Abstract: A prepreg preparation device and a prepreg preparation method using the same are disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the prepreg preparation device comprises: a flow path-type impregnation part for impregnating, with a resin, a reinforced fiber transferred along a flow path; and a box-type impregnation part for impregnating, with the resin, the reinforced fiber transferred through a box-type space by passing through the flow path-type impregnation part.

Abstract: A seal member formed in a line shape having ends is inserted in a seal groove formed on at least one of adjacent side surfaces of segments. A lip portion is provided on a seal upper portion of the member so at least a tip end thereof projects to an outside of the seal groove when the member is inserted in the groove. The seal member is hollow or includes a concave portion on at least a seal bottom portion thereof. When assembling the segments as a single structure, the adjacent side surfaces of the segments are coupled to each other, and the seal member is crushed in a cross sectional direction by the side surface of the other segment to seal between the segments. With this, complication of manufacturing steps can be suppressed or avoided while realizing a satisfactory sealed state between the adjacent segments of a mold.

Abstract: A replica manufacturing apparatus performs imprint processing of forming a pattern of an imprint material on a replica substrate using a master mold, processes the replica substrate with the formed pattern to manufacture a replica mold, and transfers data of a condition concerning the imprint processing to a management apparatus. An imprint apparatus acquires the data from the management apparatus, and performs the imprint processing of forming a pattern of an imprint material on a substrate using the replica mold.

Abstract: A one-step solution casting method for preparing a PVDF-based pyroelectric polymer film is provided, which belongs to the technical field of functional material preparation. The method comprises steps of: treating a substrate with a hydrophilic reagent to obtain a hydrophilically-modified substrate, and then casting the organic solution of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or its copolymer on the hydrophilically-modified substrate. After cured, the as-casted PVDF-based film shows pyroelectricity without undergoing any stretching or poling post-treatment, indicates that the dipoles of the one-step prepared film are aligned. The self-polarization of the prepared film is attributed to a hydrogen bond induced layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly growth mechanism. The method is simple, low cost, high efficient, high capability to produce thick and large-area film with smooth morphology and ease to be scalized.

Abstract: A process is presented and described for the production of moldings, comprising the steps of (a) providing a polymer composition comprising from 1 to 99% by weight of polyhydroxyalkanoate and from 1 to 99% by weight of starch-containing polymer; (b) homogenizing the polymer composition with use of thermal and/or mechanical energy; (c) introducing the polymer composition into a mold; (d) molding the molding in the mold; and (e) removing the molding from the mold. The process described is in particular suitable for the production of hard capsules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a metal-polymer resin bonded body, including: degreasing metal using a degreasing solution; etching the metal using an etching solution; electrolyzing the metal using an electrolyte solution; and performing a polymer resin injection to bond a polymer resin to the metal, wherein the electrolyte solution includes a compound containing distilled water, oxalic acid, sulfuric acid, and carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A composite article has an interior layer comprising a natural fiber and an exterior layer injection molded onto the interior layer. The exterior layer forms an outer surface over the interior layer. A method of forming the composite article includes providing a base layer comprising a natural fiber and providing a first tool and a second tool. The first and second tools are configured to cooperate to form a cavity therebetween. The first tool has an injection molding channel formed therein. The base layer is inserted into the cavity between the first and second tools and pressed into a desired shape. A liquid polymeric material is inserted through the injection molding channel of the first tool and onto a surface of the base layer to form an injection molded layer of the polymeric material on the base layer.

Abstract: An example method for making a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag according to the present disclosure includes holding a transponder within a cavity of a mold using a fixture, closing the mold, injecting material into the mold cavity and around the transponder to form a part of the RFID tag, opening the mold, and ejecting the part from the mold.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes a machine base extending along a horizontal machine axis; a stationary platen fixed to the base; a moving platen supported by the base; a center section supported by the base axially intermediate the stationary and moving platens; at least one mold stroke actuator for translating the moving platen and the center section along the machine axis between a mold-open position and a mold-closed position; a two-stage first injection unit supported by the base behind the stationary platen for injecting a first resin through the stationary platen; and a two-stage second injection unit supported by the base behind the moving platen for injecting a second resin through the moving platen. The second injection unit is translatable along the machine axis to accommodate translation of the moving platen during movement between the mold-open and mold-closed positions.

