oven, to form an extrudate. The extrudate is positioned on the pre-formed blank of the first fiber reinforced thermoplastic material, within the oven, to form a composite blank. The extrudate may be formed into a shape before being positioned onto the pre-formed blank, after being positioned onto the pre-formed blank. The composite blank may then be transferred to a final shaping station.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a cordless, hand held and electrically powered apparatus, comprising a welding unit (12), a power unit (4) for powering the welding unit, wherein the power unit is connectable directly to and disconnectable from the welding unit via an interface. The power unit is provided with a push button (16) that is configured to energize the welding unit when pressed down, thus initiating operation thereof. The advantage is that the apparatus can be made more compact, and thereby ease of handling is improved. Preferably, the welding unit and the power unit each comprise circuitry (17a, 17b) configured to exchange information when mounted together via the interface. The information is usable for a determination whether the power unit is a correct one or not.

Abstract: The invention provides a tool 10 of the invention for welding a PET gland 12 onto a PET bottle 14 for the fitment of a dispensing tap. The tool 10 is generically indicated as ultrasonic horn or sonotrode in the figure. The ultrasonic horn has a tapered serrated portion 16 which has a lead-in taper section 18 to initiate the melt of the plastics to be welded, and a knife section 20 (when required), being the cutting zone thereof, which in use cuts open a sealed spigot 22 so that the horn can enter into the spigot 24 for the welding operation.

Abstract: The first electrode section (7a) and the second electrode section (7b) are formed such that the outer portion connected to the upper portion of the heating section (6) is thinner than the inner portion connected to the lower portion of the heating section (6). The heating section (6) and the first electrode section (7a) are interconnected by an R-shaped first connecting portion (21). The inner circumferential sloping surface of the heating section (6) and the second electrode section (7b) are interconnected by an R-shaped second connecting portion (22). The first and second connecting portions (21)(22) are formed such that R becomes larger from the upper end to the lower end, where the upper portion is thin and the lower portion is thick. The thickness of an intermediate portion (6b) is smaller than the thicknesses of the first and second connecting portions (21)(22).

Abstract: The invention provides a device for connecting together two flat tubular sheaths, the device including: a blocker (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) for blocking one end of a first sheath, the blocker having means for opening an end of the first sheath; an adhesive-applicator system for applying adhesive to the inside of the open end of the sheath; the blocker being arranged to authorize closure of the end of the first sheath, once adhesive has been applied thereto, on an end of the second sheath. The invention also provides a corresponding roll of adhesive and a corresponding connection method.