Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a sound proofing trim panel comprising the steps of providing an elastically compressible lower layer, heating the lower layer and placing it in a mould to shape it to form a spring layer of a spring-mass type damping system. The method further includes associating the lower layer with an upper layer, to form the mass of the spring-mass system. According to the invention, the lower layer comprises a blend of elastically compressible foam flakes forming at least 80 wt.-% of the lower layer and being mixed with binder fibres. The fibres comprising a core and a sheath that is fusible at a moderate temperature, and the flakes being bonded to one another by means of the fusing of the sheath forming a binder, such that the lower layer takes the form of a bonded foam.

Abstract: Discrete male touch fastener elements are molded of thermoplastic resin extending from a common, flexible base sheet, by introducing molten resin to a molding nip between two counter-rotating rolls consisting of a mold roll and a pressure roll arranged such that their rotation axes are parallel and together define a common plane containing each of the rotation axes. Solidified resin is stripped from molding cavities of the mold roll after the cavities have passed a rotating reaction roll forming a pressure nip with the mold roll. The reaction roll is spaced from the pressure roll by a distance less than an outer diameter of the mold roll, and the mold roll is simultaneously held against both the pressure roll and the reaction roll in a non-planar roll stack.

Abstract: A molding apparatus defining a processing direction includes multiple molding modules spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to the processing direction and a common reaction surface. Each molding module includes a frame and a mold roll that defines molding cavities. Each mold roll defines a respective pressure zone in cooperation with the reaction surface and each mold roll is movable with respect to the reaction surface by controlled operation of the frame. Molten resin is introduced into the pressure zones and forced into the molding cavities to form arrays of fastener elements extending from base layers of resin formed on the surfaces of the mold rolls. The fastener elements are withdrawn from the cavities while stripping the base layers from the peripheral surfaces.

Abstract: A molding die and a molding method are provided, which allow high-cycle manufacturing of molded bodies of a thermoplastic resin or thermoplastic resin-fiber composite material, thereby improving productivity. Molding is performed using a molding die including a plurality of die portions that form a cavity in which a molded body is molded, the molding die including: a first temperature adjusting unit disposed in the vicinity of the cavity surface and capable of at least cooling the cavity surface; and a second temperature adjusting unit disposed on a side of the first temperature adjusting unit opposite from the cavity surface and capable of at least heating the cavity surface, wherein a distance L0 from the cavity surface to the first temperature adjusting unit and a distance L1 from the cavity surface to a surface of the corresponding die portion opposite from the cavity surface satisfy the relationship: (L1/L0)>3.

Abstract: A linear actuator leverage assembly including a base with a side surface and a back surface defining between them a corner, a rail member coupled to the base, a lever arm with a bearing surface, and a linear actuator. The lever arm is pivotally connected to the rail member at a first pivot and to the linear actuator at a second pivot. The linear actuator is configured to move the rail member with respect to the base over a linear stroke of the linear actuator that moves the second pivot of the lever arm along a continuous motion path. The motion path includes a first path segment generally parallel to the side surface and a second path segment, over which the lever arm pivots about the bearing surface as a fulcrum, thereby increasing leverage applied by the actuator to the rail.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system and a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator comprising: obtaining a mold, the mold having a plurality of appendages protruding from the interior surfaces of the mold towards the interior of the mold cavity and the plurality of appendages capable of creating a plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations in a finished product; filling the mold with a predetermined amount of viscoelastic material; closing the mold cover to create a fixed mold cavity volume inside the mold; and allowing the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material to expand and cure inside the fixed volume of the mold whereby the expanding and curing of the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material inside the mold fills the mold and creates a compressive force that acts on the viscoelastic material to create the finished product is presented.

Abstract: An expanded particle producing apparatus includes a vessel and a blade stirrer that is located inside the vessel. The blade stirrer comprises a stirrer base and an impeller blade that is attached to the stirrer base. A distance from the bottom of the vessel to the center of the stirrer base (L1) and a depth of the vessel (L2) have a ratio (L1/L2) of 0.01 to 0.2. L1 is measured in a depth direction parallel to L2, and a central axis of the blade stirrer coincides with a central axis of the vessel. The apparatus is configured to produce expanded particles.