Abstract: Provided is a mold carrier. The mold carrier comprises a mold bearing chassis, a pressure bearing plate, and a tie bar. The mold bearing chassis includes a plurality of molds disposed therein. Each mold has one or more mold cavities. The pressure bearing plate is configured to physically couple to the mold bearing chassis during an injection molding process. The tie bar runs through the center of the mold bearing chassis and the pressure bearing plate. The mold bearing chassis is configured to allow components to be removed from their molds without separating the mold bearing chassis from the pressure bearing plate.

Abstract: A film comprises an outer heat sealable layer mainly made of a (co)polyolefin with the Vicat softening temperature not exceeding 130° C., at least one heat resistant layer mainly made of at least one polar (co)polymer selected from the group including predominantly aliphatic (co)polyamides and aromatic (co)polyesters, and at least one core adhesive layer from a material capable of adhering both to (co)polyolefins and to polar (co)polymers. The heat resistant layer comprises not less than 15% of at least one predominantly aliphatic copolyamide with the melting temperature not exceeding 205° C. A method comprises the stages of coextrusion, biaxial stretching, annealing and winding up of the resulting film into a roll.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a resin container part includes: injection-molding of a bottomed resin preform including, on a bottom portion thereof, a thick bulging portion that retains residual heat by which the bulging portion is deformable by being pressed to follow a shape of a blow cavity mold; and a blowing including stretching a body portion of the preform by applying a blow pressure to the preform and forming a joint portion by pressing the bulging portion of the preform with an upper bottom mold to deform the bulging portion to follow the shape of the blow cavity mold.

Abstract: A liquid container manufacturing method includes: a liquid blow molding step of molding a preform into a liquid container; and a headspace formation step of forming a headspace, by discharging, in a state in which a liquid supply path is closed, a liquid out of the liquid container through a discharge port, the discharge accomplished by drawing-in by a liquid drawing source. In the headspace formation step, a pressurized gas is supplied from a pressurized gas supply source into the liquid container through a gas supply port to thereby assist the discharge, by the drawing-in, of the liquid out of the liquid container through the discharge port, and, when a pressure in a discharge path has increased to a set value, the supply of the pressurized gas by the pressurized gas supply source is stopped.

Abstract: A method and a molding station for producing containers filled with a liquid filling material from preforms made of a thermoplastic material. Thermally conditioned preforms are molded into containers and filled with the liquid filling material, which is supplied to the preforms under pressure as a pressure medium in a multi-part mold of a molding station. The mold is movable from a closed state into an open state in order to repeatedly supply a preform and subsequently remove a completely molded and filled container. Molding of the preform into the container is performed against the mold inner wall when the mold is in the closed state. Liquid is removed from the mold between temporally successive supplying processes starting with the conversion of the mold from the closed state into the open state. A working wheel including such molding stations, and a device including such a working wheel are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for laminating a film part, in particular a decorative layer, on a carrier part having a laminating region in which the film part can be laminated onto the carrier part, in particular onto a motor vehicle interior trim part, having an edge region arranged adjacent to this laminating region in which the film part projects beyond the carrier part in order to produce a bend-around region on the film part which can subsequently be bent around a carrier part edge, and having a tool in which the tool comprises a first tool half for producing a surface design on the film part and a second tool half for receiving the carrier part, wherein the first tool half comprises thermally differently acting sub-regions, namely a first sub-region with a contour for the surface design which interacts with the laminating region and a thermal sub-region which interacts with the edge region adjacent to the laminating region.

Abstract: A thermoforming system and related methods for manufacturing thermoplastic parts, such as interior panels for aircraft, may include a roll-to-roll operation and a forming press having at least one selectively rotatable tool. The rotatable tool, which may include a mold and/or a die, may be multifaceted, such that different faces of the tool have different mold arrangements for different forming characteristics.

Abstract: Method and device for the transport of foil in a transport direction, in particular, for an stretching plant, wherein at least one upper moving rope and at least one lower moving rope are guided, and the at least one upper moving rope and the at least one lower moving rope clamp the foil at its lateral edge at least in places and take it along.

