Abstract: An apparatus for producing a foam-molded product, including a plasticizing cylinder which has a plasticization zone for plasticizing and melting a thermoplastic resin into a molten resin and a starvation zone for allowing the molten resin to be in a starved state and which is formed with an introducing port for introducing a physical foaming agent into the starvation zone; and a physical foaming agent supply mechanism which supplies the physical foaming agent to the plasticizing cylinder via the introducing port, wherein the introducing port is open at all times, and the physical foaming agent having a fixed pressure is continuously introduced into the starvation zone from the physical foaming agent supply mechanism via the introducing port during the producing of the foam-molded product.

Abstract: A linear drive for a stretch and/or blow moulding machine has a force sensor for detecting actual force absorption of the linear drive during operation, a storage device in which data for a desired force absorption during operation are stored, and a comparison device for comparing actual force absorption with desired force absorption and a signal emitter for outputting a signal if a previously defined deviation between desired force absorption and actual force absorption is exceeded. Also provided is a method for determining a friction coefficient of a linear drive for a stretching and/or blow moulding machine, by determining a desired force absorption of the linear drive during operation, detecting using a force sensor, actual force absorption of the linear drive during operation, comparing actual force absorption with desired force absorption, and outputting a signal if a previously defined deviation between desired force absorption and actual force absorption is exceeded.

Abstract: A method of forming a component having grooves formed into an outer surface of a component includes the steps of applying at least one mold to an outer surface of a component preform. The mold is forced into contact with the outer surface to form a detent into the outer surface.

Abstract: Provided is a resin for nanoimprinting, which is capable of preventing removal of a transfer-receiving resin from a substrate when a mold is separated during nanoimprinting, and which is also capable of transferring a pattern on a mold to a transfer-receiving resin with high accuracy during thermal nanoimprinting, while improving the throughput. A resin for nanoimprinting, which is represented by formula (1). (In the formula, each of R1-R5 independently represents —H or —OH, and at least one of the R1-R5 moieties represents —OH; R6 represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1-20 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6-20 carbon atoms or an aralkyl group having 7-20 carbon atoms; X represents an amide or an ester; Y may be absent, or represents an amide or an ester; P represents an integer of 1-10; and each of m and n represents an integer of 1 or more.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus that forms a pattern of an imprint material on a substrate by using a mold includes a mold holder that holds the mold and an optical system that irradiates the imprint material on the substrate with irradiation light for increasing a viscosity of the imprint material. The irradiation light has a light intensity distribution such that a light intensity increases from a center of a pattern portion of the mold toward a side surface of the pattern portion when the mold is held by the mold holder. The imprint material that moves from the center of the pattern portion of the mold toward the side surface of the pattern portion in a region including the side surface of the pattern portion of the mold is irradiated with the irradiation light while the mold and the imprint material on the substrate are in contact with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) for producing a three-dimensional object (10), having the following steps: a printing structure (11), which defines an interior (12), is produced (110) from a printing material (21) by means of 3-D printing; a filling material (22), which comprises at least one liquid or pasty monomer (23), is introduced (120) into the interior (12); the monomer (23) is polymerized (130) to form a polymer (24).

Abstract: An additively manufactured component includes a planar sheet and a coating applied to the planar sheet to form the component. The component is configured for attachment to a non-planar surface of a workpiece.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method and system comprising: a nozzle having a nozzle sidewall defining a central channel for allowing a deposition material filament to be dispensed therethrough on a workpiece; a heat source operatively coupled to the nozzle for melting the deposition material filament dispensed through the nozzle to form an additive material layer on a top surface of the workpiece; and an ultrasonic wave generator for providing ultrasonic waves into the melted deposition material in order to break up the oxide layer around the melted deposition material and bond the additive material layer to the workpiece.