Abstract: An injection molding tool is provided, comprising a base carrier that is suitable to accommodate an insert component, wherein at least one separate part of the base carrier forms a contact surface with the insert component after it has been inserted into the base carrier, wherein at least the contact surface features a high-temperature material. Furthermore, a method for the sealing of insert components is provided.

Abstract: An undercut processing mechanism that is installed in a molding die assembly configured to form a molded article having an undercut portion so as to allow demolding of the undercut portion, the undercut processing mechanism comprising: a pushing piece movable in a demolding direction of the molded article; a support element fixed to the pushing piece or formed so as to be integrated with the pushing piece and capable of supporting the undercut portion during movement of the pushing piece; a sliding piece configured to be slidable relative to the pushing piece and to move, in conjunction with movement of the pushing piece, in a direction intersecting the demolding direction of the molded article; and a retaining piece configured to retain the sliding piece such that the sliding piece is slidable.

Abstract: A retaining unit comprising: a first member configured to be movable; a second member used in an unmovable fixed state; and a pressing element attached to the second member, and configured to press the first member to engage the first member with the second member, wherein the retaining unit is configured such that the first member can be moved by release of the engagement with the second member when a force at a predetermined level or higher is applied in a movement direction of the first member, and the pressing element is assembled with the second member to constitute a unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, an extruder and an injection molding machine for manufacturing a clamping ring, solving problems that products produced by an extrusion method needs to be processed in two steps. The key point of technical solutions lie in a molding step of acting on a pipe member in a plastic melt state via a molding die set, to form a clamping ring from the pipe member; an injection mold injects plastic materials having memory properties through an injection gate to form a pipe member in the molding cavity, the pipe member comprises a clamping ring and a sealing film provided on one end of the clamping ring, the hydraulic mechanism drives a molding cutter to cut out a joint of the sealing film and the clamping ring in a plastic melt state, thereby a limit end is formed at one end of the clamping ring.

Abstract: A device for ensheathing at least one conductor in a sheath that consists of plastic has an extruder, a first cooling system arranged behind the extruder, a first conveying system behind the first cooling system, and another conveying system for fixing the length of the sheath relative to the conductor. The first conveying system has two units for controlling the conveying speed of the sheath, which can be driven at different conveying speeds.

Abstract: Method of forming, in particular a thermoforming method, a foil into a container, in particular a brewing container, especially a coffee capsule, using a plug assist and/or pressure difference in axial main forming direction, directing the foil into a forming tool creating a blank with a cavity and pressing the foil towards the forming tool bottom in order to create a floor for the blank and characterising the method in that the floor of the blank experiences a material distribution, especially a material shifting and/or material compression, during which a constant pressure difference within the blank's cavity is guaranteed and a circumferential annular gap is created.

Abstract: The mat of the present invention includes a main body integrally formed by a plastic material. The main body at least has a first surface and a second surface adjacent to the first face. The first face and the second face have different surface physical characteristics. The first surface and the second surface are shaped into a third surface and a fourth surface respectively. The third surface and the fourth surface have a substantially same surface physical characteristic. An angle between the third surface and the fourth surface outside the main body is a specific value.

Abstract: Method for forming a riblet on a component and riblet mould. This invention relates to a method for forming a riblet (3) on a component (1), characterised in that it comprises steps of: printing (106) the riblet on the component (1), comprising applying a film (1) comprising a riblet imprint (6) on the component (1), and peeling (108) the film (4) so as to separate the riblet imprint (6) from the component (1), after printing (106). This invention also relates to a riblet mould (3), the mould comprising a film (4) in which a riblet imprint (6) is formed, the film (4) being adapted to be separated from a component (1) on which a riblet (3) has been printed by means of the riblet mould (3), by peeling the film (4).

