Abstract: A rotary knife includes a rotatable annular blade. The blade includes a blade wall presenting an annular inner surface terminating at a cutting edge. The annular inner surface includes a first section and a second section, with the first section extending from the cutting edge and the second section being located further from the cutting edge than the first section. The first and second sections define first and second angles, respectively, relative to an imaginary plane transverse to the axis about which blade rotates. The second angle is greater than the first angle.

Abstract: A data carrier with detachable parts, a method of forming a data carrier comprising a primary card body, a data carrier puncher for removing detachable parts of data carriers, and a method of removing a form changing part from a data carrier using a puncher are disclosed. The data carrier with detachable parts comprising: a primary card body having a first size; a form changing part disposed within the primary card body and having a second size, the form changing part connected to the primary card body by at least one fixing portion, and the form changing part configured to be removed from the primary card body by breaking the at least one fixing portion; an integrated circuit component embedded in the form changing part; and at least one notch disposed at a first position on a first end of the primary card body.

Abstract: An arrangement for adjustably enabling the holding of a tool in a tool holder plate for punch press machine. The tool holding arrangement comprises a tool holder plate having a size adjustable tool gripper opening therein. An adjustment bolt bore is arranged adjacent the size adjustable tool gripper opening wherein the adjustment bolt bore has an upper end of conical shape and a lower end opening of pyramidal shape with trapezoidally shaped walls. An expandable adjustment gap is arranged between the size adjustable tool gripper opening and the adjustment bolt bore. A pair of flexure slots are arranged in the tool holder plate, to define a pair of flexible gripper claws therebetween. Changes in the adjustment gap by adjustment of the bolt in the bolt bore enhances the evenly opened size of the tool gripper opening to permit the tool to be properly installed therein.

Abstract: A chainsaw having a scraper used to clean or debark wood before a saw chain makes a cut is disclosed. The chainsaw includes a housing, a first casing and a second casing coupled to the housing. The first casing has a plurality of first spikes and the second casing has a plurality of second spikes. Further, the chainsaw includes a guide bar coupled to the housing. Additionally, the chainsaw includes a saw chain provided around the guide bar. The chainsaw further includes a scraper coupled to the first casing and the second casing. The scraper is aligned in axis with the saw chain. The scraper is used to clear dirt or debark on wood before the saw chain makes a cut on the wood. Thereby, protecting the teeth of the chain of the chainsaw as to extend its lifespan and require less sharpening of the teeth of the chain.

Abstract: A device and a method for specifically influencing the technological properties of individual regions of a sheet-like material are provided, including the following steps: a) fixing the sheet-like material or a pre-compacted material nonwoven or a material fibre cake on a workbench, b) placing at least one applicator on the upper side and/or the underside of the sheet-like material, the material nonwoven or the material fibre cake, c) specifically moving the at least one applicator on the upper side and/or the underside and pressing an improving medium into partial regions of the sheet-like material, the material nonwoven or the material fibre cake in a predetermined amount and under a predetermined pressure, d) optionally, subsequently pressing the pre-compacted material nonwoven or the material fibre cake to form a sheet of the desired thickness.

Abstract: A method for producing an insulation product may include providing an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution may include coarse glass fibers, glass microfibers, aerogel particles, and a binder. The coarse glass fibers, the glass microfibers, the aerogel particles, and the binder may be uniformly dispersed in the aqueous solution and may form a slurry. The method may further include removing at least a portion of water from the slurry such that the coarse glass fibers, the glass microfibers, the aerogel particles, and the binder may form a wet laid mixture. The method may also include curing the wet laid mixture to cure the binder and bond the coarse glass fibers, the glass microfibers, and the aerogel particles together to form a fiberglass reinforced aerogel composite. The fiberglass reinforced aerogel composite may include between about 50 wt. % and about 75 wt. % of the aerogel particles.

