Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical article, wherein an output light flux generating process of generating an output light flux by inputting a light from a light source to an output setting element having a repetition structure; a cured layer forming process of forming a cured layer at an irradiation area that is formed in correspondence with the output area by introducing the output light flux through a projection optical system into a container in which light-curable resin is contained and a stage is arranged and condensing the output light flux; and a stage moving process of moving the stage in a desired distance along the direction of the output flux propagating, are sequentially performed in this order and an irradiation variation process of varying the irradiation area in the cured layer generating process are further included, thereby the optical article is formed on a surface of the stage.

Abstract: A composite fusion filament is disclosed that includes a polymer encasement and one or more mesogenic reinforcement bodies contained within the polymer encasement. The polymer encasement is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer, which has a melting temperature, and each of the one or more mesogenic reinforcement bodies is comprised of a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer, which has a clearing temperature. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic polymer included in the polymer encasement is less than the clearing temperature of the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer included in the one or more mesogenic reinforcement bodies. Additionally, the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer of each mesogenic reinforcement body has a plurality of organized crystalline fibrils that are aligned lengthwise along a longitudinal axis of the polymer encasement. A method of using the composite fusion filament to form a bond with a substrate that includes a thermoplastic polymer is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, processes, and systems for the manufacture of three-dimensional articles made of polymers using 3D printing. A layer of prepolymer is deposited on a build plate to form a powder bed. Then, solutions of first and/or second binding agents are printed on the powder bed in a predetermined pattern. After a predetermined period of time, sequential layers are printed to provide the three-dimensional article. The removable binding agent is then removed. The three-dimensional object can be cured to produce the three-dimensional article composed of the final polymers.

Abstract: A fused filament deposition head is employed for depositing filament materials on workpieces to join the workpieces together. The workpieces can be of an automotive application, aerospace application, or something else. The fused filament deposition head, in an example, has a feed end, a dispensing end, and a heater. The feed end introduces more than one filament in the fused filament deposition head, as demanded in the larger application. The dispensing end delivers materials of the filaments to the underlying workpieces. The materials are delivered together. The heater serves to heat the filaments as they travel through the fused filament deposition head. The filaments can include a filament having a core portion of liquid-crystal polymer material.

Abstract: A device that can be attached to most 3D printers to allow various materials and filaments to be used in a controlled manner. This device allows enhanced control while using flexible materials and filaments by using a belt, a compression wheel comprising a groove for said filament and comprising teeth for traction of said filament. The movement of the belt is controlled by a stepper motor connected to a knurl gear which drives the system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for performing a three dimensional (3D) printing process. A primary light beam having a wavelength sufficient to initiate polymerization of a photoresin is generated and patterned into a patterned primary beam. The patterned primary beam is directed toward an ultraviolet (UV) or visible light sensitive photoresin to initiate polymerization of select areas of the photoresin. The photoresin is also illuminated with a secondary light beam having a wavelength of at least one of about 765 nm, 1064 nm, or 1273 nm. The secondary light beam stimulates triplet oxygen into singlet oxygen, which controls oxygen inhibition in additional areas bordering the select areas, to enable controlled polymerization inhibition in the additional areas bordering the select areas.

Abstract: In example implementations, an apparatus includes a build platform and a cap. The build platform has an opening on a top surface to fill a build material storage unit. The cap is inserted into the opening to seal the opening. A top surface of the cap and the top surface of the build platform have a uniform thermal conductivity when the cap is inserted into the opening.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing machine includes: a resin support which has at least a portion which is transparent, wherein the resin support defines a build surface; a material depositor operable to deposit a resin which is radiant-energy-curable onto the build surface; at least two build stations, each build station including: a stage positioned adjacent the build zone and configured to hold a stacked arrangement of one or more cured layers of the resin; one or more actuators operable to manipulate a relative position of the stage and the build surface; and at least one radiant energy apparatus positioned opposite to the stage, and operable to generate and project radiant energy in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: An assembly for additive manufacturing includes a build housing including a base, a print head, and a print head support connected to the base for supporting the print head above the base. A driver system is provided for moving the print head and the base relative to one another. A build platform comprising a build support and at least one platen. The build support can be detachably engageable to the housing. The platens can be detachably engageable to the build support. The build support can include registration structure for registering the position of the build support relative to the build housing. A method of additive manufacturing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modeling apparatus includes a modeling section, and a temperature distribution controller. The modeling section is configured to model a modeling layer with a modeling material on a modeling stage. The temperature distribution controller is configured to control a surface temperature distribution of the modeling stage within a predetermined temperature range associated with the modeling material based on the surface temperature distribution of the modeling stage.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of residual thermoplastic powder from an additive manufacturing process includes a feed apparatus for feeding powder, which includes the residual thermoplastic powder, to a pressing area, and two rotatable roller elements which are drivable in opposite directions. Lateral surfaces of the two rotatable roller elements are adjacent to one another in a pressing area and each laterally have a plurality of molding elements that are assigned to one another in pairs in order to compress powder into granules in the pressing area. Also, a cam mechanism is included and configured to deflect the molding elements of one of the two rotatable roller elements radially depending on the angle of rotation.