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional component includes: a build plate, at least a portion of which is transparent, the build plate defining a build surface; a material depositor operable to deposit a radiant-energy-curable resin on the build surface; a stage positioned facing the build surface of the build plate and configured to hold a stacked arrangement of one or more cured layers of the resin; one or more actuators operable to change the relative positions of the build plate and the stage; a radiant energy apparatus positioned adjacent to the build plate opposite to the stage, and operable to generate and project radiant energy on the resin through the build plate in a predetermined pattern; and a cleaning apparatus operable to remove debris from the build surface. A method is provided for use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object, is carried out by (a) providing a carrier and a build plate, the build plate comprising a semipermeable member, the semipermeable member comprising a build surface with the build surface and the carrier defining a build region therebetween, and with the build surface in fluid communication by way of the semipermeable member with a source of polymerization inhibitor; (b) filling the build region with a polymerizable liquid, the polymerizable liquid contacting the build surface; (c) irradiating the build region through the build plate to produce a solid polymerized region in the build region, while forming or maintaining a liquid film release layer comprised of the polymerizable liquid formed between the solid polymerized region and the build surface, the polymerization of which liquid film is inhibited by the polymerization inhibitor; and (d) advancing the carrier with the polymerized region adhered thereto away from the build surface on the build plate to create

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes: a build plate, at least a portion of which is transparent, the build plate defining a build surface; a plate transport mechanism operable to selectively move the build plate into or out of a build zone defined within the apparatus; a material depositor operable to deposit a curable resin on the build surface; a stage positioned adjacent the build zone and configured to hold a stacked arrangement of one or more cured layers of the resin; a mechanism operable to manipulate a relative position of the build plate and the stage; and a radiant energy apparatus positioned adjacent to the build zone opposite to the stage, and operable to generate and project radiant energy through the build plate in a predetermined pattern. A method is provided for use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for producing a component layer-by-layer includes: placing in a loading zone a vat; loading the vat into a build zone of an additive manufacturing apparatus utilizing a vat transport mechanism; executing a build cycle, including: positioning a stage relative to the build surface so as to define a layer increment in the resin; selectively curing a resin contained within the vat using application of radiant energy in a specific pattern so as to define the geometry of a cross-sectional layer of the component; moving the vat and the stage relatively apart so as to separate the component from the build surface; unloading the vat from the build zone into an unloading zone; and repeating the steps of placing, loading, executing the build cycle, and unloading, for a plurality of layers, using a plurality of vats in series, until the component is complete.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for performing an additive manufacturing operation to form a structure by processing a photopolymer resist material. The apparatus may incorporate a laser for generating a laser beam, and a tunable mask for receiving the laser beam which has an optically dispersive element. The mask splits the laser beam into a plurality of emergent beams each having a subplurality of beamlets of varying or identical intensity, with each beamlet emerging from a unique subsection of illuminated regions of the mask. A collimator collimates at least one of the emergent beams to form a collimated beam. One or more focusing elements focuses the collimated beam into a focused beam which is projected as a focused image plane on or within the resist material. The focused beam simultaneously illuminates a layer of the resist material to process an entire layer in a parallel fashion.

Abstract: A fabrication method includes laminating a fabrication material to form an object, and applying a release material on a surface of the object to form a release layer on the surface of the object. A surface free energy of the release material is equal to or smaller than 25 mN/m.

Abstract: A polymeric article of high ductility is produced by rapid prototyping or selective laser sintering. The article comprises a plurality of layers of a fused thermoplastic powder, the thermoplastic powder comprising asymmetric fibrous particles having a mean length L and a mean width W, wherein L>2W. Within each of the layers, the mean length L of the asymmetric fibrous particles is preferentially oriented in a plane parallel to the layer. The polymeric article has a stress-strain curve such that ultimate strength is reached at a strain of 10% to 20%, and breaking stress is reached at >30% strain.

Abstract: A method of processing a surface in additive manufacturing includes assembling a structure for a component by additive manufacturing out of a bed of a powdery base material, such that the structure is provided with an internal surface and a powdery base material covers at least a part of the internal surface, and actuating the base material relatively to the structure such that the internal surface is mechanically processed by the base material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to material sets for 3-dimensional printing, 3-dimensional printing systems, and 3-dimensional printed parts. A material set can include a thermoplastic polymer powder having an average particle size from 20 ?m to 100 ?m, an x-ray contrast ink including a jettable x-ray contrast agent, and a fusing ink. The fusing ink can include a fusing agent capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation to produce heat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing, especially in the form of the binder jetting method, in which particles in a powder bed are bonded by means of a printed adhesive to form a three-dimensional object. The particles may be inorganic particles, for example sand or a metal powder, or polymeric particulate, for example polymethacrylates or polyamides. For this purpose, polymethacrylates may take the form, for example, of suspension polymers, called bead polymers.