Abstract: An interchangeable concrete cutting chainsaw cutting assembly adapted for installation upon a drive assembly in exchange for a removed, different type cutting head assembly. The chainsaw cutting assembly includes a housing that has fasteners that releasably attach the housing to a drive assembly in an installed configuration. A ration transmission has a plurality of interconnected rotation member, each rotatable member having a mounting shaft positioned at a fixed location on the housing by a bearing assembly. The driven member has a receiver that interconnects with a driveshaft of the driver assembly in the installed configuration whereby the driven member is rotated by the drive assembly. The cutting chain drive member operatively interconnected with a drive sprocket whereby rotation of the cutting chain drive member rotates the drive sprocket. The chainsaw cutting assembly is pivotable relative to the drive assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin molding material having excellent productivity at low cost for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin molded article having excellent strength properties. Provided is a method for manufacturing a sheet-shaped fiber-reinforced resin molding material containing a plurality of cut fiber bundles and a resin impregnated between filaments of the cut fiber bundles, the method comprising an integrated material manufacturing step for obtaining an integrated material by collecting a sheet-shaped fiber bundle aggregate obtained by arranging and spreading a plurality of consecutive fiber bundles in a width direction.

Abstract: A molding process (100) comprising the step of inserting an uncured blank (102) in a mold cavity (14) formed in a mold system, the uncured blank including fiber and uncured binder, transferring heat from the mold system to a cool pressurized gas (108) to establish a hot pressurized gas, injecting the hot pressurized gas into the mold cavity (110), and transferring heat (112) from the hot pressurized gas to the uncured blank to cause the uncured binder to cure and establish a cured product (114).

Abstract: A shaping mold for forming a porous starch container includes a porous female mold which is breathable and is formed with a cavity; a porous male mold which is breathable; wherein the porous male mold contains a male mold plate and a protrusion; the protrusion extends from a bottom of the male mold plate; the porous male mold has at least one penetrating hole penetrating the male mold plate and the protrusion; and wherein when the porous male mold is combined to the porous female mold, a shaping space is formed between the protrusion of the porous male mold and the cavity of the porous female mold for forming a porous starch container; the shaping space is communicated to the penetrating hole. The starch material contains 50 wt %˜90 wt % (weight percentage) starch; 5 wt %˜25 wt % fiber enhancer; 3 wt %˜30 wt % CaCO3 for hardening; and may further contains 02 wt %˜5 wt % foaming material.

Abstract: Example mechanical supports or mandrels are described for composite part curing. In one example, a mandrel includes a housing, and components within the housing and positioned to create a central opening. An expander is also positioned in the central opening, and the expander has a width that increases along a length of the expander. A narrow end of the expander is positioned in the central opening. An actuator is provided to move the expander into the central opening causing the components to expand the housing, and to retract the expander from the central opening causing the components to collapse the housing.

Abstract: A method for augmenting a tissue including introducing into the tissue a first thermoplastic material at a first condition; treating the first thermoplastic material to achieve a second condition that includes an at least partially crystalline skin; and introducing a second material into the tissue whereby the first thermoplastic material and the second material are contained by the at least partially crystalline skin. Also a method of fracture reduction in a tissue including exposing to gamma radiation a mass of polycaprolactone characterized by a first shape; heating the mass of irradiated polycaprolactone above its melting temperature; introducing the heated mass of polycaprolactone into the tissue annulus to deform it from the first shape; allowing the material to return to the first shape.

Abstract: A method of creating a hydrophobic polymer membrane surface includes depositing a polymer material onto a heated carrier, using the heated carrier, transporting the polymer material past an electrode field generator, generating an electric field adjacent the carrier, using the electric field to form a pattern in the polymer material to form a patterned polymer membrane, rinsing the patterned polymer membrane in a first bath, and setting the pattern into the patterned polymer membrane in a second bath.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and an apparatus for curing a polymeric form. The method includes arranging an uncured polymeric form within a curing chamber (60) formed by a base member (20) and a constraining member (40). A thermal expansion member (30) is additionally positioned within the curing chamber (60) with the uncured polymeric form (70) such that the thermal expansion member and the uncured polymeric form are positioned between the base member (20) and the constraining member (40). The thermal expansion member (30) is heated to expand in size into an expanded state. In the expanded state the thermal expansion member (30) applies pressure to the uncured polymeric form (70) within the curing chamber. The expansion of the thermal expansion member (30) is maintained to maintain the application of pressure to the uncured polymeric form while the uncured polymeric form is being cured to form a cured polymeric form.