Abstract: One or more of feed systems for printers, printers and methods for building a three-dimensional product are provided. A feed chamber of the feed system stores a particulate material, and a deposition chamber receives the particulate material stored by the feed chamber. A heater is in thermal communication with a heating region of the deposition chamber to convert the particulate material into a gel. A nozzle provided to the deposition chamber emits the gel in a pattern to build the three-dimensional product. A conveyance system transports the particulate material towards the heating region and expels the gel from the deposition chamber through the nozzle according to instructions of a control system. An ultraviolet light source such as one or more ultraviolet LEDs can be arranged adjacent to the nozzle to cure the deposited gel using ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of residual thermoplastic powder from an additive manufacturing process includes, in one step of the process, a powder that includes the residual powder is provided and compressed into granules as raw material for a primary shaping process. A pressing apparatus with two roller elements rotating in opposite directions and having lateral surfaces adjacent to one another in a pressing area is used to compress the powder into the granules. The lateral surfaces each having a plurality of molding elements assigned to one another in pairs such that the powder is compressed into granules in the pressing area. A cam mechanism positioned within one of the roller elements and configured to deflect the plurality of molding elements radially as a function of an angle of rotation of the roller element can be included.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shape data generating apparatus includes: an acquiring section that acquires element data generated by dividing a three-dimensional shape into first elements, the three-dimensional shape being modeled with a plurality of modeling materials having different resolutions, each first element corresponding to a resolution of a first modeling material among the plurality of modeling materials; a dividing section that divides the three-dimensional shape into second elements, each second element corresponding to a second modeling material having a resolution lower than the resolution of the first modeling material and having a size larger than the first element; and a generating section that generates three-dimensional shape data through setting modeling materials for the first and second elements, respectively, according to the number of the first elements covered by the second element.

Abstract: According to some aspects, techniques are provided to more accurately produce fine features in additive fabrication. According to some embodiments, the techniques comprise a process that amplifies exposure to edges and thin positive features whilst not substantially affecting negative features. In particular, an area to be cured may be adapted using signal processing techniques to produce an energy density map. The area may subsequently be cured according to the generated energy density map by, for example, adjusting the scan speed, light power and/or number of passes of the light beam according to the map. As a result, the net exposure to edges and thin positive features may be amplified.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to systems and methods for using machine vision to provide information on one or more aspects of an additive fabrication device, such as calibration parameters and/or an object formed by the device or in the process of being formed by the device. According to some aspects, a method is provided for calibrating an additive fabrication device. According to some aspects, a method is provided for assessing at least a portion of an object formed using an additive fabrication device. According to some aspects, a method is provided for fabricating a second object in contact with a first object using an additive fabrication device. According to some aspects, an additive fabrication device configured to perform one or more of the above methods may be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects may include a process chamber within which an additive manufacturing process is to be performed, and a determination device. The determination device may include a wave generator and a receiving unit. The wave generator may be configured to generate an acoustic wave and to cause the acoustic wave to propagate across a surface within the process chamber. The receiving unit may be configured to receive the acoustic wave after having propagated across the surface within the process chamber. The determination device may be configured to determine a wave parameter of the acoustic wave having been received and to determine a surface parameter of the surface within the process chamber based at least in part on the wave parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects may include a calibration unit, an irradiation device, and a determination unit. The irradiation device may be configured to generate an energy beam and guide the energy beam onto the calibration unit, with a portion of the energy beam guided onto the calibration unit being emitted by the calibration unit as radiation. The determination device may be configured to determine at least one parameter of the radiation emitted from the calibration unit. The calibration unit may include a calibration base body and a plurality of calibration portions arranged on the calibration base body, in which the plurality of calibration portions differ from the calibration base body in respect of at least one material parameter.

Abstract: A printing method and a printing device are provided. The printing method includes: determining, according to layer printing data of an object to be printed, a trip starting point and/or a trip ending point in a scanning direction for each trip of multiple trips required for a print head to print a preset layer, where the trip starting point and/or a trip ending point of at least one trip matches a contour of the object to be printed in the trip (S101); and performing layer printing for the preset layer according to the trips (S102).