Abstract: The application relates to a method for 3D printing a 3D item (10) on a substrate (1550), the method comprising providing a filament (320) of 3D printable material (201) and printing during a printing stage said 3D printable material (201) to provide the 3D item (10) comprising 3D printed material (202), wherein the 3D printable material (201) comprises light transmissive polymeric material and wherein the polymeric material has a glass transition temperature, wherein the 3D printable material during at least part of the printing stage further comprises plate-like particles (410), wherein the plate-like particles (410) have a metallic appearance, wherein the plate-like particles (410) have a longest dimension length (L1) selected from the range of 50 ?m-2 mm and a largest thickness (L2) selected from the range of 0.05-20 ?m, and wherein the method further comprises subjecting the 3D printed material (202) on the substrate (1550) to a temperature of at least the glass transition temperature.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object comprises substantially planar or flat substrate layers that are folded and stacked in a predetermined order and infiltrated by a hardened material. The object is fabricated by positioning powder on all or part of multiple substrate layers. On each layer, the powder is selectively deposited in a pattern that corresponds to tiles that each have a slice of the object. For each slice, powder is deposited in positions that correspond to positions in the slice where the object exists, and not deposited where the object does not exist. The tiles of each substrate layer are folded and aligned in a predetermined order. Multiple folded substrate layers mat be combined into a single stack. The powder is transformed into a substance that flows and subsequently hardens into the hardened material in a spatial pattern that infiltrates positive regions, and does not infiltrate negative regions, in the substrate layers.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing articles of footwear are provided. In various aspects, the methods comprise utilizing additive manufacturing methods with foam particles. In some aspects, the disclosed methods comprise selectively depositing a binding material on foam particles in a target area such that the binding material coats at least a portion of defining surfaces of the foam particles with the binding material. The binding material is then cured to affix foam particles in the target area to one another. In various aspects, the disclosed methods can be used to manufacturer articles with sub-regions that differential levels of affixing between the foam particles, and thereby resulting in sub-regions with different properties such as density, resilience, and/or flexural modulus. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shaping apparatus includes a control unit configured to control a supply unit, a leveling unit, and an ejection unit to repeat a set of processes of supplying powder, forming powder layer, and ejecting shaping liquid to shape a three-dimensional shaped object corresponding to the shaping target. The control unit is configured to stop the set of processes in response to reception of a stop signal, and in response to reception of a resume signal after the reception of the stop signal, control the supply unit, the leveling unit, and the ejection unit to eject the shaping liquid onto at least a part of a dot region on a surface of an outermost powder layer, the dot region being formed by at least one dot formed at the outermost powder layer, and then resume the set of processes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped object in which the three-dimensional shaped object is manufactured by laminating layers includes: a layer formation step of forming layers using a material containing powder and a binder; a removal step of removing a portion of the material in a boundary region including at least one of an end portion of a shaping region of the three-dimensional shaped object in the layer and an outer portion of the shaping region adjacent to the end portion by irradiating the boundary region with a laser; and a melting and solidifying step of melting and solidifying the material after melting in the shaping region by performing irradiation with the laser.

Abstract: An additively manufactured component has an additively manufactured substrate and an inclusion. The substrate has a first region and a second region defining a first contour and a second contour, respectively. One or both of the first contour and the second contour is non-planar. The inclusion is positioned between the first region and the second region. The inclusion has a first major surface conforming to the first contour. The inclusion also has a second major surface. The second major surface can conform to the second contour. The inclusion can be a cavity, and the substrate can enclose the cavity or the cavity can be in open communication with an environment surrounding the substrate. The inclusion can be a member or an assembly of plural members. Modules and electronic devices incorporating an additively manufactured component also are described.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to a container for a three-dimensional printing system. The container has a chamber for storing a build material. The container has a base mounted within an open end of the chamber, the base having a channel structure and having at least one material-conveying structure. The chamber has an inner surface having helical raised portions to convey build material between the chamber and the at least one material-conveying structure during rotation. The at least one material-conveying structure has a radially aligned opening to receive build material conveyed by the helical raised portions in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation and is configured to transport the build material towards an opening of the channel structure.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to a base for a printing material container. The base has a channel structure defining an opening of the base, an axis of the channel structure defining an axial direction. The base also has a material-guiding structure, formed around the opening, having a helical lower surface that extends from the channel structure in the axial direction. An upper surface of the material-guiding structure is formed by a lower surface of the base and the helical lower surface meets the lower surface of the base at a curved side wall that extends radially from the channel structure to an annular portion of the base.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to a container comprising a chamber for storing a material for printing. The container has a material-guiding structure formed around a channel structure of the container, the material-guiding structure being arranged to guide the material between an interior of the container and the channel structure during rotation of the container. The chamber has a raised portion within an inner surface of the chamber to guide the material into an opening of the material-guiding structure.