Abstract: In one example, a powder leveling subsystem for additive manufacturing. The subsystem includes an agitating tray which is immersible in, and moveably attachable to, a powder trough. The subsystem also includes a flexible member that has a first end portion attached to the agitating tray. The subsystem further includes an induced strain actuator attached to the flexible member adjacent an opposite second end portion of the flexible member. The second end portion is fixedly attachable to the powder trough.

Abstract: According to one example, there is provided an accessory for a three-dimensional (3D) printer. The accessory comprises an upper structure to connect to a 3D printer build unit, the build unit defining a build chamber and having a movable support platform, the upper structure defining a build chamber smaller than the build chamber of the build unit, the upper structure being connectable to the build unit such that the accessory build chamber becomes the usable build chamber of the build unit, and an accessory support platform movable within the accessory build chamber, the accessory support platform having a base portion extending below the accessory build chamber to connect to the build unit support platform, such that movement of the build unit support platform causes corresponding movement of the accessory support platform.

Abstract: There is provided a 3D printing build material container (1). The container comprises a collapsible reservoir, (3) a relatively rigid reinforcement structure (4), a build material outlet structure (13) and a gas inlet structure (14). The reservoir is to hold build material (11). The reinforcement structure is to resist collapsing of at least one reinforced portion of the reservoir. The outlet structure is to allow build material to exit the reservoir. The inlet structure is to allow a gas to enter the reservoir.

Abstract: An additive-manufacturing build-material container (201) comprises a reservoir to hold build material, an outlet opening in a top portion of the reservoir, an outlet tube structure including a longitudinal collection unit to collect build material from the bottom and guide the build material to the outlet opening at the top, upon application of a suction force at the other end thereof, and to guide the collected build material to the outlet opening at the top; and a vent opening in a top portion of the reservoir to admit gas from outside the reservoir into the reservoir to follow a gas flow path through the vent opening, through the reservoir and into said one end of the longitudinal collection tube; wherein on said gas flow path there is at least one turbulent-gas-flow-generation feature (237) to generate turbulent gas flow in a region that is within the reservoir and outside the longitudinal collection tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and an apparatus for the fabrication of solid three-dimensional objects from liquid polymerizable materials.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes: a build table, at least a portion of which is transparent, the build table defining a build surface; a material applicator operable to deposit a radio-energy-curable resin on the build surface; a stage positioned facing the build surface of the build table and configured to hold a one or more cured layers of the resin; one or more actuators operable to change the relative positions of the build table and the stage; a radiant energy apparatus positioned adjacent to the build table opposite to the stage, and operable to generate and project radiant energy on the resin through the build table in a predetermined pattern; a drive mechanism operable to move the build table so as to expose a new portion thereof for each layer; and material remover operable to remove remnants from the build surface. A method for using the apparatus is provided.

Abstract: In an example, a method includes acquiring a thermal image of a reflector within an additive manufacturing apparatus through a screen. An energy profile of the thermal image of the reflector may be determined and, based on the energy profile, an operational characteristic of the screen may be determined.

Abstract: A method comprises switching on a first radiation source of a plurality of radiation sources. The plurality of radiation sources are for delivering radiation towards a print area of a printing apparatus. Each of the plurality of radiation sources may be connected to control circuitry via one of a plurality of circuit terminals. The method may further comprise detecting, using a detector, a change resulting from radiation from the first radiation source. The method may further comprise determining, using a processor, based on the detected change, connection information indicative of the circuit terminal to which the first radiation source is connected.

Abstract: Powder distribution in additive manufacturing may include systems or methods to distribute powder from an intermediate buffer or reservoir while scanning over a stage with the buffer or reservoir.

