Abstract: Flexible graphite and other graphite materials with surface micro-texturing, and methods and apparatuses for micro-texturing the surface of flexible graphite and other graphite materials are provided. Micro-texturing can be used to modify wettability and/or adhesion characteristics of a flexible graphite surface. Micro-textured flexible graphite materials can be advantageously used in applications where the material is in contact with liquid water or other liquids.

Abstract: A heat curable, circular knitted fabric includes reinforcing and meltable resin fibers that can be cured to form a more rigid material form. In one embodiment, the fabric includes a core spun yarn, wherein the core may be made from glass, carbon, basalt, aramid or metal. The wrap surrounding the core may include resin type fibers such as Poly(p-phenylene sulfide) PPS, Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Polysulfone (PES), Polyphthalamide (PPA), nylon, polyester, or polypropylene.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a method for producing a tubular body with reduced internal stress by using 3D printing. The tubular body has an outer wall with a stiffening structure extending along at least part of the outer wall. The method sets a printing plane for 3D printing with a 3D printer, and prints a tubular body layer in the printing plane with the 3D printer. The tubular body layer has an outer wall layer and a stiffening structure layer extending in the printing plane along a periphery of the outer wall layer. The stiffening structure layer has at least two portions spaced apart from one another. The method produces an outer wall with a stiffening structure for a tubular body with reduced internal stress.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a three-dimensional object. The apparatus includes a build material area, at least one agent distributor with a fluid reservoir to store fluid agent and at least one fluid ejection die to selectively eject fluid agent in the build material area. A cooling system to remove heat from the at least one fluid ejection die has a heat sink. The at least one fluid ejection die is in thermal contact with the heat sink via the fluid agent of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: Use of a thermoplastic polyester for producing 3D-printed objects, said polyester having at least one 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol unit (A), at least one alicyclic diol unit (B) other than the 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol units (A), at least one terephthalic acid unit (C), wherein the ratio (A)/[(A)+(B)] is at least 0.05 and at most 0.75, said polyester being free of non-cyclic aliphatic diol units or comprising a molar amount of non-cyclic aliphatic diol units, relative to the totality of monomeric units in the polyester, of less than 5%, and with a reduced viscosity in solution (25° C.; phenol (50 wt. %): ortho-dichlorobenzene (50 wt. %); 5 g/L of polyester) greater than 50 mL/g.

Abstract: A printer head (200, 300, 400) for a 3D-printing apparatus, comprising a nozzle (210, 310, 450) arranged to deposit one or more adjacently arranged filaments of printing material to form at least one layer of an object to be produced. The nozzle comprises at least one exterior surface (220) configured to be brought into abutting contact with a peripheral edge (280) of the at least one layer, and configured to be guided along the peripheral edge of the at least one layer and on a predetermined distance into the at least one layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing includes applying patterned electromagnetic energy to each of a sequence of layers of a dry film comprising a photosensitive material so as to create in the photosensitive material in each of the layers a respective two-dimensional (2D) pattern corresponding to a slice of a predefined three-dimensional (3D) structure. The layers in the sequence in which the respective 2D pattern has been created are laminated together to produce a multi-layer stack. The multi-layer stack is developed so as to remove the photosensitive material in which the 2D pattern has not been created, thereby forming the 3D structure.

Abstract: Substantially equal amounts of thermal energy may be provided over a build area of an additive fabrication device using as few as one heat source by selectively attenuating thermal energy emitted by the heat source. The thermal energy may be selectively attenuated by a structure that blocks portions of the thermal energy from being directly incident upon the build area such that the heat is normalized over the build area. The heat distribution over the build area may, in some embodiments, approximate the heat distribution produced by a flat field heating element, yet may be produced at comparatively lower cost and with less complex engineering.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shaped article includes a step of providing a high-speed steel powder, a step of forming a powder layer by spreading the powder, a step of forming a solidified layer in which the powder is in a bound state by irradiating the powder layer with a scanning laser beam, and a step of stacking up solidified layers by sequentially repeating the step of forming a powder layer and the step of forming a solidified layer, thereby forming the shaped article. The laser beam has an energy density of 60 J/mm3 or more and less than 600 J/mm3.

Abstract: A 3D printing device for producing a three-dimensional component form at least two different materials. The 3D printing device has both a spray-printing unit and an electron-beam and/or laser unit. To produce the three-dimensional component, the spray-printing unit is designed and set up to spray the at least two different materials, and the electron-beam and/or laser unit is designed and set up to join sprayed-on material integrally by fusing by means of an electron beam and/or by means of a laser beam of the electron-beam and/or laser unit.

Abstract: A method (300) of fabricating an object by additive manufacturing comprises providing (310) a layer of polymeric material (100), said polymeric material (100) being in particulate form, and comprising linear polymer chains, selectively depositing (320) a reactive liquid (200) onto the layer of particulate polymeric material (100), said reactive liquid (200) comprising reactive units (210a) which are monomeric units, linear oligomeric units, linear polymeric units, or combinations thereof, wherein said reactive units (210a) have two or fewer reactive groups, and allowing (330) linear polymeric chains in said layer of polymeric material (100) to react with reactive units in said reactive liquid (200) so as to form extended polymeric chains that are linear, so as to provide a shaped layer of linear polymer. These steps (310, 320, 330) are repeated as required to form the object from successive shaped layers of linear polymer.

Abstract: According to some aspects, an additive fabrication device is provided configured to form layers of material on a build platform, each layer of material being formed so as to contact a container in addition to the build platform and/or a previously formed layer of material. The additive fabrication device may comprise a container and a wiper, wherein the wiper comprises a wiper arm and a wiper blade coupled to said wiper arm using a pivoting coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a composite part, such as a reinforced composite part, are provided that enable control over the fiber or other particle orientation within each layer of the part during manufacture. The apparatus and method employ a print head including a dispensing tip and a magnetic assembly controllable to apply a magnetic field at a print location adjacent the dispensing tip outlet.

Abstract: Extruder (1) for a 3D printer, comprising at least one outer nozzle (2) and a conveying worm (3) for feeding liquid and/or plasticized starting material (4) into the interior chamber (21) of the outer nozzle (2), wherein an inner nozzle (5) is arranged in the interior chamber (21) of the outer nozzle (2), wherein the interior chamber (51) of the inner nozzle (5) is connected to the interior chamber (21) of the outer nozzle (2) via at least one duct (52, 52a, 52b) which is continuous for the starting material (4), and wherein the inner nozzle (5) is mounted such that it can be moved linearly along the longitudinal axis (2a) of the outer nozzle (2). A 3D printer (100) having the extruder (1) and means (8) for generating a relative movement between the extruder (1) and a construction surface (101), on which the object (102) to be manufactured is produced.

Abstract: A method for producing a control signal for positioning a holder of a solid freeform fabrication device that is height-adjustable relative to a working surface, comprising arranging a structural platform on the holder; capturing a plurality of images of the working surface in the region of the holder, an image-specific height of the holder being adjusted before the detection of one of the plurality of images, and depending on the change of direction in the height, a powder layer is applied or removed; determining a powder boundary line between a powder-free region and a powder-covered region of the structural platform for at least two of the plurality of images, captured for differently adjusted image-specific heights of the holder, and producing a control signal for positioning the holder on the basis of the at least two powder boundary lines. The holder can be aligned according to the control signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a build chamber (1) for an additive manufacturing apparatus (100) for forming a three-dimensional article layer by layer from a powder. The build chamber (1) comprising a build chamber base body (2) and the build chamber base body (2) is formed by at least two segments (4) telescopically coupled together. Associated with the telescopically coupled segments are one or more bellows assemblies, further coupled to support structure configured to raise and/or lower the build table. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A movable raw material processing unit for an additive manufacturing device for manufacturing a solid article comprises a housing comprising a transport device for disengaging the raw material processing unit from the additive manufacturing device. The raw material processing unit comprises a raw material container unit, a build unit and a raw material distribution unit.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of additive manufacture of components in layers in a powder bed by at least two laser beams that can be deflected two-dimensionally over the same powder bed region. Each laser focal spot is projected onto the power bed and is or is set to a diameter of less than or equal to 300 ?m. Components to be produced in the powder bed region are manufactured by each of the laser beams, and each individual surface contour of the component is manufactured solely by one of the laser beams.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printing system improves the interlayer adhesion of an object. The printing system includes a platform on which a three-dimensional object is built. A material applicator in the printing system expels material to form layers of the object on the platform. The material applicator also includes a heater mounted to an arm that is configured to rotate about the material applicator to position the heater so the heater heats the layer of the object ahead of the material applicator as the material applicator moves relative to the platform.

Abstract: A 3D printer including a machine platform, a container, at least one stirring element and a driving element is provided. The container contains a liquid forming material, and is movably assembled to the machine platform. The stirring element is disposed in the container to move along with the container, and has a motion mode of moving away from or moving close to a bottom of the container. The driving element is fixed on the machine platform and extends into the container. The driving element and the stirring element are mutually located on moving paths of each other. During a moving process of the container, the driving element and the stirring element lean against each other to trigger the motion mode of the stirring element to move away from or move close to the bottom of the container, so as to stir the liquid forming material in the container.

Abstract: A system for producing a graft device for a patient may comprise: an imaging device configured to produce image data of a tubular conduit; and a processing unit configured to receive the image data from the imaging device. The processing unit may comprise an algorithm configured to process the image data, and produce a construction signal based on the image data. A material delivery device may be configured to receive the construction signal from the processor, and deliver material to produce a 3D covering based on the construction signal. The graft device may comprise the 3D covering positioned about the tubular conduit. Graft devices and methods of producing graft devices may also be provided.

Abstract: A 3D printing method of the present disclosure includes: step S101 for printing an Nth sliced layer of a to-be-printed object according to a first print path, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1; step S102 for printing an (N+1)th sliced layer of the to-be-printed object according to a second print path, where the second print path is a reverse path of the first print path; and step S103 for repeatedly performing S101 and S102 till the printing is completed. The present disclosure can realize a relatively high printing efficiency.

Abstract: A method of making at least one three-dimensional object by additive manufacturing, including: (a) producing, on a carrier platform, by bottom-up stereolithography from a single batch of polymerizable resin, a composite article comprising and produced in the sequence of: (i) an open lattice layer on the carrier platform; then (ii) a frangible layer on the lattice layer; and then (iii) at least one three-dimensional object on the frangible layer; then (b) cleaning the composite article with a wash liquid while on the carrier platform; (c) optionally separating the composite article from the carrier platform; and (d) optionally further curing the composite article; and then (e) separating the at least one three-dimensional object from the lattice layer by cutting or breaking the frangible layer.

Abstract: A joining device includes: a holding portion that holds a shaft portion of a metal member, and that pushes the metal member toward one side in an axial direction of the shaft portion; a supporting portion that supports a thermoplastic resin member; a heating portion that heats a surface at the one side in the axial direction of a distal end portion, which is provided at the one side in the axial direction of the shaft portion, to a melting temperature of the thermoplastic resin member; a sleeve portion that is provided at an outer peripheral side of the holding portion, that is disposed so as to overlap with the distal end portion; and an outer tube portion that is provided at an outer peripheral side of the sleeve portion, an end portion of the outer tube portion abutting a surface of the thermoplastic resin member.

Abstract: A method for bonding composite substrates is disclosed. A curable surface treatment layer is applied onto a curable composite substrate, followed by co-curing. After co-curing, the composite substrate is fully cured but the surface treatment layer remains partially cured. The surface treatment layer may be a resin film or a peel ply composed of resin-impregnated fabric. If a peel ply is used, the peel ply is peeled off after co-curing, leaving behind a remaining thin film of partially cured resin. A subsequent dry physical surface treatment, such as plasma, is carried out to physically modify the surface of the surface treatment layer. After dry physical surface treatment, the composite substrate is provided with a chemically-active, bondable surface, which is adhesively bonded to another composite substrate to form a covalently-bonded structure.

Abstract: A waveguide for plastic welding has an entry end, an exit end as well as a first and a second inner face arranged between the entry end and the exit end, which are arranged opposite to each other and by means of which laser light can be reflected. A first distance between the entry end and the exit end defines a length of the waveguide and a second distance between the first and the second inner face defines a thickness of the waveguide. The exit end may be arranged opposite to the entry end and a central plane of the waveguide may extend centrally from the entry end to the exit end. The first inner face comprises a continuously curved, concave shape so that a third distance between the first inner face and the central plane varies continuously from the entry end in the direction of the exit end.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus of a display device includes a first jig configured to hold a first member; a second jig located under the first jig and coupled to or separated from the first jig such that the first member is locatable between the first jig and the second jig; fixing parts located at both ends of the second jig and configured to hold a second member between the first member and the second jig, the second jig including a pad; and a stage located under the pad and provided with a groove formed therethrough and having an area smaller than an area of the pad when viewed in a plan view, wherein one portion of the pad, which faces the stage, is configured to be within the groove.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liner for reinforcing a pipe includes providing a continuous first reinforcing fibers extending in a first direction, moving the first reinforcing fibers in a machine direction such that the first direction is parallel to the machine direction, providing sheets of a material having second reinforcing fibers extending in a second direction, placing the sheets onto the moving first reinforcing fibers such that the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and folding the sheets into a closed shape.

Abstract: A composite panel composed of a fibre reinforced resin matrix composite material, wherein the panel comprises: a panel portion comprised of a first ply of fibre reinforced resin matrix composite material, wherein the first ply includes a first fibrous layer of a plurality of non-woven carbon fibres which are substantially randomly oriented, and a reinforcement portion which is integrally moulded with the panel portion and is located at a location on a surface of the panel portion to provide an integrally moulded primary structural region of the composite panel, the reinforcement portion being comprised of at least one second ply of fibre reinforced resin matrix composite material, the second ply comprising a second fibrous layer, wherein the first ply has a primary portion which is located in the primary structural region and a secondary portion which is adjacent to the primary portion and is located in a secondary structural region of the composite panel, wherein in the primary portion the first ply has a fi

Abstract: A mold and a method for manufacturing a front wheel disc of a carbon fiber composite wheel relates to a wheel disc, a wheel disc bottom aluminum alloy embedded body, a wheel disc middle aluminum alloy embedded body, a window insert, a top plate, an upper mold, a lower mold, an ejector rod lower plate, an ejector rod upper plate, outer ejector rods, inner ejector rods, a guide post, a bottom plate, upright posts, hydraulic cylinders, lower mold hot runners and upper mold hot runners.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for manufacturing a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) prepreg includes a mechanism for continuously moving a fabric or mat and a resin application component that applies a methyl methacrylate (MMA) resin to the fabric or mat. The system also includes a press mechanism that presses the fabric or mat during the continuous movement subsequent to the application of the MMA resin to ensure that the MMA resin fully saturates the fabric or mat. The system further includes a curing oven through which the fabric or mat is continuously moved. The curing oven is maintained at a temperature of between 40° C. and 100° C. to polymerize the MMA resin and thereby form PMMA so that upon exiting the curing oven, the fabric or mat is fully impregnated with PMMA.

Abstract: A heat press for extracting fluid, such as oil, from a biological plant. A lower heat platen is fixedly attached to a main frame and an upper heat platen is retractably positioned opposite to the lower heat platen. A pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder or a manual or electronic linear actuator provides pressure to an actuation means that is operatively connected to the upper heat platen for initiating movement. A control mechanism that consists of a single pressure regulator system or a dual pressure regulator system is used to control pressure of a pressing operation of the heat press. Alternatively, a digital regulator system can be used to control pressure, time, and temperature of a pressing operation of the heat press. At least one of the upper and lower heat platens has embedded heating elements and an isolated thermocouple. A user interface panel, having an LCD display, a user keyboard, or a touchscreen display is also mounted to the main enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressing and drying a pre-defined amount of waste includes a metal main frame positioned to provide rigid support, and a body mechanically linked to the main frame through a plurality of linkage plates. The apparatus also includes an inlet vertically mounted on the body and a twin screw assembly to press and dehydrate the pre-defined amount of waste. A plurality of mesh screens is rigidly linked to the main frame along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus to remove compressed liquid. The body is also designed to support rotation of the twin screw assembly, and the inlet includes an ingress cross-sectional opening to receive the pre-defined amount of waste.

Abstract: An exemplary method for converting a web of preformed pouches to at least one padded envelope includes moving the web along a path of travel, inserting a first inflation pin into a first inflation channel of a preformed pouch, and inserting a second inflation pin into a second inflation channel of the preformed pouch. In addition, the method includes inflating inflation patterns of each panel of the preformed pouch by providing air through at least one of the first inflation pin and the second inflation pin, such that the preformed pouch is in an inflated position. The method also includes simultaneously sealing the outer skin and each side panel of the preformed pouch to maintain the preformed pouch in the inflated position.

Abstract: A convolutely wound tube (1) is formed of a composite sheet including a first sheet (6) and a second sheet (5). The convolutely wound tube includes a first segment (66) formed of a plurality of convolute windings (2) of the first sheet, a second segment (70) formed of directly adhered and overlapping portions of the first sheet and the second sheet, and a third segment (68) formed of the second sheet wrapped about and overlying the first sheet. The second segment is an underwrap portion positioned between a layer of the first sheet and a layer of the second sheet.

Abstract: A display device is disclosed, which includes: a support layer including a first surface, a second surface and a first side wall, wherein the first surface and the second surface locate at two opposite sides of the support layer, and the first side wall connects the first surface and the second surface; an adhesion layer disposed on the second surface of the support layer; a base layer disposed on the adhesion layer; and at least one transistor disposed on the base layer, wherein the adhesion layer adheres to a partial portion of the first side wall of the support layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a reusable, non-adhesive protective cover is disclosed which includes extruding first and second layers of a thermoplastic film onto a rotatable cast roll. The first layer has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The second layer is extruded onto the interior surface of the first layer to form a co-extruded laminate. The second layer has an exterior surface exhibiting attachment and release capabilities such that a joint tape can be used to join adjacent sheets of the protective cover together. The co-extruded laminate is then advanced between a nip formed by an embossing roll and a rubber roll whereby the exterior surface of the first layer contacts the embossing roll to form a co-extruded embossed laminate. Lastly, the co-extruded embossed laminate is passed around at least a portion of a chill roll to cool the laminate and form the reusable, co-extruded embossed non-adhesive protective cover.

Abstract: A thermoplastic bonded preform and method of manufacturing the preform are disclosed. The preform comprises a primary fiber comprising little or no sizing; a mechanical fiber; and a thermoplastic.

Abstract: Processes for forming cosmetically appealing edges on laminated fabric structures are described. The methods involve a laser cutting process that includes in-process melting of polymer material within the laminated fabric so as to coat fibers of the laminated fabric. The resultant cut laminated fabric has a cosmetic edge that has no exposed fibers. The laser cutting and melting can be performed in a single laser cutting operation, making it well suited for integration into manufacturing product lines.

Abstract: A prepreg including: a woven cloth substrate; and a semi-cured product of a resin composition. The resin composition contains: at least one of an (A1) component and an (A2) component, a (B) component; a (C1) component; and a (C2) component. The (A1) component is an epoxy resin having at least one of a naphthalene skeleton and a biphenyl skeleton. The (A2) component is a phenol resin having at least one of a naphthalene skeleton and a biphenyl skeleton. The (B) component is a high molecular weight polymer. The (C1) component is a first filler obtained by treating surfaces of a first inorganic filler with a first silane coupling agent represented by formula (c1). The (C2) component is a second filler obtained by treating surfaces of a second inorganic filler with a second silane coupling agent represented by formula (c2).

Abstract: A kinetic energy absorptive composite article includes a first ply and a plurality of inherently straight first fibers contained in the first ply. First length portions of the first fibers are arranged with first localized ripples that deviate from and return to individual first routes of respective first length portions. The article includes a second ply parallel to the first ply, a plurality of inherently straight second fibers contained in the first ply or the second ply, and a matrix material at least partially encapsulating the first and second plies. Second length portions of the second fibers are arranged without localized ripples or with second localized ripples that deviate from individual second routes of respective second length portions to a lesser extent than the first localized ripples and return to the individual second routes. The second routes are substantially parallel to the first routes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerogel laminate having a structure in which an aerogel layer and a support having a heat ray reflective function or a heat ray absorbing function are laminated.

Abstract: A modular foundation structure for artificial surface systems includes a structural base layer with a shaped rigid foam having contoured and elevated features, an adhesive layer covering the structural base layer, and an impact and thermal protective layer attached to the structural base layer via the adhesive layer. The impact and thermal protective layer is configured to support an artificial surface layer and has a relatively higher melting point and compression recovery factor than the structural base layer. The shaped rigid may be a closed-cell foam such as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) or Expanded polyethylene (EPE), and the impact and thermal protective layer may be a bead molded Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) foam. The impact and thermal protective layer may have a melting point of about 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and the structural base layer has a melting point of less than 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A kinetic energy absorptive composite article includes a ply containing multiple substantially parallel fibers having inherent failure strains and having inherent moduli. A matrix material at least partially encapsulates the ply. The ply includes multiple lower strength length portions or multiple lower modulus length portions. The multiple lower strength length portions are distributed along individual fibers of the multiple fibers and have failure strains less than the inherent failure strains. The multiple lower modulus length portions are distributed along individual fibers of the multiple fibers and have moduli less than the inherent moduli. A designated pattern of the lower strength length portions or of the lower modulus length portions is distributed to selected locations identified in the ply. An absorptive method includes distributing a load across the designated pattern when the ply receives a force from kinetic energy.

Abstract: Methods for treating panels are described that include coating a wood substrate with a polymeric solution, curing the coated wood substrate by subjecting the coated wood to ultraviolet radiation and causing the polymeric solution to crosslink to produce a fire-resistant veneer. Also described is a composite material comprising a wood substrate layer, and a UV-cured flame retardant coating the wood substrate layer, wherein the composite material has a Flame Spread Index values within 0 to 25 and a Smoke Developed Index of 450 or lower.

Abstract: A multilayer interlayer structure having a first and second polyvinyl acetal (poly(vinyl acetal)) layer and a cellulose ester layer having a thickness of at least 10 mils disposed between the first and second poly(vinyl acetal) layers. The cellulose ester layer can have a higher storage modulus and/or higher Tg than at least one of the poly(vinyl acetal) layers. The interlayer structure is useful to make glass panels having high stiffness and which possess good optical clarity for a variety of applications, including outdoor structural applications.

Abstract: A multilayer interlayer structure having a first and second polyvinyl acetal (poly(vinyl acetal)) layer and a cellulose ester layer having a thickness of at least 10 mils disposed between the first and second poly(vinyl acetal) layers. The cellulose ester layer can have a higher storage modulus and/or higher Tg than at least one of the poly(vinyl acetal) layers. The interlayer structure is useful to make glass panels having high stiffness and which possess good optical clarity for a variety of applications, including outdoor structural applications.

Abstract: The plastic laminated film has both excellent mechanical properties and UV weathering resistance while being colorless and transparent, and can be suitably used as cover films for various flexible or foldable devices.

Abstract: A composite component comprising the following layer construction (a) a first layer consisting at least partially of polyethylene, (b) a second layer consisting at least partially of an elastomer, (c) a third layer consisting at least partially of a thermoset or a thermoplastic, wherein the first layer is arranged directly on the second layer and wherein the second layer is arranged directly on the third layer, and wherein a textile fabric with rovings is arranged between the second layer and the third layer such that some of the rovings are embedded at least in places completely in the second layer, some of the rovings are embedded at least in places completely in the third layer, and some of the rovings are embedded at least in places partially in the second layer and partially in the third layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a graphene composite film. The method includes the following steps: dispersing graphene in a polyester polymer or a cross-linked polymer to form a mixture; preparing a composite layer including a layer having the mixture and a layer having polyester; and stretching the composite layer biaxially to form the graphene composite film. A graphene composite film is disclosed as well.