Abstract: Method for operating an apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (2), wherein at least two coherent energy beams (7) are generated and combined into a combined energy beam (8) and at least one combined beam property of the combined energy beam (8) is adjusted via a modulation unit (5).

Abstract: Method for cooling a three-dimensional object (2) manufactured by layer-wise selective solidification of a pulverulent building material (15) and non-solidified building material (13) in which the three-dimensional object (2) is embedded by a treatment with a fluid medium. The fluid medium is constituted by a carrier gas that is specifically enriched with an additional component which comprises a further gas and/or a liquid and/or by a gas mixture from which specifically at least one mixture components is at least partially withdrawn.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods relating to three dimensional printing. One embodiment relates to a three dimensional printer comprising a printer base including a rail portion, and a moveable print surface including a plurality of track members coupled to form a loop and configured to move along the rail portion of the printer base. The printer also includes a print head and a print head positioning system configured to move the print head in multiple directions over the print surface. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A multi-station stereolithographic group, includes: support and movement apparatus for a modelling plate with respect to a fixed base facing the modelling plate, the fixed base including at least two work stations positioned in respective areas able to be reached by the modelling plate moved by the support and movement apparatus. Such a fixed base includes at least three work stations: at least one first station for forming an object, at least one second station for washing a formed object, at least one third station for stabilising a formed object.

Abstract: In an example, a method includes generating a training dataset for an inference model to generate dimensional modifications to apply to object models to compensate for departures from model dimensions in objects generated using additive manufacturing based on those object models. Generating the training dataset may include acquiring, for each of a plurality of generated objects, (i) an indication of a first dimensional inaccuracy and a second dimensional inaccuracy, wherein the first and second dimensional inaccuracies are acquired in a direction of a first axis and relate to respective first and second object dimensions; and (ii) an indication of object placement within a fabrication chamber during object generation.

Abstract: In an example, a method includes receiving, at at least one processor, object model data representing at least a portion of an object that is to be generated by an additive manufacturing apparatus by fusing build material within a fabrication chamber. An intended object placement location within the fabrication chamber may be determined, and a dimensional compensation to apply to the object model data may be determined using a mapping resource relating dimensional compensations to object placement locations. The determined dimensional compensation may be applied to the object model data to generate modified object model data using at least one processor.

Abstract: An image processing system acquires a first three-dimensional model of an object. The image processing system includes a processor and storage medium encoded with instructions executable by the processor. The instructions include instructions to define a material potential function for a material. The material potential function is a function of a three-dimensional origin point of the material in the object, a three-dimensional propagation limit of the material in the object, and a three-dimensional propagation function of the material in the object. The instructions include instructions to generate a second three-dimensional model of the object based in part on the material potential function and the first model. The second model illustrates propagation of the material through an interior volume of the object at a unit level. A controller generates control signals based on the second model, and a fluid ejection engine performs an additive manufacturing process based on the control signals.

Abstract: Methods and devices for additive manufacturing of workpieces are provided. For analysis during production, a test is carried out using a selected test method. The test results are compared with simulated test results derived during a simulation of the manufacturing and testing. The test may use one or more of a laser ultrasound test unit, an electronic laser speckle interferometry test unit, an infrared thermography test unit, or an x-ray test unit.

Abstract: A method for determining estimated depth data for an object includes scanning the object to produce scan data corresponding to a surface region of the object using a first scanning process, configuring an artificial neural network with first configuration data corresponding to the first scanning process, and providing the scan data as an input to the configured artificial neural network to yield the estimated depth data as an output, the estimated depth data representing a location of a part of the object in the surface region.