Abstract: A metering device serves as an equipping or retrofitting kit for a device for producing a three-dimensional object by means of solidifying, layer by layer, a building material in powder form at those positions that correspond to the cross-section of the object to be produced in the respective layer. The metering device has a metering element, which metering element is rotatable about an axis, preferably an axis of its own, particularly preferably about an, in particular its own, longitudinal axis and which is suitable for dispensing the building material in powder form in a metered manner. The metering element is designed to dispense locally different amounts of powder along the direction of the axis.

Abstract: A build material cleaning structure (150) for use in an additive manufacturing system. The build material cleaning structure comprises: a tubular portion defining a channel to pneumatically transport a build material; a rotatable head portion located at least in part within the tubular portion and comprising a cleaning element (152) extending away from an open end of the tubular portion; and a rotor assembly located within the tubular portion and mechanically coupled to the rotatable head portion to generate a torque to drive the rotatable head portion in a rotary motion in response to an airflow in the channel; wherein the rotatable head portion is rotatable in a plane that is substantively orthogonal to the airflow in the channel.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a holder, a printing tank, a printing table, line heads, a conveyor, a nozzle checker, and a controller. The printing tank stores a powder material to be placed on the printing table in a printing space of the printing tank. The line heads each include nozzles to discharge a curing liquid onto the powder material on the printing table. The conveyor moves the holder relative to the line heads in a scanning direction. The nozzle checker is disposed in the holder and checks the nozzles for discharge failures. The controller controls discharge of the curing liquid from the nozzles and includes a discharge controller to cause the nozzles to discharge the curing liquid onto the nozzle checker.

Abstract: An apparatus for additive manufacturing includes a platform comprising a fixing device for fixing a component to the platform, wherein the platform is configured to vary an orientation of the component over an angle of at least 360° according to at least one spatial direction, and an actuation device for mechanically actuating the platform at a predefined frequency.

Abstract: A method of extracting data embedded in a 3D object includes a 3D scanning device scanning a 3D object and extracting data embedded as physical representations in the 3D object. A processing device will identify, from the extracted data, instructions for causing the processing device to perform an action such as identifying building instructions for printing a copy of the 3D object. The processing device will also perform the action to identify the building instructions, and cause a 3D printer to use the building instructions to print the copy of the 3D object. The processing device may be part of the 3D scanning device or part of another device or system that is in communication with the 3D scanning device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various aspects for mobile and automated processing utilizing additive manufacturing. The present disclosure includes methods for the utilization of mobile and automated processing apparatus. In some examples, the mobile additive manufacturing apparatus may perform surface treatments that alter the topography of an existing surface. Other examples may involve the processing of dimensionally large layers which may be joined together to create large pieces with three dimensional shape.

Abstract: A method of generating control data for a manufacture of a three-dimensional object comprises the following steps: identifying surface data in a computer-based model of said object that correspond to a surface of the object, which is destined to get into contact with the fluid, determining the flow path adjacent a portion of said surface in said computer-based model, modifying said computer-based model such that support structure data are added to the model, said data specifying a support structure designed to be in contact with said portion of said at least one surface during the manufacture of said object, wherein said support structure data are added to the model such that at least one contact region between the support structure and said portion will essentially extend in parallel to the flow path adjacent said portion, preferably deriving control data for the manufacture of the object from the modified model.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for additive manufacturing of an object 2, in particular a hybrid object, based on a data record (DS) describing an object 2 to be additively manufactured, comprising the following steps: providing a data record (DS) describing the object 2 to be additively manufactured, subdividing the data record (DS) into at least two sub-data records (TDS1, TDS2), wherein a first sub-data record (TDS1) describes a first sub-object 2a forming a first object part of the object 2 to be additively manufactured, and at least one other sub-data record (TDS2) describes another sub-object 2b forming another object part of the object 2 to be additively manufactured, forming the first sub-object 2a based on the first sub-data record (TDS1) in a first additive construction process, and forming the at least one other sub-object 2b based on the at least one other sub-data record (TDS2) in at least one separate other additive construction process, wherein the at least one other sub-object 2b is form

