Abstract: A flexo-platemaker uses two illumination subsystems with a different resolution for creating a flexographic print master. Optionally, two different curable liquids are used.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are directed to the use of vapor phase change in binder jetting processes for forming three-dimensional objects. In general, a vapor of a first fluid may be directed to a layer of a powder spread across a build volume. The vapor may condense to reduce mobility of the particles of the powder of the layer. For example, the condensing vapor may reduce the likelihood of particle ejection from the layer and, thus, may reduce the likelihood of clogging or otherwise degrading a printhead used to jet a second fluid (e.g., a binder) to the layer. Further, or instead, the condensing vapor may increase the density of the powder in the layer which, when repeated over a plurality of layers forming a three-dimensional object, may reduce the likelihood of slumping of the part during sintering.

Abstract: Provided is a build mat to which a 3D print sticks well and from which the 3D print is easily separated. The build mat provided by this invention comprises a substrate and a surface layer provided to the first face of the substrate. The build mat has a peel strength of 1.5 N/18 mm or greater and 10 N/18 mm or less, determined by peeling the mat from polylactic acid (PLA) placed on the surface layer; and it is constituted so that the surface layer remains on the PLA in the peel strength measurement.

Abstract: A sealed type light curing 3D printer and a method using the same are provided. The 3D printer includes a reservoir; a microcontroller; a plunger for creating a sealed space between itself and a bottom of the reservoir by disposing in the reservoir; a printing platform releasably disposed on a bottom of the plunger wherein a bottom of the printing platform is flush with the bottom of the plunger; an illumination unit under the reservoir; a liquid material tank communicating with the reservoir; and a gas tank communicating with the reservoir. Both the plunger and the printing platform lift a first distance to draw liquid material into the reservoir. The plunger further lifts a second distance to draw gas into the reservoir.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for facilitating smart handling of material for 3D printing. A method of embodiments, as described herein, includes facilitating receiving recyclable material through an input bin coupled to the 3D printing apparatus, where the recyclable material represents a first object used at least once. The method may further include disintegrating the recyclable material for recycling into a second object and printing the second object based on the recyclable material and placing the second object into an output bin.

Abstract: An exemplary method for determining a set of additive manufacturing parameters includes, a) determining a nominal parameter of at least one surface of a component, b) determining at least a second order variation in the nominal parameter, c) predicting an actual resultant dimension based at least in part on the nominal parameter and the second order variation, and d) adjusting at least one additive manufacturing process parameter in response to the predicted actual resultant dimension.

Abstract: The hardware and software properties of a three-dimensional printer can be queried and applied to select suitable directly printable models for the printer, or to identify situations where a new machine-ready model must be generated. The properties may be any properties relevant to fabrication including, e.g., physical properties of the printer, printer firmware, user settings, hardware configurations, and so forth. A printer may respond to configuration queries with a dictionary of capabilities or properties, and this dictionary may be used to select suitable models, or determine when a new model must be created. Similarly, when a printable model is sent to the printer, metadata for the printable model may be compared to printer properties in the dictionary to ensure that the model can be fabricated by the printer.

Abstract: A 3D printing nozzle calibration system, comprising a heated chamber; a printing base plate mounted inside the heated chamber; printing base moving means configured to move the printing base plate; a moving carriage; at least one rail on which the moving carriage is configured to slide up and down; a printing nozzle partially mounted inside the heated chamber; the printing nozzle is connected to the moving carriage; a hard stop connected to the moving carriage; a fixed part on which the hard stop is resting; and a printer controller; wherein the printing base plate is configured to move up, up to a point where the printing base plate touches the printing nozzle in a determined point of the printing base plate, thereby causing the hard stop to disconnect from the fixed part; and wherein the printer controller is configured to store a height of the printing base plate upon the disconnection.

Abstract: Materials and methods are disclosed for forming interface layers between objects being 3D printed and their underlying support structures, as well as dissolvable supports. The materials and methods facilitate separation of the objects from the supports after all processing is completed and are particularly useful when 3D printing metal objects that have to be sintered subsequent to 3D printing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sealing unit is equipped with a converter, a horn, a fixing member, and a retaining member. The converter generates ultrasonic waves from an electrical signal. The horn vibrates because of the ultrasonic waves generated by the converter. The fixing member is a member for fixing the ultrasonic sealing unit. The retaining member is a member for retaining the ultrasonic sealing unit in a position different from the position where the ultrasonic sealing unit is fixed by the fixing member. The ultrasonic sealing unit may reduce vibration transmitted to the surroundings.

Abstract: A laser welding system is directed to simultaneously joining respective layers of a first bag and a second bag. The system includes a first film layer adjacent to a second film layer for forming the first bag, and a third film layer adjacent to a fourth film layer for forming the second bag, each layer of the plurality of film layers being made of a thermoplastic material that absorbs laser radiation having a wavelength of about 2 microns. A non-absorbing carrier film layer is positioned between the second film layer and the third film layer, the non-absorbing carrier film layer being made of a material that transmits substantially all energy of the laser radiation. A laser source applies the laser radiation toward portions of the plurality of film layers to be joined, forming the first bag generally simultaneously with the second bag.

Abstract: A laser welding system for joining first and second thermoplastic workpieces, and including a clamp, an actuator, and a laser source. The clamp includes first and second clamping structures positioned together to engage opposite sides of the workpieces when they adjoin each other. The first clamping structure has a non-flat or irregular surface, facing the first workpiece. The actuator causes the clamping structures to press the first and second workpieces together. The laser source applies laser radiation having a wavelength of 2 microns toward the workpieces to be joined, while they are pressed together by the clamp, to melt irradiated portions of the workpieces to one another. The first clamping structure transmits substantially all of the energy of the laser radiation through the material. The first workpiece has a non-flat or irregular surface facing the first clamping structure, which substantially conforms with the surface of the first clamping structure.

Abstract: Induction Weldable Pipe Connectors (IWPCs) (400) for electromagnetic induction welding with at least one plastic pipe (30). IWPCs (400) include a tubular induction weldable mounting (401) having an opposite pair of induction weldable sockets (404A, 404B), a tubular cover (406) externally mounted on the induction weldable mounting (401), and a tubular pipe tang (407) internally disposed in one induction weldable socket (404A, 404B) for destining an induction weldable socket (404A, 404B) as an induction weldable pipe socket (408A, 408B) for forced sliding insertion of a pipe end (31) thereinto. The cover (406) includes an opposite pair of thermally insulated induction weldable socket mouth rims (426A, 426B) for entrapping melted solder lining (412) inside the induction weldable mounting (401) during an electromagnetic induction welding operation, thereby ensuring improved welding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a welding tool and a method for pulse welding films of plastic for medical packs formed as bags. The invention generally provides for the film material that has been plastified during welding, and is consequently free-flowing, to be specifically displaced by increasing the sealing surface area. The displaced film material can for instance compensate for dimensional and form tolerances. At the same time, however, the strength of the welded seam region, which adjoins the interior space of the bag, is not reduced.

Abstract: A wire embedding system and methods are presented. A wire is embedded in a substrate at predetermined locations in a series of sequential embedding instances using heat and pressure. The heat and pressure are removed from the wire in between the series of sequential embedding instances.

Abstract: A rehabilitated pipe system and a method for rehabilitating a pipe system. A lines a host pipe and a coupling member configured for being operatively coupled to a mechanical coupler is positioned adjacent the host pipe so that a connecting section of the liner extends into the coupling member. The connecting section of the liner is adhesively bonded to the coupling member, and the mechanical coupler is installed to fluidly couple the liner to another fluid conducting structure. The connecting section of the liner can be formed in a portion of the host pipe that is removed after lining. The coupling member can be flanged or include a lateral coupling tube. The mechanical coupler can, e.g., be a ductile iron coupler or a bolt.

Abstract: A bonding device includes an upper chamber a pad with which a display substrate is pressable to a substrate; a stage between a lower chamber and the pad and including an opening through which air is introduced; a molding member between an upper chamber and the pad and surrounding the pad and the opening; and a support member connected to the stage The display substrate disposed on the molding member disposes first and second portions of the display substrate overlapping the planar and bending portions of the substrate, respectively, the molding member presses the first portion to the planar portion, and air introduced through the opening, expands the molding member to press the second portion to the bending portion.

Abstract: A resin frame includes frame members combined into a frame shape that includes a corner portion, and a joint portion joining a pair of the frame members which are adjacent to each other at the corner portion. The joint portion includes an entire-surface welded portion, in which end surfaces of the pair of the frame members are welded to each other over an entire surface in a thickness direction of a plate portion of the frame members, and a partial welded portion, in which the end surfaces of the pair of the frame members are welded to each other on one side of the entire surface in the thickness direction while another side of the entire surface in the thickness direction is not welded. The entire-surface welded portion and the partial welded portion are present at different portions on an outer periphery of the joint portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating a composite material from the environment, as well as the isolated composite material. Also disclosed herein are methods for shaping a composite material that include the use of isolated composite materials. For example, disclosed is a method for mechanical thermoforming of a composite material to form a shaped composite material.

Abstract: A system for forming a composite component includes a close mold tool defining a cavity that corresponds to a shape of the composite component and configured to receive a composite material. The system further includes a perforated release film defining a plurality of openings and configured to be positioned on a surface of the composite material within the cavity. The system further includes a breather configured to be positioned on the perforated release film, to allow a vacuum to be applied to the composite material through the breather and the plurality of openings, and to allow pressurized fluid to be applied to the perforated release film through the breather.

Abstract: Wood-type golf clubs and/or golf club heads include: (a) a golf club head base member including a face member having a ball striking face; and (b) a polymeric body member engaged with the golf club head base member, wherein the polymeric body member is formed via a rotational molding process (or other centrifugal force inducing molding process) and/or engaged with the golf club head base member via a rotational molding process (or other centrifugal force inducing molding process). The polymeric body member forms at least a portion of a crown member of the club head in some structures.

Abstract: A panel comprising internal strips or regions reinforced with nanomaterials having high load carrying capacity.

Abstract: A tire maintenance means (1) is provided, which includes a monitoring module (2) for monitoring the status of a tire; an inflating module (4) for inflating or deflating the tire; a repairing module (5) for filling a sealant to the tire; a control module (3) for maintaining the tire based on a signal from the monitoring module (2). A method of maintaining a tire is also provided.

Abstract: An expiration date notification method includes activating an expiration date notification device for a puncture repair liquid installed in a vehicle that comprises a storage unit that stores an expiration date of a puncture repair liquid contained in a container, a notification condition setting unit that sets a notification period and a notification manner for notifying of a replacement period of the puncture repair liquid based on the expiration date stored in the storage unit, a notifying unit that notifies of the replacement period of the puncture repair liquid, and a control unit that controls the notifying unit based on settings of the notification condition setting unit; and notifying a user of the vehicle of the replacement period of the puncture repair liquid within a preset notification period including before and after the expiration date of the puncture repair liquid via a preset notification manner.

Abstract: A method of forming and/or using a contact lens is disclosed. In one step, bioactive agents are pad printed to form a layer. In another step, the layer is cured to form a portion of the contact lens. The contact lens is shipped to users in dry state without immersing in aqueous packaging solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing endless 3-D printed belts using in papermaking and an apparatus for producing endless 3-D printed belts laminated to a substrate for additional strength and dimensional stability during use.

Abstract: A frictional power transmission belt includes a tension layer forming a belt back surface, a compression rubber layer to be in contact with a pulley and frictionally engaged with the pulley, and a tension member embedded between the tension layer and the compression rubber layer along a belt length direction. The compression rubber layer has a surface to be in contact with the pulley. At least a part of the surface is coated with a fiber layer via a fiber/resin mixture layer. The fiber/resin mixture layer contains a resin component and heat-resistant fibers having a softening point or a melting point higher than a vulcanization temperature of a rubber forming the compression rubber layer. The fiber layer contains hydrophilic heat-resistant fibers having a softening point or a melting point higher than the vulcanization temperature and does not contain a resin component.

Abstract: The curing bladder for a tire comprises a body made of a flexible material suited to being inserted in the drawn-in position inside a pneumatic tire in a curing mould and which is capable of being expanded so as to flatten the tire against the internal surface of the mould. The body is produced based on a film made of a thermoplastic polymer and has a cylindrical tube shape when the bladder is in the drawn-in position.

Abstract: A dual mold spacer for use with a dual mold assembly is provided that includes a first side portion configured to engage a first side rail of the dual mold assembly. A second side portion is configured to engage a second side rail of the dual mold assembly. A body portion extends from the first side portion to the second side portion and is configured to be located between a press of the dual mold assembly and first and second molds of the dual mold assembly. The body portion is configured for being spaced from and free from engagement with the first and second molds.

Abstract: A retainer assembly for a waste container opening defining a longitudinal axis passing through a center of the opening includes a framework defining a first framework opening, and a pivotable finger assembly including a retainer portion, the retainer portion pivotably adjacent the first framework opening. The finger assembly includes a biasing element for urging the retainer portion toward the longitudinal axis. The retainer portion is movable against the biasing element away from the longitudinal axis to enable placement of waste materials into the waste container, and movable toward the longitudinal axis after waste materials have been placed into the waste container to impede movement of waste materials through the first framework opening out of the waste container.

Abstract: This disclosure includes platens for use in static presses, static presses including the same, and related methods. Some platens include a body (120) configured to be coupled to an actuator of a press and a plate (110) configured to be coupled to the body such that the plate defines at least a first portion of a pressing surface (140) of the platen, the pressing surface (140) configured to contact an object when the object is pressed by the platen, the plate and the body (120) cooperate to define a cavity (130) underlying the first portion of the pressing surface, at least one of the body and the plate define an inlet (190) in fluid communication with the cavity, and the first portion of the pressing surface is configured to deflect in response to pressure changes within the cavity (130).

Abstract: A method of forming reinforced packages. The method can comprise moving a blank in a machine direction on a blank conveyor, and forming a tubular web while moving a first web of material and a second web of material in the machine direction. The forming the tubular web can comprise at least partially sealing at least a portion of the first web and the second web together to form a sealed margin of the tubular web. The method further can comprise forming a liner by cutting the tubular web, forming an attached blank by attaching the liner to the blank, and moving the attached blank in the machine direction on the blank conveyor.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite structure may include positioning a composite sheet adjacent to a die opening. A portion of the composite sheet may be constrained between a first forming surface and a second forming surface. The first forming surface may be spaced a gap distance from the second forming surface. The gap distance may be substantially equal to or greater than the sheet thickness. The composite sheet may be urged through the die opening and along a third forming surface to form a composite bottom from the composite sheet.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a windowed packaging material. According to the method a web of packaging material is cut in substantially the machine direction along a non-linear path. The cutting action provides two subwebs, each having protruding edge portions and recessed edge portions. The two subwebs are displaced relative to one another so that the protruding edge portions face one another. In this configuration opposing recessed edge portions form windows. The two subwebs are adhered to one another at the opposing protruding edge portions. The resulting windows may be covered with a material that is transparent and/or breathable. A strip of handle material may be applied spanning the respective windows.

Abstract: A corrugated board plant includes a corrugated board production assembly for producing a double-face laminated web of corrugated board, and at least one cutting assembly arranged downstream of the corrugated board production assembly, which has a cross-cutting device for producing sheets from the double-face web of corrugated board, and is capable of producing at least one identification sheet from the double-face laminated web of corrugated board, which is different from the sheets. The corrugated board plant further has a stack depositing area arranged downstream of the cutting assembly to stack the sheets and the at least one identification sheet in such a way as to form a stack, which is identifiable by means of the at least one identification sheet, in particular for further processing.

Abstract: A laminate (110) of polypropylene films (100), a luggage shell (120) constructed of the laminate (110), a method (200) of making the laminate (110), and a method (280) of making the luggage shell (120) are provided. The films (100) include a core (102) and at least one outer layer (104). The laminate (110) includes a plurality of films (100). The laminate (110) may be formed by laminating a plurality of films 100 under predetermined pressure, temperature, and time conditions. The shell (120) may be formed by deep drawing a sheet of laminate (110) while applying heat and tension to the laminate (110).

Abstract: A method of producing a core for a composite panel along a continuous production line is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a thermoplastic sheet of material onto the production line and vacuum forming the thermoplastic sheet of material into alternating pairs of matching shapes, providing the thermoplastic sheet of material with alternating pairs of matching shapes onto upper and lower conveyor belts that are operating at lower speeds than the production line causing the pairs of matching shapes to bunch up and form a honeycomb structure, and cutting the honeycomb structure into discrete sections with spaces therebetween. A plurality of reinforced plastic bands with gaps therebetween are provided and the honeycomb structure is aligned with the gaps. The plurality of reinforced plastic bands and the honeycomb structure are secured together.

Abstract: A composite molded cargo body panel including a core, an interior skin secured to a first side of the core having a thickness, and exterior skin secured to a second side of the core, and a plurality of recesses. The plurality of recesses are dispersed along a first direction at intervals in the interior skin, with the core thickness at each of the plurality of recesses being reduced compared to a maximum core thickness, and each of the plurality of recesses defines a support surface. A pocket is formed in each of the plurality of recesses, with the core thickness at the pocket being less than the core thickness at each of the plurality of recesses. A plurality of logistics inserts are attached to the respective support surfaces of the plurality of recesses so that, at each of the plurality of recesses, the logistics insert extends across the pocket.

Abstract: A heated floor panel assembly for aircraft includes an impact layer made from a 2-D or 3-D woven high temperature thermoplastic fiber matrix impregnated with a resin. The impact layer can further include woven metallic fibers. The assembly also includes a stack of structural layers, a heating layer, and a core layer for absorbing shear stress.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a flow path component includes a flow path component body having a flow surface. The flow path component also includes a plurality of antimicrobial nanoparticles embedded in the flow surface and at least partially exposed external to the flow surface to provide an antimicrobial surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a three dimensional shaped article having an outer and inner surface, the outer surface comprising at least one fabric (100) of polyethylene fibers having a tensile strength of at least 1.5 GPa, the fabric is impregnated with an acrylic based thermoplastic material. The three dimensional shaped article may further comprise monolayers with unidirectional aligned fibers. The three dimensionally shaped article has an improved surface appearance which would therefore need little or no post treatment and has good adhesion to coatings and paints.

Abstract: A composite fabric includes a first fabric layer and a plurality of insulating structures adjacent to the first fabric layer. Each of the plurality of insulating structures include a fabric shell defining a cavity and an insulating material located within the cavity. In further aspects a composite fabric includes a plurality of insulating structures separated by a plurality of spacers. Each of the plurality of spacers includes a fabric material and each of the plurality of insulating structures includes a fabric shell defining a cavity and an insulating material located within the cavity.

Abstract: A transparent conductive gas barrier laminate according to the present disclosure includes a transparent gas barrier film and a transparent conductive layer in this order from outside toward inside. In the laminate, the transparent gas barrier film has a b* value of more than 0 in a L*a*b* color system, and the transparent conductive layer contains a conductive polymer and has a b* value of less than 0 in the L*a*b* color system.

Abstract: Provided herein are multilayer articles comprising at least one underfill film layer. In certain aspects, there are also provided methods for improving the worklife stability of such articles. In certain aspects, there are also provided methods for improving the storage stability of such articles. In certain aspects, there are also provided methods for making such articles. In certain aspects, there are also provided stabilized articles produced by the methods described herein.

Abstract: A printable blank sheet includes a sheet with a top substrate and a bottom layer, a dry lift adhesive connecting the top substrate to the bottom layer, cut lines in the sheet that extend through the top substrate and the dry lift adhesive but not through the bottom layer, and a folder pocket cut into the top substrate with a periphery of the folder pocket defined by the cut lines. The folder pocket can be removed from the sheet by separating the folder pocket and the bottom layer along the dry lift adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural multilayer composite comprising a layer of leather in contact with at least one monolayer comprising parallel aligned fibers and a matrix material. The composite may further comprise film layer(s) that may be breathable and/or waterproof. The structural multilayer composite material is suitable for use in clothing and outdoor gear and apparel.

Abstract: There is provided a high-strength hot-dipped steel sheet having excellent coating adhesion and a method for manufacturing the steel sheet. The steel sheet has a chemical composition, and a coating layer is disposed on the steel sheet. The chemical composition includes, by mass %, C: 0.02% or greater and 0.30% or less, Si: 0.01% or greater and 2.0% or less, Mn: 0.2% or greater and 3.0% or less, P: 0.08% or less, S: 0.02% or less, and Al: 0.001% or greater and 0.40% or less, with the balance being Fe and incidental impurities. The coating layer has a coating weight per side of 30 to 90 g/m2 and contains exfoliated base steel in an amount of 0.3 to 1.5 g/m2.

Abstract: Provided are a laminate including a metal substrate having a surface with an anodic oxide coating formed thereon, a fluororesin layer laminated in contact with the anodic oxide coating and a fluoroelastomer layer laminated in contact with a surface of the fluororesin layer facing away from the metal substrate, and a gate seal including the laminate.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a polymer film comprising an anti-blushing composition in a blend comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT); wherein the blend has an intrinsic viscosity above 0.75 and contains at least 50 wt. % of PBT; wherein the anti-blushing composition comprises a phosphorus containing compound but excludes certain phosphorus compounds; and wherein the anti-blushing composition is configured to prevent blushing in the polymer film laminated directly to a metal sheet and exposed to steam at a temperature of 260° F. for 90 minutes.

Abstract: A decorative laminated glass includes a first glass sheet, a second glass sheet, and a colored lamination interlayer between the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet. A coating is positioned between the first glass sheet and the lamination interlayer, and in direct contact with the first glass sheet. The coating is formed by the series of the following layers, starting from the surface of the first glass sheet: optionally, a first stack of dielectric layers; a layer based on titanium oxide having a thickness of from 5 to 70 nm; and optionally, a second stack of dielectric layers.