Abstract: A method for producing a laminated moulded part comprises a pressure moulding of a blank to form a moulded part in a moulding cavity between a first moulding tool unit and a second moulding tool unit, introducing of a laminating element into the moulding cavity after the pressure moulding of the blank, and a bonding of the moulded part with the laminating element in the moulding cavity.

Abstract: An insulating sheet is pushed into a first mold portion, and formed in a first shape along a shape of the first mold portion. The insulating sheet of the first shape inside the first mold portion is pushed into the second mold, and is deformed by a front mold portion, a front guide portion, and a bent convex portion of the front mold, and a rear mold portion and a rear guide portion of the rear mold, and is formed in a second shape. The insulating sheet of the second shape is inclined such that the front end portion overlaps the rear end portion in a first direction, and the width in a front-rear direction becomes narrower toward the front and the rear end portions. The insulating sheet inserted in the second mold and formed in the second shape is inserted into a slot of a stator core.

Abstract: Methods of forming an article from a molten plastic composition comprising a polymer and a blowing agent. The methods include injecting the molten plastic composition into a mould, allowing the plastic composition to form a first solid skin adjacent to an in contact with a first cavity-forming surface of the mould and a second solid skin adjacent to and in contact with a second cavity-forming surface of the mould, and then opening the mould before the molten plastic composition between the first and second solid skins in at least one portion of the circumference of a region of the mould cavity defining an annular cross-section of the cavity has solidified.

Abstract: A continuous forming apparatus for molding foam material into foam products that includes a first endless belt and a second endless belt that cooperates with the first endless belt to mold the foam material. The continuous forming apparatus may also include a first plurality of cleats and a second plurality of cleats opposed to the first plurality of cleats that support the first endless belt and the second endless belt respectively. The first plurality of cleats may include a three-dimensional abutment surface that provides transverse and lateral support to the first endless belt. Additionally, the continuous forming apparatus may include a first frame disposed to support the first plurality of cleats, a second frame disposed to support the second plurality of cleats, and a drive mechanism for imparting motion to the first endless belt, the second endless belt, the first plurality of cleats, and the second plurality of cleats.

Abstract: A cast mould for manufacturing a contact lens or an intraocular lens, wherein the cast mould is provided with a central part and a bearing ring and a flexible connection between the central part and the bearing ring. Further, an injection mould is provided for manufacturing such a cast mould and a method for manufacturing such a cast mould. The injection mould is provided with a mould cavity with a plunger biased by spring means towards the mould cavity which serves for compensating shrinkage which occurs during the curing of the plastic injected into the injection mould. Also described is a method for manufacturing a contact lens or intraocular lens with the aid of the cast mould, as well as a contact lens or intraocular lens obtained with this method.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus (5) comprising a clamp plate (80), a heated manifold (20), an actuator (10) interconnected to a valve pin (17) drivable along an axis (A), a mold (300) and a cooling device (500) that cools the actuator, the actuator (10) comprising a thermally conductive housing body (12) that is mounted in direct heat or thermally conductive contact with one or more insulators (60, 50) that are in turn mounted in direct heat conductive contact or communication with the manifold (20), the cooling device (500) comprising a heat transmitter comprised of an arm (502) comprised of a thermally conductive material having a distal end surface (502s) for making thermally conductive contact with the clamp plate (80), the proximal surface (502b) of the arm (502) being slidably engageable against a complementary surface (12ls) of the actuator that is spaced laterally (12ld) from the valve pin axis (A) for transmitting heat from the housing body (12) to the proximal surface (502b) and in turn to the distal

Abstract: A method for controlling and/or monitoring a production plant for producing a multiplicity of articles, wherein the production plant has a machine tool; a machine tool part which interacts with the machine tool in order to produce an article; an RFID transponder connected to the machine tool part; two RFID reading devices which are arranged at a distance from one another and from the machine tool; and a control device which is connected to the RFID reading devices via data lines. The method includes determining a first location of the machine tool part at a first time with the first RFID reading device and/or with the second RFID reading device; and determining a second location of the machine tool part at a second time, which temporally follows the first time, with the first RFID reading device and/or with the second RFID reading device; and outputting at least one control signal with the control device on the basis of the first location and the second location.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a material strand (100), particularly for sealing, trimming or fastening of doors (11) or windows (12) of a motor vehicle (10), comprises the steps of: a) extrusion of an extruded strand (200); b) testing the extruded strand (200) after the extrusion, thereby identifying first segments (210) comprising manufacturing defects (211) and second segments (220) being free from manufacturing detects; c) cutting out the first segments (210) from the extruded strand (200), thereby causing faces (222) at the second segments (220); d) joining cut faces (222) of second segments (220) to obtain a joint (102) and to form a material strand (100), the joint (102) having a position within the material strand (100), wherein a minimum distance (?d) is maintained between the positions of adjacent joints (102); e) identifying the position of each joint (102); and f) forming a transport unit (110) having a predetermined maximum length by winding the material strand (100).

Abstract: A method of producing a glueless dustless composite flooring material system providing PVC-based flooring having waterproof layers providing different qualities of hardness, wear-resistance, sound deadening, and decorative patterns, avoiding the use of moisture-susceptible compressed cellulose-based filler, with layers fused together, avoiding the manufacturing complexity and delamination risks of using glue or adhesive, with a quickly-cured, UV-cured top coating providing long-lasting high performance and shortening and simplifying the manufacturing, which can be done in a sheet-form, essentially continuous-run manner, with an ability to quickly and simply change the optional design printing and texturing produced, and having an optional underlayment layer.

Abstract: A method of applying protective sheeting of polymer material to a pipeline, such as on a J-lay rig, includes the steps of driving a carriage along an annular path about the pipeline; extruding and simultaneously winding the protective sheeting about the pipeline via an end extrusion die fitted to the carriage; compressing the protective sheeting on the pipeline, directly downstream from the end extrusion die, so the protective sheeting adheres to the pipeline; and controlling the drive, extrusion, and compression steps so that the time lapse between expulsion of a cross section of protective sheeting from the end extrusion die and compression of the same cross section of protective sheeting is less than one second.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a stretch film comprising a) providing a film web comprising a center portion comprising linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and edge portions comprising low density polyethylene (LDPE) using an encapsulation die, b) solidifying the film web to obtain a solidified film web comprising a solidified center portion comprising LLDPE and solidified edge portions comprising LDPE and c) removing the solidified edge portions from the solidified film web to obtain the stretch film.

Abstract: A device for cleaning an extruder includes a frame that supports a screw and a barrel. When driven by a driver, the screw is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the barrel. The barrel includes a feed inlet and an outlet that opens directly into an extrusion die mounted on a support. The frame is translationally movable relative to the die and the support in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis between a first position, in which the barrel and the die are in sealed contact, and a second position, in which the barrel is moved away from the die in order to allow cleaning to be performed. The device also includes an automatic coupling mechanism that enables quick locking and unlocking of the barrel and the die, so that the frame can move between the first and second positions when the barrel and the die are unlocked.

Abstract: A method of producing a part printed in a layer-wise manner includes providing a pre-fabricated starter piece with a first course of loops and printing a layer of a part by extruding one or more flowable thermoplastic materials about the existing course of loops such that an upper surface of the layer is at a selected height on the existing course of loops. The method includes knitting a next course of loops to the existing course of loops to form a portion of an internal woven reinforcement network, and printing a next layer of the part by extruding one or more flowable thermoplastic materials about the next course of loops such that an upper surface of the next layer is at a selected height on the next course of loops, wherein the next course of loops extends above the structure being printed and may function as an existing course of loops for subsequent knitting steps.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing draw resonance of plastic material in the molten state, so-called melt, leaving an extrusion group of a plant for the production of plastic film, includes at least one thermostatically-controlled cylinder, having an embracement angle, of the melt on the cylinder, adjustable on the basis of the process rate, i.e. the linear movement speed of the plastic film, and/or on the basis of the temperature measured in the proximity of or in correspondence with the clamping area of the melt in a thermoforming, calibration and cooling group included in the plant and positioned downstream of the system.