Abstract: A protective film peeling apparatus includes a peeling tape, a tape support portion disposed under one side of the peeling tape, a first pressing portion which is disposed on the one side of the peeling and fixes the one side of the peeling tape to the tape support portion, a second pressing portion which is disposed on another side of the peeling tape and presses and attaches the another side of the peeling tape to one side of a dummy portion of a protective film on a panel, and a grip portion disposed on the dummy portion. The tape support portion and the first pressing portion peel the one side of the dummy portion and a predetermined portion of the dummy portion, and the grip portion peel a remaining portion of the dummy portion.

Abstract: A formulation system usable in additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object that comprises, in at least a portion thereof, a cyanate ester-containing polymeric network, and additive manufacturing processes employing the formulation system are provided. Also provided are objects obtainable by the additive manufacturing and kits containing the formulation system. The formulation system includes a first modeling material formulation which includes a first curable material which is a thermally-curable cyanate ester and a second modeling material formulation which comprises an activating agent for promoting polymerization of the cyanate ester and is devoid of the first curable material, and further includes a second curable material which is different from the first curable material, and optionally an agent for promoting hardening of the second curable material.

Abstract: A device may be provided for additively manufacturing a component, comprising at least one component holder, which is designed to hold the component to be manufactured, and comprising at least one application device, which is designed to heat a thermoplastic material and to deposit it in a predeterminable amount, wherein the device also includes at least one radiation source, which is designed to produce electromagnetic radiation, by means of which at least one partial area of the component can be heated, and the device also includes at least one supply apparatus, which is designed to introduce a fiber reinforcement into the component, which fiber reinforcement includes or consists of an endless fiber. A method for additively manufacturing a component may also be provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure, capable of yielding a three dimensional structure that excels in buildability. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure, comprises melting a filament that contains a thermoplastic resin by using a 3D printer, and depositing it onto a base, and comprising bonding the filament at one end of the filament to a surface of the base so as to achieve a bond strength to the base of 15 N or larger, and discharging the filament through a nozzle of the 3D printer onto a surface of the base so as to deposit thereon, while moving at least one of the base or the nozzle.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hyper-elastic three-dimensional (3D) sandwich panel is disclosed, the method comprising printing a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers comprising a central composite core and upper and lower sandwich face layers; and regulating a temperature of each printed layer to match melting point temperature of a consecutive layer being subsequently printed on top of a previously printed layer, wherein the plurality of layers are printed one layer at a time. The multi-layered and multi-material hyper-elastic three-dimensional (3D) sandwich panel is a central composite rubber core stacked between upper and lower sandwich face layers made of reinforced glass-fiber, wherein the central composite rubber core further comprises a core lower face layer, a central core layer and a core upper face layer.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system is provided including a light source configured to emit light, a vessel configured to contain a photopolymer, and a bed having a surface disposed at least partially within the vessel. The surface is movable in a first direction relative to the light source. A membrane is fixed to the vessel and is positioned between the light source and the photopolymer. A movable carrier is disposed between the light source and the membrane. The light source is operably coupled to the movable carrier.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object, is carried out by (a) providing a carrier and a build plate, the build plate comprising a semipermeable member, the semipermeable member comprising a build surface with the build surface and the carrier defining a build region therebetween, and with the build surface in fluid communication by way of the semipermeable member with a source of polymerization inhibitor; (b) filling the build region with a polymerizable liquid, the polymerizable liquid contacting the build surface, (c) irradiating the build region through the build plate to produce a solid polymerized region in the build region, while forming or maintaining a liquid film release layer comprised of the polymerizable liquid formed between the solid polymerized region and the build surface, wherein the polymerization of which liquid film is inhibited by the polymerization inhibitor; and (d) advancing the carrier with the polymerized region adhered thereto away from the build surface on the build plate t

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method comprises: positioning a sheet of composite material; curing a predetermined portion of the sheet; cutting the sheet about the perimeter of the predetermined portion to create a preceding processed sheet; adding a successive sheet of composite material atop and in contact with the preceding processed sheet; curing a predetermined portion of the successive sheet such that the predetermined portions of the successive sheet and the preceding processed sheet are bonded together; and cutting the successive sheet about the perimeter of its predetermined portion to create a subsequent processed sheet. The steps of adding, curing and cutting a successive sheet may be repeated for a plurality of cycles to produce a three-dimensional composite product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a 3D printing method and, in particular, a device and a method for setting an overfeed.

Abstract: A fabrication device includes a platform to receive layers of build material for production of a 3-dimensional solid representation of a digital model, a component to deposit layers of build material, and an imaging component to bind respective portions of the build material into cross sections representative of portions of data contained in the digital model. The first imaging component may be a programmable planar light source or a specialized refractive rastering mechanism, or other imaging system. The platform includes an infusion system for providing photocurable resin to the component being built. The object may be a powder composite component using any of a variety of powder materials or a plastic component.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of 3-D printing comprising: applying a layer of build material onto a print platform, wherein the build material comprises particles of a polymer comprising polymer chains having at least one reactive group that is protected with a protecting group; printing a de-protecting agent at selected locations on the layer of build material; and coalescing particles of the polymer at the printed locations on the layer of build material to form a coalesced polymer layer.

Abstract: A head is disclosed for an additive manufacturing system. The head may include an outlet configured to discharge a continuous reinforcement at least partially coated in a liquid matrix. The head may also include a low-pressure port located upstream of the outlet and configured to draw out only liquid matrix.

Abstract: A 3D printer comprising a pump, stepper motor adapted to drive the pump and a printing arm connected to a curing source and nozzle.

Abstract: A method of forming a part using additive manufacturing may include receiving, at a computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine, a computer aided design (CAD) model of the part. The method may further include dividing the CAD model into plurality of sections. The method may further include slicing each of the plurality of sections into a plurality of layers. Each section may include a distinct set of print parameters. The method may further include depositing a flowable material onto a worktable according the set of print parameters for each section of the of the plurality of sections to manufacture the part.

Abstract: Certain examples described herein relate to replaceable production material containers for additive manufacturing systems. In an example of a replaceable production material container, an electrical storage device provides at least one production material characteristic to an element of an additive manufacturing system. In certain examples, the electrical storage device stores a range parameter for indicating a production material characteristic offset value in a plurality of production material characteristic offset values. In certain examples, the electrical storage device stores a proportion parameter for determining the at least one production material characteristic on the basis of the production material characteristic offset value.

Abstract: A plasticizing device that plasticizes a material to produce a molten material includes a driving motor, a screw that has a grooved surface on which a groove is formed and rotates by the driving motor; and a barrel having a facing surface that faces the grooved surface and has a communication hole formed in the center and a heater, wherein the screw has a cooling medium flow path provided inside the screw, an inlet portion that communicates with the cooling medium flow path and introduces a cooling medium from the outside of the screw, and an outlet portion that communicates with the cooling medium flow path and discharges the cooling medium to the outside of the screw.

Abstract: In example implementations, an apparatus includes a storage unit, an auger screw, a housing enclosing the auger screw and at least one heater coupled to the housing. The augers screw receives a build material from the storage unit and delivers the build material to a build platform via movement of the auger screw. The build material is heated by the at least one heater as the build material is being moved by the auger screw.

Abstract: A carriageless print head assembly, for use in extrusion-based additive construction is disclosed. The carriageless print head features a cold end equipped with one or more timing belt attachment slots and bores for receiving bearings to achieve linear motion. The carriageless print head may be optionally equipped with some combination of an air conduit for cooling the top layer of the constructed product, a fluid channel for aiding in the regulation of the temperature of the print head cold end, and a thermal monitor for monitoring the temperature of the cold end of the print head. A computer-mediated method of monitoring the cold end of the print head to limit jams due to overheating is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to computer implemented method of supporting on support elements during 3D printing on a print platform of a 3D print object to be 3D printed based on a 3D print model, comprising: obtaining the 3D model by the computer; and displaying a visual representation of the 3D model on a display connected to the computer, CHARACTERISED BY displaying the visual representation of the model with individually user-selectable faces; receiving, by the computer, input from the user on a selected one of the faces, for support by a minimum number of added support elements to minimize scarring of the object. Based on this input, the computer implemented method proceeds to automatically orient the model, place supports, and 3D print the object from the model. The user is relieved from tedious or cumbersome manipulations of the model before printing.

Abstract: Three-dimensional object bridge between virtual and physical worlds. A method, system, apparatus and/or computer-usable medium includes steps of selecting a three-dimensional item in a first state for subsequent rendering into a second state and rendering the three-dimensional item in the second state via the three-dimensional rendering apparatus. An additional step of locating a three-dimensional rendering apparatus for rendering the three-dimensional item in a second state can be included. The three-dimensional rendering apparatus can be configured as a kiosk (manned or unmanned), