Abstract: An apparatus for pre-processing logs to separate outer jacket fibers, comprising a plurality of spaced apart rollers through which a log can pass, each roller having at least one outwardly extending concentric projection, the projection being suitable to separate fibers. A pressure mechanism determines the diameter of the log so that the rollers can provide the appropriate amount of pressure to and engagement of the projections with the log. A feeding mechanism moves the log along a flow path past the rollers.

Abstract: Features for formliners to form a decorative pattern in a curable material and methods of using the same are disclosed. An improved formliner is disclosed with substantially seamlessly connecting components that reduces the need for using adhesives for interconnecting a plurality of formliners in a pattern. Further, the formliner is configured to reduce and/or substantially eliminate visible seams in order to create a more natural appearance in a finished product of the curable material.

Abstract: A plastic melt machine includes a feed screw rotatably mounted in a barrel and driven in rotation about a longitudinal screw axis of the feed screw by a screw drive to plasticize material, and an apparatus for driving a device independently of the feed screw. The device can be any rotatable device associated with the feed screw wherein the device is rotatable about a drive axis and is in fluid communication with the barrel to receive the plasticized material. The drive axis is one of parallel to and offset from the screw axis and extending at an angle relative to the screw axis. A drive shaft couples the device to the device drive for rotating the device independently of the rotation of the feed screw by the screw drive.

Abstract: A fiber is provided that has been thermally drawn from a fiber preform, having a longitudinal-axis length and including at least one core that has a longitudinal core axis parallel to the longitudinal axis and internally disposed to at least one outer fiber cladding material layer along the fiber length. The fiber is fed through a localized heating site having a heating site temperature, T, that is above a melting temperature of the fiber core, with a feed speed, ?f, that melts a portion of the fiber core at the heating site, causing molten droplets to pinch off of fiber core material, one droplet at a time, with a time period of molten droplet formation set by the fiber feed speed, ?f. The fiber is fed through the localized heating site to move the molten droplets out of the heating site and solidify the molten droplets into solid in-fiber particles.

Abstract: A nozzle lifting assembly for an additive manufacturing system includes a base member and a lift member relatively movable with respect thereto, a first nozzle body arranged for being lifted by the lift member and a second nozzle body disposed on the base member. A wedge member is movably arranged relative to the base member and in wedging engagement with the lift member between a first and second wedge position, wherein the first and second wedge position correspond to a lowered position and a lifted position of the first nozzle body with respect to the second nozzle body, respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a light source apparatus for resin curing capable of hardening even conventional UV curing resin by irradiating ray in a short time without producing any tackiness on the resin surface, and capable of irradiating a ray for efficiently hardening not only a UV curing resin but also an IR curing resin. The light source apparatus includes a light source, an optical system for guiding a light emitted from the light source to an emission section, and a light transmission section, selectively insertable in a light path in the optical system, for passing there through a UV-C ultraviolet ray containing a ray in the wavelength range of 250 nm, a visible light except for light in the wavelength range from 500 nm to 640 nm and an infrared ray together so as to remove a tackiness on a resin surface.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a three-dimensional structure are provided. One method includes the steps of extruding beads of thixotropic thermoset materials, and subjecting the beads to curing conditions such that the thixotropic thermoset materials at least partially cure to form cured polymer layers. In some cases, the curing conditions are not applied until multiple beads are extruded and in contact with one another. The steps of these methods can be performed repeatedly as desired to prepare a three-dimensional structure of nearly limitless shapes by additive manufacturing processes. Thixotropic thermoset materials are also provided, as are three-dimensional objects formed therefrom.

Abstract: A system for processing elastomeric load rings may include an elastomeric load ring defining an initial width. The system may also include a fixture assembly configured to receive the load ring between first and second clamp members. The second clamp member may be spaced apart from the first clamp member such that a gap is defined between the clamp members when the load ring defines the initial width. The fixture assembly may also include a load member configured to apply a compressive load through the first clamp member and/or the second clamp member such that the load ring is compressed between the clamp members. When the load ring is heated, a spring force of the load ring may be reduced as the load ring is compressed between the clamp members such that the initial width of the load ring is reduced to a final width.

Abstract: A shim for a compression mold for manufacturing a component from reinforced plastic, typically from SMC, comprising a fixed molding element, a mobile molding element, and a mobile shim that can be moved by an actuator. The mobile shim comprises a conventional part made of steel but also a part made of a high expansion material with a mean coefficient of expansion that is high enough that its own expansion at the molding temperature places the shim in compression against the molding element and seals against this element, thus eliminating flash on the molded part. This material is advantageously a polyetheretherketone, or PEEK. A mold comprising this shim and a compression molding method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A compression molding assembly for molding a honeycomb core, including a plurality of cells defined by a plurality of walls, of a blocker door is provided. The compression molding assembly includes a ram plate comprising a plurality of openings defined therethrough and a plurality of core inserts coupled to the ram plate such that the plurality of core inserts are configured to form the honeycomb core of the blocker door. Each core insert is removably coupled with a respective opening of the plurality of openings such that each core insert is configured to form a respective cell of the plurality of cells.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus includes a mold stage that holds a mold, a substrate stage that holds a substrate, a dispensing device that dispenses resin on the substrate, and a controller configured to obtain a result of a foreign substance inspection conducted on the substrate. In a case that the obtained result indicates existence of a foreign substance, the controller controls the dispensing device to dispense the resin onto the foreign substance, cures the dispensed resin without bringing the resin into contact with the mold, controls the dispensing device to dispense the resin again on a first chip region of the substrate where the foreign substance and the cured resin thereon exists, and performs imprint processing to the first chip region.

Abstract: Provided is an application device capable of extracting an imprinting material in which impurities are mixed from a container of the application device and supplying new imprinting material to the container of the application device. An application device according to the present disclosure is used to supply an imprinting material to a substrate in an imprinting apparatus that forms a pattern on the imprinting material on the substrate by using a mold. The application device includes a container unit that contains the imprinting material, and an ejecting unit that is provided on the container unit and that ejects the imprinting material contained in the container unit toward the substrate. The application device is detachably attachable to the imprinting apparatus.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image data generation system includes: an editing unit configured to edit grayscale image data in which a density level for specifying an foaming height of a thermally expandable sheet is set for each coordinate in a planar direction; and a conversion unit configured to, when the editing unit changes a size in the planar direction of an image region included in the grayscale image data, convert the density level in correspondence with a ratio of the image region between before and after the change.

Abstract: A film in which a decorative design layer is formed on a base film is positioned and locked relative to a cavity mold while the mold is open. A pressing portion includes a tip portion made of a soft material. The tip portion pushes the film toward the cavity mold and presses the film against a portion of the molding surface. In this state, vacuum suction causes the film to stick to the molding surface. After that, an article body is molded by injecting molten plastic into the cavity while the mold is clamped. The obtained decorative molded article includes the decorative design layer that decorates the design surface of the article body by causing the decorative design layer of the film to stick to the design surface of the article body.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a transaction card includes forming an opening in a card body of the transaction card; inserting an electronic component into the opening; and molding a molding material about the electronic component. A transaction card includes a molded electronic component.

Abstract: An injection molded part for a motor vehicle includes a film layer having a film main portion and a film first side portion that ends in a first film side surface, wherein the film first side portion extends from the film main portion in a direction different than a plane defined by the film main portion. The film layer also includes a film outer surface and a film inner surface disposed opposite the film outer surface. A first polymer layer is in contact with the film inner surface. A second polymer layer is in contact with the film outer surface, the film first side surface and the first polymer layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a sliding component including a protruding portion that is provided on the outer surface of a slider body portion of a slider so as to protrude into the inside of a penetrating portion provided in a part of a case body portion (wall portion) of a case. In some implementations, the penetrating portion and the protruding portion are formed in a state where an insert having an insert recess is advanced, and the insert is retreated in a mold to form the sliding component in which the slider is fitted in the case.

Abstract: Provided is an injection molding apparatus for a worm wheel, in which the worm wheel is not only integrally manufactured by an injection mold method, but a gear teeth structure of a gear forming unit is also manufactured as an injection mold without a hobbing operation, and the structure of the injection molding apparatus is also improved so that worm wheel products can be easily taken out from the injection mold. The injection molding apparatus includes: a boss injection mold; a product injection mold having a movable side core, a fixed side core, and a worm gear tooth-shaped core; and a take-out unit for taking out a worm wheel product formed with a worm gear by the product injection mold, wherein the take-out unit includes: a plurality of take-out pins; a take-out plate; and a guide unit guiding rotation of the worm gear tooth-shaped core.

Abstract: A die assembly through which flowable material from a supply is controllably delivered to a processing assembly at which a sheet layer is formed. The die assembly has a main frame and a support assembly for the main frame. The support assembly includes components cooperating between the main frame and a base upon which the main frame is supported to allow controlled relative vertical movement between the main frame and base to thereby permit controlled alignment between the main frame and an upstream component that delivers flowable material from the supply to the die assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a parison guide which improves a flatness of parison with a simple configuration. A parison guide (1) guides a parison (P) which has an arc shape in horizontal cross section and is discharged from an extrusion apparatus (2). The parison guide is fixed to a discharge-side end portion of the extrusion apparatus (2). The parison guide includes a contact face (17) configured to come into contact with and guide an edge portion of the parison to flatten the parison. Preferably, the contact face (17) includes a curved surface, and the contact face (17) has a curvature of a horizontal cross section which gets smaller in a discharge direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement 1 for feeding contents into a container being formed from a preform 2 in a mold 3, in a machine for simultaneously molding and filling containers made from preforms, wherein the arrangement defines, by the way of its wall 7, a flow path between a contents-supply line 4 and the mouth opening 6 of the container. The arrangement 1 is characterized in that it has a sealing termination both in relation to the contents-supply line 4 and in relation to the preform 2.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing containers by blow-molding preforms, comprising a phase of heating the preforms (3) followed by a phase of forming the containers (this phase comprising a pre-blowing step followed by a blowing step), this method comprising the operations consisting in: detecting a pressure spike during the pre-blowing and comparing it against a reference spike, if the pressure in the pressure spike is below the reference pressure, checking an event history to determine whether a heating instruction and/or a forming instruction has been modified; if the result of this check is positive, commanding at least one of the following actions: o generating an alert alarm, o stopping the supply of preforms to the oven, o ejecting the containers derived from the affected preforms.

Abstract: The apparatus has a bending/cooling station mounted on a base. A tube clamping assembly is mounted on the base, movable towards and away from the bending/cooling station and including a tube clamping assembly and a tube rotation assembly. A tube heating assembly is mounted for movement between the bending/cooling station and the tube clamping assembly. Servomotors move the tube clamping assembly and the tube heating assembly, rotate the tube clamping assembly, and actuate bending at the bending/cooling station. The apparatus is controlled by PLC or PC-based programs, which effect movement via servomotors and control other parameters such as heating and cooling times and temperatures. Bending and cooling the tube at a first bend location, and heating the next desired bend location, take place in overlapping time windows, before advancing the tube to position the next desired bend location of the tube at the bending/cooling station.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprint apparatus which forms a pattern in an imprint material supplied onto a substrate using a mold, the apparatus comprising a supply unit including a plurality of orifices each of which discharges the imprint material toward the substrate and configured to supply the imprint material onto the substrate by discharge of the imprint material from each orifice, and a control unit configured to control the discharge of the imprint material from each orifice in accordance with distribution information indicating a distribution, on the substrate, of the imprint material that should be supplied onto the substrate, wherein the control unit updates, based on information on a discharge amount of the imprint material discharged from each orifice, the distribution information such that a thickness of the imprint material formed using the mold falls within an allowable range.

Abstract: At least one agent distributor may be to selectively deliver coalescing agent onto portions of a layer of build material at a first density and at a second density lower than the first density. A controller may be to control the at least one agent distributor to selectively deliver the coalescing agent at the first and second densities onto respective first and second portions of the layer in respective first and second patterns derived from data representing the three-dimensional object to be generated, so that when energy is applied to the layer the build material may coalesce and solidify to form a slice of the three-dimensional object in accordance with the first pattern. The second portion may be in proximity to a boundary of the first portion. Presence of the coalescing agent in the second portion may be to prevent at least some heat from flowing away from the first portion when the energy is applied.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymer powder containing a polyamide of AB type, produced by polymerizing at least one lactam having from 10 to 12 carbon atoms in a monomer unit or by polycondensing at least one corresponding ?-aminocarboxylic acid having from 10 to 12 carbon atoms in a monomer unit, and a polyamide of AABB type, produced by polycondensing at least one diamine and at least one dicarboxylic acid having respectively from 10 to 14 carbon atoms in monomer units. The polyamide of the AB type and the polyamide of the AABB type are prepared separately and then coprecipitated to form the polymer powder, and the polymer powder is a physical mixture of the polyamide of the AB type and the polyamide of the AABB type. Also disclosed herein is a method for producing the polymer powder.

Abstract: The invention provides a heating head for a three-dimensional printing pen. The heating head includes a heating pipe, a heating member, a heat insulation pipe, a heat insulation sleeve, and a heat sink. The heating member is disposed on the heating pipe. The heat insulation pipe penetrates into the heating pipe. The heat insulation sleeve is sleeved on the heating pipe and opposite to the heating member. The heat insulation sleeve partly covers the heat insulation pipe, and the heat insulation pipe and the heat insulation sleeve are separated by the heating pipe. The heat sink and the heat insulation sleeve mutually lean against, wherein the heat insulation sleeve is located between the heating member and the heat sink, and the heat insulation pipe penetrates into the heat sink.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material filament having rheological characteristics suitable for use in additive manufacturing by extrusion, a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional composite product with an additive manufacturing system from a filament of such composite material, and to a three-dimensional composite product obtained by an additive manufacturing system using such composite material. The filament is formed of material comprising semi-crystalline polylactic acid and chemical pulp of wood-based cellulose fibers, wherein the amount of chemical pulp of wood-based cellulose fibers is selected such that sufficient complex viscosity is obtained at melt state, such that upon additive manufacturing by extrusion, composite melt formed of the filament has a ratio of shear storage modulus to shear loss modulus G?/G? equal to or higher than 1.0 at a temperature equal to or higher than 133° C.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shaped object using a plurality of materials can be shaped, and replenishment of the materials is implemented during shaping without stopping an apparatus. A three-dimensional laminating and shaping apparatus includes a shaping chamber in which a three-dimensional laminated and shaped object is shaped, at least two material spreaders that are provided in the shaping chamber and spread materials of the three-dimensional laminated and shaped object, at least two material suppliers that supply the materials to the material spreaders, a controller that controls movements of the material spreaders and the material suppliers, and a beam irradiator that irradiates the materials with a beam. The material spreaders and the material suppliers are respectively paired, and the controller controls the movements of the material spreaders and the material suppliers so that each of the material spreaders is supplied, at a predetermined timing, with the material from a paired one of the material suppliers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates in particular to a machine for additive manufacturing by sintering or melting powder using an energy beam acting on a powder layer in a working zone, said machine comprising a device for layering said powder. The device is configured to distribute the powder that are able to travel over the working zone in order to distribute the powder in a layer having a final thickness suitable for additive manufacturing; transfer the powder to a distribution structure by gravity, and control the quantity of powder transferred to the distribution structure.

Abstract: A 3D printing system configured to embed and orient reinforcing fibers in a printable matrix material in at least three directions, wherein at least one of the directions is non-parallel with a plane defined by two other of the directions. The 3D printing system may be configured to deposit a layer of printable non-metallic material along a printing path on a contoured printing surface to form a 3D printed article. The system can carry out a method of 3D printing a fiber-reinforced article that includes the steps of: depositing a plurality of layers of printable matrix material one over another to define a three-dimensional shape of the article; and embedding a reinforcing fiber in the printable matrix material during the step of depositing, with the reinforcing fiber extending into more than one of the plurality of material layers.

Abstract: A system for separating objects within a stacked powder print bed of nested objects comprises a build box configured to contain the powder print bed. The build box has a build box top and a build box floor. The system further includes an elongated aperture formed in a side wall of the build box, and a de-powdering subsystem configured to mechanically and electrically engage the build box. A separating blade associated with the de-powdering subsystem is configured to be inserted through the elongated aperture and into the powder print bed between a top-most print bed layer of the nested objects and a second print bed layer directly below and contiguous with the top-most layer, thereby forming an isolated powder print bed between the separating blade and the build box top. The unbound powder may be agitated by various techniques and subsequently removed from the objects.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object is disclosed. The method comprises sequentially forming a plurality of layers each patterned according to the shape of a cross section of the object. In some embodiments, the formation of at least one of the layers comprises performing a raster scan to dispense at least a first building material composition, and a vector scan to dispense at least a second building material composition. The vector scan is optionally along a path selected to form at least one structure selected from the group consisting of (i) an elongated structure, (ii) a boundary structure at least partially surrounding an area filled with the first building material, and (iii) an inter-layer connecting structure.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis is made by externally machining successive layers of wax, each of which is formed on a previous prosthesis layer and/or on a coping. Each wax layer is used to form a mold in situ over the previous prosthesis layer/coping, and the appropriate prosthesis material is cast or otherwise molded to conform to the wax layer by the mold.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods provide at least a controller for a print server which executes at least one additive manufacturing print process on an additive manufacturing printer. The disclosed embodiments may include a plurality of sensors capable of monitoring at least one of a build perimeter, a build height, and a build volume for an additive print build resultant from the additive manufacturing print; at least one processor associated with the print server and capable of receiving sensor data regarding the monitoring from the plurality of sensors, and comprising non-transitory computing code for applying to the sensor data a print process plan indicative of the additive print build; a comparator embedded in the non-transitory computing code for assessing a lack of compliance by the additive print build to the print process plan; and at least one modified output of the additive manufacturing print suitable to revise the compliance of the additive print build to the print process plan.

Abstract: The invention is a method for the validation of one or more consumable elements (4) suited to be installed on a stereolithography machine (2) for printing three-dimensional objects through a stereolithography process. The method includes the steps of installing a consumable element (4) provided with a readable univocal identification code (ID) on the stereolithography machine (2), reading said univocal identification code (ID), verifying that the univocal identification code (ID) is authentic and active by making a comparison against a predefined list (L) of authentic and active identification codes and enabling the use of the consumable element (4) on the stereolithography machine (2) in the case where the corresponding univocal identification code (ID) is authentic and active.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to manufacturing balloon envelopes for use in high-altitude mesh networks for packet-data communications. As an example, a gore portion may be placed on a table such that the gore portion overlies a groove within the table. A tendon may be placed on the gore portion and within the groove. A portion of tubing may be placed over the tendon. The tubing may have one or more surface openings. Restraining tape is applied over the one or more surface openings in the tubing. A constant force roller is applied to secure the tendon to the gore portion and to secure the tendon to the tubing. As an alternative or in addition to the surface openings, double-sided restraining tape may be placed between the tendon and the tubing. The tubing and restraining tape may prevent undesired lateral and longitudinal movement of the tendon during deployment.

Abstract: A first object is anchored in a second object. The first object has a material with thermoplastic properties, and the second material has a material that is solid and is penetrable by the first material when in a liquefied state. The second object has an insertion face with an opening having a mouth in the insertion face, and the first object has an insert portion that for anchoring is placed in the opening or about the mouth thereof. For anchoring, energy suitable for liquefaction of the first material impinges in an amount and for a time sufficient for at least partial liquefaction of the first material and interpenetration of the first and second materials. The second object, around the opening, has an anisotropic strength with respect to forces perpendicular to the opening axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for multi-stage printing teaches a 3D printer in combination with one or more additional dispensing nozzles. One or more additional dispensing nozzles are combined with the 3D for filling cavities with other compounds such as foam, sterilizing parts by spraying printed mold with disinfectant or antibacterial treatments, and embedding parts or other materials such as paper, fiberglass, or carbon fiber within the printing layers for additional strength and changing mold properties of a final product. In other embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention can be used in combination with a robotic packaging mechanism for bagging sterilized parts for shipment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a build plate for physically adhering or holding a three-dimensional (3D) object to a build surface and methods for mechanically anchoring the 3D object to the build surface using printing or building materials. In one embodiment, a build plate comprises a plurality of anchor holes spaced throughout a top surface of the first build plate, in which an individual anchor hole comprises a top hole portion and a bottom chamfer hole portion that is larger in size than the top portion.

Abstract: A method may include controlling, by a computing device, a directed energy deposition material addition (DED MA) technique based at least in part on a thermal model. The thermal model may define a plurality of default operating parameters for the DED MA technique. The method also may include detecting, by at least one sensor, at least one parameter related to the DED MA technique. Further, the method may include, responsive to determining, by the computing device, that a value of the at least one detected parameter is different from an expected value of a corresponding parameter predicted by the thermal model, determining, by the computing device and using a neuro-fuzzy algorithm, an updated value for at least one operating parameter for the DED MA technique, and controlling, by the computing device, the DED MA technique based at least in part on the updated value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a blade made of composite material extending in a main elongation direction, the composite material of said blade comprising a fiber reinforcement densified by a matrix, the method comprising the following steps: a step of weaving warp yarns and weft yarns to produce a fiber preform, the fiber preform comprising at least one warp yarn adapted to form in the matrix at least one first portion of a channel, said portion of length of the warp yarn being directed according to the main elongation direction of the blade and opening at the root of the blade, the first channel portion formed in the matrix by said portion of length of warp yarn constituting at least one first portion of the internal airflow channel; a step of forming the fiber preform so as to produce a blade preform and densifying said blade preform; characterized in that the weaving step comprises placing at least one second portion of yarn adapted to form in the matrix a second portion of a cha

Abstract: A carbon-fiber-reinforced resin composite material includes: carbon fibers including carbon fiber bundles and a thermoplastic resin, in which (1) a coefficient of variation (CV1) of a total areal weight of the carbon-fiber-reinforced resin composite material is 10% or lower, (2) a coefficient of variation (CV2) of a carbon fiber volume fraction (Vf) in the carbon-fiber-reinforced resin composite material which is defined by Expression (a) is 15% or lower, and (3) a weight average fiber length of the carbon fibers is 1 to 100 mm. Carbon Fiber Volume Fraction (Vf)=100×Volume of Carbon Fibers/(Volume of Carbon Fibers+Volume of Thermoplastic Resin)??Expression (a).

Abstract: A blade element is provided and includes courses of bias plies continuously machine-wrapped about leading and trailing edges at an angle relative to a long axis of the blade axis and unidirectional plies interwoven in parallel with the long axis between adjacent courses of the bias plies on upper and lower surfaces to promote respective tangential geometries of the bias plies at the leading and trailing edges, the unidirectional plies not extending into the leading and trailing edges.

Abstract: A method for repairing damage to a composite part includes creating an aperture through the composite part and preparing the surfaces surrounding the aperture on both sides of the part; inserting a plurality of resin impregnated fibers through the aperture and spreading the end portions of the plurality of fibers radially against the prepared surfaces on both sides of the part; and maintaining contact of the plurality of fibers with the prepared surfaces while the resin cures.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced polyimide resin molded article and a production process therefor. After a prepolymer of an addition reaction type polyimide resin and functional fibers are dispersed and kneaded together, the kneaded product is kept at a temperature not lower than the heat curing start temperature of the reaction type polyimide resin for a fixed amount of time or mixed with a thickener to increase its viscosity, and shaped at a temperature not lower than the heat curing start temperature of the reaction type polyimide resin to obtain a molded article having excellent sliding performance with a limit PV value of not less than 3,000 kPa·m/s and excellent shape stability during molding and containing the functional fibers dispersed in the polyimide resin.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that allows for the non-interrupted coating of a pulled substrate with coating materials, even while a coated portion of the substrate is held stationary for cutting. The present invention eliminates waste and improves efficiency and yield, and is particularly applicable to laboratory drawdown coaters.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a casting cup assembly comprising frontcurve and basecurve molds which of which includes a ring that circumscribes the respective concave and convex mold surface. When the casting cup is assembled, the rings align and minimize de-centering and tilting of the concave and convex mold surfaces which, in turn, reduces edge defects.

Abstract: A collet (230) for holding a contact lens mold half (240) during machining of a surface of the mold half (240) having a disc (235) having a face and defining: a central structure (250a), at the center of the face, for receiving a head portion (240a) of the mold half (240), and an elongate recess (250b), in the face, for receiving a tail portion (240b) of the mold half (240), the elongate recess (250b) extending from the central structure (250a) along a radius of the disc (235).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pneumatic tire including forming a green case by cylindrically winding a tire component member which includes at least one layer of a carcass ply. A green tire is shaped by expanding the green case into a toroidal shape with the supply of a fluid into the green case so that the green case adheres to a tread ring arranged radially outside the green case. The green tire is subjected to vulcanization molding within a mold die. During the shaping of the green tire, the fluid is supplied in accordance with a pressure profile which changes in a stepwise manner. The pressure profile is set such that a former stage expansion rate in a former stage is set to slower than a final stage expansion rate in a final stage.