Abstract: An example extrusion blow molding (EBM) method includes extruding first and second colors of plastic to form a parison that includes an inner layer of the first color of plastic, and an outer layer of the second color of plastic. The parison is placed in a mold, the mold is closed, and the parison is inflated to create a blow molded structure. A portion of an interior of the blow molded structure is formed of the first color of plastic, and a portion of an exterior of the blow molded structure is formed of a blend of the first color of plastic and the second color of plastic.

Abstract: Plastic containers exhibiting reduced plastic resin usage, while maintaining a specific gravity of below 1.0, so as to allow their quick and easy separation using floatation techniques during recycling. Within a layer or portion some of the plastic resin of the container body may be replaced with an inorganic mineral filler material, while within another layer or portion of the plastic container, the plastic material (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene) may be foamed. The fraction of mineral filler material that may be included within the polyethylene may thus be increased beyond that previously possible while maintaining the specific gravity below 1.0, by also foaming a layer or portion of the polymeric material, so as to create voids therein. This allows significantly less resin material to be employed, while maintaining strength characteristics of the plastic container so as to be at least comparable to existing plastic containers not including such mineral filler materials.

Abstract: A container that is formed using a blow molding method. The container includes a neck wall and tamper bead extending from the neck wall. The tamper bead engages a tamper band when a lid comprising the tamper band is mounted to the container. A ratio of a height of the tamper bead to a ratio of the width that the tamper bead extends from the neck wall is in the range of 1.3 to 3.0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a workpiece having a shape produced by thermoforming from at least one sheet (3) of plastic material, such as polycarbonate, and at least one applied element (6, 8; 7, 9) that is applied to the at least one sheet and secured there, characterised in that the securing of the at least one applied element to the at least one sheet takes place at least partially by means of crimping.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of forming a linear panel from a thermoformable fibrous material by a continuous process includes continuously drawing an elongate strip of thermoformable fibrous material through a heating station to heat the material, forming the heated material into a desired panel shape, and continuously drawing the material through a cooling unit in order to cool the material after the material has been formed into the desired panel shape.

Abstract: A high-pressure tank fabrication method includes a pre-form fabrication step and a molding step. In the pre-form fabrication step a pre-form is fabricated by winding dry fiber bundles with different thicknesses (first fiber bundles and second fiber bundles) onto a liner in a state in which the dry fiber bundles with different thicknesses are made to be adjacent to one another. In the molding step, molding includes disposing the pre-form fabricated in the pre-form fabrication step in a mold and injecting resin.

Abstract: There is provided an imprint apparatus for forming a pattern of an imprint material on a substrate by using a mold, the imprint apparatus including a mold holding unit configured to hold the mold, and a substrate holding unit configured to hold the substrate, in which a particle is captured by generating a first region and a second region charged to different polarities in at least either one of a peripheral region of a region covered by the mold of the mold holding unit and a peripheral region of a region covered by the substrate of the substrate holding unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to custom medical devices and additive manufacturing (3D printing) processes for producing the same. Using certain materials and novel fabrication techniques, the present systems and methods can directly print nearly any size or shape medical device or instrument. For example, in certain embodiments, the present systems and methods leverage stereolithography (“SLA”) and photo-curable polymers to produce custom, radiopaque medical devices and instruments.

Abstract: A sacrificial substrate for use in stereolithography, having a first surface configured to be attached to a build platform, and a second surface of the sacrificial substrate configured to be attached to a photopolymer part. The sacrificial substrate physically separates the build platform and the photopolymer part, and serves as the deposition surface for the photopolymer part in place of the build platform. The sacrificial substrate may be separated from the build platform and then separated from the photopolymer part via pyrolysis, oxidation, or etching to thereby yield the free photopolymer part without subjecting the part to excess physical force or damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, a special paper and a method for producing three-dimensional objects.

Abstract: Methods of embedding a heating circuit in an article fabricated by additive manufacturing. The methods describe techniques such as co-extruding a wire, capable of being heated, along with print material in additive manufacturing of the article, and placing a pre-shaped wire capable of being heated between adjacent layers of the article. A third method includes dispensing a wire, capable of being heated, during the additive manufacturing of the article, and compacting the wire into the printed material. An apparatus for embedding a heating circuit in an article fabricated by additive manufacturing. The apparatus contains a wire dispenser, a cutter to control the length of the wire dispensed, and a compactor capable of embedding the wire capable of being heated into the printed material. An article made by additive manufacturing is disclosed. The article contains at least one heating element embedded in the article during the additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn material sets, coalescent fluids, and 3-dimensional printing systems. An example material set can include an amorphous polymer powder having an average particle size from 1 micron to 300 microns, and a coalescent fluid including a viscosity reducing agent.