Abstract: In an example, a method is described that includes generating a model for fabricating an item via an additive manufacturing process. The model includes a first region defining the item and a second region defining a sacrificial artifact whose presence disguises a physical characteristic of the item. The item and the sacrificial artifact are then fabricated in a common build batch via the additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A system for, and method making and repairing a fiber-reinforced component including bonding a first thermoplastic matrix possessing reinforcing fibers distributed therein to a second composite member possessing a thermoplastic matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; and metals and more particularly a method and apparatuses for joining fiber reinforced thermoplastics utilizing a combination of heat, force and rotational force.

Abstract: Provided is a laminate that includes a thin-film structure having a fine concave-convex structure at its surface, can be distributed on the market so that the thin-film structure is usable by a customer without staining or fracturing, and can be prevented from degradation even after storage. A laminate comprises a thin-film structure and holding films, wherein a first holding film is laminated on one surface of the thin-film structure and a second holding film is laminated on the other surface of the thin-film structure, the thin-film structure has fine concave-convex structures at both surfaces, and 0<P1, 0<P2, and P1?P2, where P1 is a peel force at an interface between the first holding film and the thin-film structure and P2 is a peel force at an interface between the second holding film and the thin-film structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a band-like joint tape for covering a butting portion formed by butting an end portion of a one packing film to an end portion of another packing film and connecting the respective end portions of these packing films to each other. The joint tape is comprised of a laminate film formed by adhering a joint layer to a support layer at a peelable state, and covered so as to face the joint portion. to the butting portion and heat-sealed so that the joint layer is fused to the butting portion and the fused portion of the joint layer is peeled off from the support layer.

Abstract: A composite material includes: a substrate and a polymer layer which are interconnected by an adhesion promoter layer. The adhesion promoter layer is obtainable by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) at least partially using a mixture of precursor compounds containing an unsaturated hydrocarbon and an organosilicon compound. In an embodiment, the substrate includes a metal substrate or a polymer substrate.

Abstract: A method of joining overlapping thermoplastic membrane components in which a first thermoplastic membrane component and a second thermoplastic membrane component are positioned in overlapping relationship between a pair of complementary molding surfaces, with at least one of the complementary molding surfaces being defined by an electrically conductive metal susceptor. Heat is generated in the metal susceptor and transferred by thermal conduction from the metal susceptor to overlapping portions of the first and second thermoplastic membrane components to locally melt and coalesce at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the first thermoplastic membrane component and at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the second thermoplastic membrane component.

Abstract: [Object] Provided is a tube joining device that allows a user to easily and appropriately perform setting of tubes which become a joining target, and is capable of preventing occurrence of a joining failure caused by a setting error of the tubes in advance. [Solving Means] A tube joining device 1 includes: a first tube holding portion 41 that is capable of holding a first tube T1; a second tube holding portion 42 that is disposed in adjacent to the first tube holding portion, and is capable of holding a second tube T2 at a position that is parallel to the first tube; and a housing 2 that is provided with a cover member 20 that is closed to cover fusing-joining sites C of the first tube and the second tube. The cover member is slidable along a direction in which the first tube and the second tube are disposed in parallel.

Abstract: Applied power as a function of time is ramped up at the onset of an RF welding process in a manner that is predetermined to match source and load impedance as reflected by maximized forward power during at least the majority of the welding process. The ramp-up portion takes the form of a non-linear curve, such as an S-shaped curve, as opposed to one or more discrete steps. The applied power may then be maintained at or near that maximum required value at least a majority of the remainder of the heating portion of the welding process. The shape of the non-linear ramp-up portion of the applied power curve may be predetermined using, for example, virtual motor control using applied power as a virtual axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of using reaction injection molding to mold stimuli-responsive thermosets such as urethane linked poly(caprolactone) networks from polyols and polyisocyanates, as well as polymers prepared by such methods.

Abstract: A method for producing a fiber-reinforced plastic outer skin component for a vehicle includes the following steps: a) providing a semifinished fiber product which includes at least one fiber layer with predetermined fiber orientation; b) applying an uncured plastic matrix in the form of an epoxy resin-based or polyurethane-based matrix system to the semifinished fiber product; c) placing the semifinished fiber product provided with plastic matrix into a mold; and d) pressing the semifinished fiber product in the mold in order to shape and cure the semifinished fiber product to form a fiber-reinforced plastic component. A shrinkage-reducing additive in the form of filler particles is admixed with the uncured plastic matrix and the uncured plastic matrix is applied to the surface of the semifinished fiber product that in the finished component faces the visible side of the component.