Abstract: There is disclosed a non-transitory machine readable storage medium encoded with instructions executable by a processor and comprising instructions to: receive object data corresponding to a three-dimensional object to be generated; define print data for each of a plurality of slices of the object to control a respective layer forming operation in which print agent is ejected on a layer of build material in a pattern corresponding to selective fusing of the build material, wherein the print data and the respective pattern is defined for each slice according to object a print defmition procedure; and select the print definition procedure from a plurality of print definition procedures based on a user input. There is also disclosed a corresponding method and additive manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: A method for solid state joining of dissimilar materials using a friction stir welding device wherein a pin is inserted through an aperture defined in a first material and a second material to hold the materials together and then held in place by friction stir welding a portion of the pin to a material adjacent said pin, or by friction stir welding a cap or plug that holds the pin in place to the adjacent material. The result is a connection or join wherein the central portion of the pin is not friction stir welded but the portions holding the pin in place (the ends or caps) generally are.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a connector in a first object, wherein the first object is a lightweight building element having a first outer building layer and an interlining layer, and wherein the connector includes thermoplastic material in a solid state. The method includes: bringing a coupling surface portion of the connector into contact with an attachment location of the first outer building layer; displacing a portion of the first outer building layer at the attachment location with respect to the interlining layer by applying a first pressing force to the first outer building layer and thereby piercing the first outer building layer; applying a second pressing force to the connector and transferring energy to the connector until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material has liquefied and flown to interpenetrate structures of the interlining layer; and stopping the energy transfer and allowing the flow portion to re-solidify.

Abstract: The application relates to a method for producing a moulded part assembly from a first plastic moulded part and a second plastic moulded part by means of laser welding, wherein the first plastic moulded part consists at least partially of a first material and the second plastic moulded part consists at least partially of a second material that can be welded to the first material, wherein a welding region of the second plastic moulded part is arranged in a stepped receiving means of the first plastic moulded part, or vice versa. According to the invention, during the laser welding, the first plastic moulded part and the second plastic moulded part are to be shifted onto one another in a shifting direction. The invention also relates to a production device for producing a moulded part assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a carrier and a scale disposed on the carrier in a spaced-apart relation therewith. The scale has a measuring graduation and is attached to the carrier via areally distributed and spaced-apart adhesive dots. The adhesive dots, which can be circular in shape, each include at least three spacers, which can be spheres, enclosed within an adhesive.

Abstract: A film-applying device and method for 3D glass with two opposite curved edges. The film-applying device comprises: an upper base for fixing a film; a lower base for fixing the 3D glass; a roller structure for rotating a rotary cylinder of the upper base; and a lifting cylinder for moving the upper base, the rotary cylinder, and the roller structure up and down and making the roller structure apply a pressure to press-fit the 3D glass and the film. The roller structure comprises a lower roller and an upper press roller; the rotary cylinder is used for rotating the upper base to change or fix the relative position of the upper base and the roller structure. The device has a simplified structure. The device and method are suitable for applying a film to 3D glass with two opposite curved edges due to convenient operations, high film-applying precision and efficiency.

Abstract: A blade mould and a method for manufacturing a blade shell part of a wind turbine blade is disclosed. The blade mould comprises a first mould frame; a mould shell supported by the first mould frame and provided with a moulding surface that defines an outer shape of the blade shell part, wherein the mould shell has a longitudinal direction and comprises a root end mould part at a first end thereof; and a first deformation device for deforming the root end mould part of the mould shell. The method comprises arranging reinforcement material on the moulding surface of the root end mould part; deforming the root end mould part to a receiving configuration; inserting the root end insert in the root end mould part; and bringing the root end mould part to a moulding configuration.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of making a charge air hose or pipe from plastic. It is an object to provide a method of making charge air hoses, by which charge air hoses are producible from continuous fiber-reinforced plastics with uniform wall thickness and an inner outline of high precision. Such a method can include the following steps: A) braiding a hose outline on a core using continuous fibers, B) laying the fiber braid together with the core into a cavity of an injection mold, C) injecting a low-viscosity free-flowing hardenable resin to impregnate the braided hose outline with the resin, D) hardening the impregnated component, and E) removing the component from the mold and removing the core.