Abstract: A manufacturing installation for the additive manufacturing of components, each provided with at least one material overhang, has at least one building platform on which the particular component can at least partially be additively manufactured. In order to reduce the material consumption and the time to produce additively manufactured components, the manufacturing installation has at least one preferably electrically controllable support device with at least one movable support arm for the at least temporary holding of at least one support element, arranged on the support arm, during the additive manufacture of the particular component above the building platform.

Abstract: A fuel tank for a motor vehicle includes at least two parts that are joined together, each part being formed by an injection moulding process. The two parts form a receiving chamber for receiving fuel and form at least one other receiving chamber, the receiving chamber and the other receiving chamber being spatially separated by a portion of at least one part.

Abstract: The present invention is a roll as may function as an anvil roll that comprises protrusions on its outer surface, that are outwardly or z-directionally oriented arcs of an arc wire such as wavy wire or an axially canted helical coil extending along a length or x-direction, which are pinched perpendicularly to the z- and x-direction. Such anvil rolls may be used to treat materials such as web materials, such as by embossing or bonding these web materials. In a particular application, such rolls may interact with an ultrasonic sonotrode.

Abstract: A method of joining workpieces includes the steps of bringing a first workpiece and a second workpiece together, induction heating a susceptor material, and pressing the workpieces together. Each workpiece may include a thermoplastic material, and the workpieces are brought together at a joint interface so that a protrusion of the first workpiece is aligned with a receptacle of the second workpiece. The susceptor material is in contact with the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece during heating such that the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece softens. The step of pressing is performed while the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece is softened, thereby reshaping the first workpiece where the susceptor material is in contact with the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece. The protrusion is deformed to form an interlock with the receptacle at the joint interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and related methods for constructing articles with cured pressure-sensitive adhesives comprising (i) a coater that applies a curable adhesive to a membrane; (ii) a cross-linking apparatus adapted to receive said membrane with said curable adhesive, said cross-linking apparatus comprising a light source positioned a first predetermined height above an aperture plate having an aperture therethrough, wherein said aperture plate is positioned a second predetermined height, said first predetermined height and said second predetermined height selected to define an exposure area of light emitted from said light source on to said curable adhesive to form a composite product; and (iii) a roll adapted to receive said composite product, said roll adapted to control a speed at which said membrane with said curable adhesive is exposed to light from said light source.

Abstract: A method of applying a pressure sensitive transfer adhesive to at least two end faces of insulation tubing, using a rolled connection system for adjacent ends of insulated tubing sections having a substrate roll of continuous release liner. Pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material members configured to conform with the ends of insulated tubing sections to be joined are spaced at selected distances from each other along the length of the continuous release liner. A second release liner covers each pressure sensitive adhesive material member and includes a tab to facilitate removal of the second release liner from the adhesive material members to facilitate joining juxtaposed face portion of the ends of the insulated tubing to be connected.

Abstract: A method for bonding two elements, the method including receiving first and second elements, the first element being a composite material; applying a laser-based treatment to a surface of the first element to obtain a treated surface; patterning the treated surface to have plural trenches; applying an adhesive to one of the first and second elements; and joining the first element to the second element so that the adhesive is between the first and second elements.

Abstract: A Thermal Bonding Method and Apparatus to thermally bond sheets of fill in a cooling tower fill pack. The apparatus creates a hemispherical joint extending through two fill sheets to provide a substantial joint between said sheets.

Abstract: A method for operating a tubular bag machine with a drive control system and multiple electronic drive units controlled independently of each other for driving functional elements of the packing machine in a cycle time-synchronous manner through predefined motion sequences, one drive unit being a transverse sealing unit with a drive motor driving two transverse sealing jaws for transversely sealing a film tube, and at least conversion functions for converting the drive torque and the position of the drive motor into the sealing force between the transverse sealing jaws being stored or calculated in the drive control system, the method including determining the operating temperature of the transverse sealing jaws, selecting or calculating a conversion function as a function of the operating temperature, using the temperature-dependent conversion function in calculating the drive torque of the drive motor required to reach a desired target sealing force between the transverse sealing jaws.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for manufacturing a product made of composite materials comprising areas with different functionalities from a knitted preform. The inventors have discovered that it is possible to knit a dry preform comprising areas of different composition and then to transform same by melting into a solid composite material comprising areas with different functionalities. By different functionality, it is possible to provide areas of different rigidity, areas of different abrasion resistance, and areas of different electrical conductivity or thermal conductivity, areas of different transparency.

Abstract: A composite shaping apparatus includes at least one first roller that loads a prepreg with pressure, at least one second roller that loads the prepreg with pressure, and at least one motor that rotates at least one of the first roller or the second roller. The at least one first roller and the at least one second roller are rotated while at least one of rotation speed, roller diameter, or presence/absence of rotating power is made different between at least one of the first roller and at least one of the second roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing sunglass lenses, and a sunglass lens. The method comprises the following steps: S1, manufacturing of a color powder sheet: a color powder is added to a color powder sheet base material in a corresponding proportion to manufacture a plain color powder sheet; and S2, manufacturing of a lens: the color powder sheet manufactured in S1 is fixed in a cavity of a lens mold, a molten colorless and transparent lens base material is injection-molded in the cavity of the lens mold and is then integrally combined with the color powder sheet in the cavity of the lens mold, and demolding is carried out after cooling, so that a sunglass lens is manufactured. The problem of chromatic aberration of existing sunglass lenses or scratches of films on the existing sunglass lenses is solved.

Abstract: A tire may be re-treaded utilizing a process in which a worn tread is removed from a casing. The worn tread had a first tread pattern. The casing has a tire body encapsulating at least one reinforcing belt, the at least one reinforcing belt embedded circumferentially in the tire body, the at least one reinforcing belt having lateral edges. The first tread pattern comprises a first plurality of universal bands of raised portions, where the first plurality of universal bands were situated over the lateral edges of the at least one belt. A new tread having a second tread pattern different from the first tread pattern is molded to the first casing. The second tread pattern comprises a second plurality of universal bands of raised portions that are situated in the same lateral locations as the first plurality of universal bands.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing method of a sheet molded article, including the steps of: thermoforming a molding sheet with a first mold, thereby molding a molded article including a body portion provided with a shape transferred from the first mold, and a peripheral edge portion surrounding the body portion; and removing the molded article from the first mold, and inverting the body portion front-to-back.

Abstract: A fluid forming apparatus includes a main frame having at least two tensile frame struts extending along a clamping axis and adapted to carry a tensile force along the clamping axis. An upper pressure plate and a lower pressure plate are arranged inside a frame space, and a tool space is disposed between the upper and the lower pressure plate, the tool space being adapted to take up a fluid forming tool mold. A first closure pressing unit is arranged inside the frame space such that by a pressure force exerted by the closure pressing unit, a pressure closing force along the clamping axis is exerted onto the upper and lower pressure plates, wherein the upper pressure plate, the lower pressure plate, the tool space and the first closure pressing unit are arranged in a functional serial arrangement along the clamping axis.

Abstract: A reciprocating press for acting on a workpiece is described, and includes an eccentric shaft rotatably disposed in a rotatable eccentric sleeve, and a crank-slider mechanism coupled to the eccentric shaft. Rotations of the eccentric shaft and the rotatable eccentric sleeve are independently controllable to dynamically vary a stroke length of the crank-slider mechanism.

Abstract: A converting assembly performs a plurality of conversion functions on sheet material to convert the sheet material into packaging templates. The converting assembly includes a plurality of tool rollers. Each of the tool rollers has one or more conversion tools thereon. The one or more conversion tools on an individual tool roller are configured to perform a subset of the plurality of conversion functions that convert the sheet material into packaging templates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stack of absorbent sheets, such as paper towels, toilet tissue, napkins, facial tissue, and the like. The stack has a binding element that is compressed and sewn with a first line of stitching disposed adjacent to the first edge of the bound stack, such as the top edge. The binding element may be free from adhesives. The line of stitches facilitate separation and removal of individual sheets and may alleviate the need for perforations or a line of weakness.

Abstract: A single piece expansion plug and method of using the same in connection with a tool is provided. The plug has an inner recess extending partially into a top of the plug, the inner recess defining a tapered inner wall. The plug is installed with a tool having a tapered end at a greater angle with respect to the taper inner wall. The tool presses against the tapered inner wall to expand the plug against a hole. The tool includes a pin that retracts against a spring to seat the plug in the hole to be sealed such that the pin contacts the plug prior to the tapered inner wall and tapered end coming into contact.

Abstract: A bendable panel comprising a substrate layer, wherein the panel is provided with a mechanism enabling the panel to bend. The mechanism enabling the panel to bend is at least one groove or cut, and the depth of the groove or cut is no longer than the panel thickness. The substrate layer is prepared by the following materials with the following mass ratio: 100 parts of PVC resin or PVC powder, 30-55 parts of a styrene based elastomer, 150-300 parts of stone powder, sawdust or rock, 1-10 parts of an additive, and 1-4 parts of an elastomer coupling agent. The panel may be bent during the installation, and several panels can be seamlessly installed.

Abstract: Floorboards which have a core and a surface layer and are provided with decorative joint edges which are formed by removing the surface layer. A method for making a floorboard, or a floor element that is to be divided into at least two floorboards, the method including making a core from a sheet shaped material, from which a part of a locking system for vertical locking of the floorboards is to be formed, impregnating and/or staining the core surface with a substance at least in portions which in the completed floorboard will constitute a joint edge of the completed floorboard, and arranging an surface layer on the core surface.

Abstract: A protection tape for a printed circuit board (PCB) includes an insulating base plate, a conductive layer over the insulating base plate, and an adhesive layer over the conductive layer, the adhesive layer including a main part having a first thickness and a subsidiary part having a second thickness less than the first thickness, the main part corresponding to at least a center portion of the insulating base plate and the subsidiary part being arranged at an outside of the main part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass-reinforced plastic pipe liner of improved impact performance comprising layer B) from unsaturated polyester resin, optionally mixed with vinyl ester resin reinforced by non-woven fibres and a layer C) from unsaturated polyester resin, optionally mixed with vinyl ester resin reinforced by chopped fibre strands. At least one of these layers B) or C) comprises colour pigments at 0.2-5.0 wt %. The invention provides flexible liners for pressure and non-pressure GRP pipes. It improves impact performance of the pipe liner whilst offering also improvements in abrasion resistance, water jet resistance for high pressure cleaning without liner damage, increased expected lifetime by improved resistance to internal pressure and permits pigmentation of the liner. The invention also encloses a process for producing the glass-reinforced plastic pipe liner.

Abstract: Lightweight reinforced thermoplastic articles with a core layer including bicomponent fibers in the core layer are described. In some examples, the core layer includes a thermoplastic material, reinforcing fibers, bicomponent fibers and a lofting agent. After molding of the composite article, an improvement in one or more of peak load values, stiffness values, flexural strength values and flexural modulus values can be achieved for a particular molding thickness.

Abstract: A decoration element including: a color developing layer including a light reflective layer and a light absorbing layer provided on the light reflective layer; and a substrate provided on a surface of the color developing layer. The substrate comprises a pattern layer, and the light absorbing layer comprises an aluminum oxynitride (AlaObNc).

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet having an elastomer layer having a Shore A hardness of less than 40, wherein the elastomer layer has an adhesion force to stainless steel of not more than 11 oz/in at 90 degree peel strength.

Abstract: A multi-material joint and a method of making thereof. The multi-material joint includes a first member comprising a first metal or metal alloy that is secured to a second member comprising a second metal or metal alloy that is different than the first metal or metal alloy. A sealant is positioned between the first member and the second member that galvanically insulates the first member from the second member. The sealant comprises a liquid elastomer and a foaming agent.

Abstract: A method of forming a diffusion bonded joint comprises the steps of: providing a first component having a first faying surface; providing a second component having a second faying surface; applying a lamellar coating to at least one of the first faying surface and the second faying surface; and bringing the first and second faying surfaces into contact in a diffusion bonding operation to form the diffusion bonded joint.

Abstract: A metal-clad laminate (1) includes a thermoplastic liquid crystal polymer film (2), a metal deposition layer (4) formed on one surface of the thermoplastic liquid crystal polymer film (2), and metal foil (6) laminated to the other surface of the thermoplastic liquid crystal polymer film (2).

Abstract: A heat sink plate includes a first layer made of copper (Cu) or a copper (Cu) alloy, a second layer formed on the first layer and made of molybdenum (Mo) or an alloy that includes copper (Cu) and one or more components selected from molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), carbon (C), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and beryllium (Be), a third layer formed on the second layer and made of copper (Cu) or a copper (Cu) alloy, a fourth layer formed on the third layer and made of molybdenum (Mo) or an alloy that includes copper (Cu) and one or more components selected from molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), carbon (C), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and beryllium (Be), and a fifth layer formed on the fourth layer and made of copper (Cu) or a copper (Cu) alloy.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a multilayer composite display cover include stacking a plurality of composite layers, each comprising an ultra-thin glass sheet covered in a polymer layer. After a cover glass sheet is placed on an exposed polymer layer, the composite layers may be bonded together. A ceramic coating may be applied to the external surfaces to increase hardness.