Abstract: An exemplary additive manufacturing system may include an extruder having an opening dimensioned to receive a material. The extruder also may have a barrel and a screw within the barrel. The screw may have a diameter ranging between about 20 mm and about 150 mm and the barrel extends along a longitudinal axis. The system may include one or more heaters positioned along at least a portion of the barrel. As the material passes through the barrel, the one or more heaters may at least partially melt the material. The system may further include a gear pump in fluid communication with the barrel for receiving the at least partially melted material. Additionally, the system may include a nozzle in fluid communication with the gear pump for depositing the at least partially melted material. The system also may include a vertical worktable.

Abstract: A build module is provided. The build module may include a housing and a build material chamber in the housing to hold build material. The build module may include a build chamber in the housing. The build material chamber may be beneath the build chamber or next to the build chamber. The build chamber may include a moveable support member to receive successive layers of the build material from a build material distributor. The build module may be removably insertable into a build receiver of an additive manufacturing system to allow the additive manufacturing system to solidify a portion the successive layers to be received onto the movable support member.

Abstract: A component having integral handling protection includes a main body, a fragile portion of the main body, and a removable portion of the main body positioned and configured to protect the fragile portion during handling of the component.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus that acquires default design information of a product and target information of a target to which the product is to be adapted. The information processing apparatus further generates design information adapted to the target from the default design information on a basis of the target information.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to creating a surface identifier using a shape memory material. In one implementation, a processor determines a first property value of the surface identifier associated with a first phase and a second property value of the surface identifier associated with a second phase. A manufacturing device may create a surface identifier using a shape memory material. In one implementation, the surface identifier is created in a manner that causes the surface identifier to exhibit the first property value when the shape memory material is in a first phase and to exhibit the second property value when the shape memory material is in a second phase.

Abstract: A method of forming a textured effect on a substrate, the method comprising steps of: (a) creating a data file of an image having a thickness to be formed as the textured effect on the substrate, the data file comprising print image(s) and a number of times specified for printing of the print image(s); (b) preparing the data file for surface deposition by a printer; (c) providing the substrate on the printer; (d) the printer printing the print image(s) in the data file on the substrate using a layer of clear ink; (e) the printer UV curing the layer of ink; (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) for every print image of the print image(s) for the number of times specified in the data file such that the image formed as the textured effect on the substrate comprises a plurality of layers of printed and UV cured clear ink.

Abstract: Examples herein relate generally to methods, and associated components, characterized by the laser welding of crosslinked polyethylene plumbing components so as to create a leak-proof connection with both mechanical and thermal fusion bonds.

Abstract: A tube joining device which is capable of preventing occurrence of a joining failure. The tube joining device includes: a first tube holding portion for holding a first tube; a second tube holding portion for holding a second tube; a tube superimposing portion that aligns the first tube and the second tube; and a switching mechanism switching from a state of holding the second tube to a state of releasing the second tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating an elastic nonwoven material generally includes a first bonding module and a second bonding module. The second bonding module is positionable in close proximity to the first bonding module. At least one of the first bonding module and the second bonding module has a face with a width dimension and a circumferential axis and is rotatable about a rotation axis. The face has a plurality of ridges. The ridges are positioned such that at least two adjacent ridges overlap along the circumferential axis.

Abstract: A manufacturing system includes a tension-wound system having a feedstock system and a shape fixture. The tension-wound system is configured to feed a feedstock from the feedstock system and to wind the feedstock under tension in successive layers around the shape fixture to allow the feedstock to form a component having a shape represented by the shape fixture. The manufacturing system includes a solid-state joining tool configured to additively join the successive layers of the feedstock. In a spiral tension-winding process, with a continuously-fed strip of aluminum feedstock around a piece of tooling, the feedstock can be friction stir welded and additively joined in successive layers to produce a large, near-net structure.