Abstract: A method for producing an acoustically resistive structure includes the steps of creating, consolidating and cutting a first layer of reinforcing fibres embedded in a first thermoplastic resin having a first melting point so as to obtain an interlayer, a step of laying a second layer of reinforcing fibres against a first face of the interlayer, a second consolidation step of consolidating the second layer of reinforcing fibres embedded in a second thermoplastic resin having a second consolidation temperature lower than the first melting point of the first resin so as to obtain a non-perforated external layer bound to the interlayer, a step of perforating the external layer and a step of laying an internal layer on a second face of the interlayer. An acoustically resistive structure obtained from the method as well as a sound-absorption panel including such an acoustically resistive structure are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is a lightweight archery arrow having an arrow shaft with internal bracing, an arrow tip, and a nock. The arrow shaft with internal bracing is a cylindrical tube having a plurality of ribs formed along the length of the cylindrical tube. The ribs increase the bending stiffness of the cylindrical tube without adding additional thickness and weight. Due to the increased bending stiffness of the cylindrical tube provided by the ribs the wall thickness of the cylindrical tube may be reduced while still maintaining the bending stiffness comparable to that of an arrow shaft having a thicker wall. The decrease in wall thickness and the reduction of material reduces the weight of the arrow shaft providing an arrow shaft with an exterior diameter and bending stiffness comparable to that of a standard arrow shaft, but being lighter in weight.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying pressure to a composite structure includes an external frame, an applicator casing disposed substantially within the external frame, and an applicator disposed substantially within the applicator casing. The applicator casing includes a first membrane, and a first jamming material disposed within the first membrane. The applicator includes a second membrane, and a second jamming material disposed within said second membrane.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a thermoplastic prepreg includes a double belt mechanism that is configured to compress a fiber mat, web, or mesh that is passed through the double belt mechanism, a resin applicator that is configured to apply monomers or oligomers to the fiber mat, web, or mesh, and a curing oven that is configured to effect polymerization of the monomers or oligomers and thereby form the thermoplastic polymer as the fiber mat, web, or mesh is moved through the curing oven. The double belt mechanism compresses the fiber mat, web, or mesh and the applied monomers or oligomers as the fiber mat, web, or mesh is passed through the curing oven so that the monomers or oligomers fully saturate the fiber mat, web, or mesh. Upon polymerization of the monomers or oligomers, the fiber mat, web, or mesh is fully impregnated with the thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A device and method for expediting the repair of laminated automobile glass, comprising a supporting bridge removably mountable to a windshield surface over a damaged area, with a receptacle for receiving an injector or dispenser for UV curable repair resin, and guide means between said bridge and dispenser comprised of a guide pin and a guide groove with linear and helical portions. The resin dispenser can be quickly aligned, inserted into place and sealed against the windshield with only a partial twist. The dispenser includes a manually operable plunger which partially defines an expandable chamber to hold UV curable repair resin and provide a means of controllably applying vacuum or pressure to the resin and damaged cavity, valve means to allow selectable control of air to be released from or allowed into said chamber to facilitate creation and application of vacuum or pressure, further including means to lock the plunger in multiple selectable positions to maintain applied vacuum or pressure.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing the temperature of heat sensitive material located near a repair patch being thermally cured on a composite skin using a heating blanket. The method comprises configuring an assembly of thermally conductive cooling blocks to fit within a space between the heating blanket and the heat sensitive material. The assembly of thermally conductive cooling blocks is then installed against the skin within the space, forming a heat sink that conducts a portion of heat out of the composite skin away from the heat sensitive material.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a plastic lens formed by using a metal mold having a fixed mold and a movable mold. The plastic lens comprises a flange part surrounding a lens face, and an image side face of the flange part comprises a black coating part and an outer peripheral part. The manufacturing method may include a molding process in which the plastic lens is molded by using the fixed mold for molding an object side lens face and the movable mold for molding an image side lens face and the flange part, a mold opening process in which the metal mold is opened by moving the movable mold, and a pushing-out process in which the outer peripheral part is pushed out by an ejector pin disposed in the movable mold when the mold opening process is performed or, after the mold opening process has been performed.

Abstract: Vulcanized inflatable product comprising an impervious shell which forms the wall of at least one inflatable chamber (1) and which is provided with a valve (2) for inflating and deflating the inflatable product, at least one spacing fabric (41) being arranged inside the inflatable chamber (1), said spacing fabric comprising a first fabric layer (44) and a second fabric layer (45) mutually tied up by means of interconnecting threads (46) for delimiting the maximum distance therebetween, the first fabric layer (44) of the spacing fabric being directly or indirectly secured to one of the inner walls of the outer shell (5) of the inflatable chamber by means of a vulcanized rubber mixture and the other fabric layer (45) of the spacing fabric being directly or indirectly secured to the opposite inner wall of the outer shell (5) of the inflatable chamber by means of a vulcanized rubber mixture.

Abstract: A substructure and its method of use eliminates core crush during the manufacturing of a hybrid sandwich-structured composite panel. The substructure is used in the manufacturing of the hybrid sandwich-structured composite panel by positioning a core of the composite panel in a cavity of the substructure and positioning the substructure and the core between layers of composite material where the substructure protects the core from core crush as the hybrid sandwich-structured composite panel is subjected to vacuum pressure and heat during autoclaving and then cured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mould (10) for producing footwear (1) by direct injection onto an upper (2) of a sole (3), comprising a tread (5) and a midsole (4), wherein the midsole (4) is composed of a first layer (6) and a second layer (7). The mould (10) comprises a base (12), a pair of first half-rings (16), a lid (18), a pair of second half-rings (20) and a mould last (22). The first half-rings (16) are designed to be arranged close together such that they abut against the base (12) and against the lid (18), so as to form a first mould cavity for moulding the first layer (6) of the midsole (4). While the first half-rings (16) are abutting against the base (12), the second half-rings (20) are designed to be arranged close together, such that they lie over the half-rings (16) and abut against the upper (2), fitted onto the mould last (22), so as to form a second mould cavity for moulding the second layer (7) of the midsole (4).

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for a rosin press that allows improved extraction over existing presses. The press includes improved platens for rosin collection with built-in gutter rail collection systems and well-distributed force on the pressed product and multiple hydraulic rams. In addition, computerized systems are provided for controlling and monitoring the system in an automated fashion, as well as safety features to prevent injury and damage to the product, especially during automated pressing.

Abstract: A method for removing liquid from a slurry includes: (i) feeding the slurry into the inlet of a press; (ii) removing liquid from the slurry as the slurry advances through a deliquifying section of the press, thereby producing a pressate stream; (iii) forming a plug of material as the slurry is advanced through a plug formation section of the press; (iv) advancing the plug of material to a discharge section of the press; and (v) removing additional liquid from the plug of material by operating the press so that the pressure in the discharge section of the press is greater than the pressure of the pressate stream by at least 2 psi. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling discharge consistency from a press, without provision of discharge restrictors, by varying the pressure differential between a discharge section of the press and a pressate stream.

Abstract: A method of applying adhesive to a napkin includes spraying first and second adhesive portions on to a first surface of a napkin, and folding the napkin along a fold such that the first and second adhesive portions are brought into engagement with each other, in which the adhesive is of a type that will allow the first and second adhesive portions to separate and allow the napkin to be adhered to an object.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an acoustic composite. The acoustic composite includes a first porous layer having a flow resistance in a range of from about 100 Rayl to about 150,000 Rayl. The acoustic composite further includes a second porous layer having a flow resistance in a range of from about 100 Rayl to about 150,000 Rayl. The acoustic composite further includes a perforated membrane adjacent to at least one of the first porous layer and the second porous layer. The perforated membrane includes a first surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface. The perforated membrane further includes a patterned arrangement of a plurality of through-holes each independently extending from a first open end, the first surface including the first open end, to a second open end, the second surface including the second open end.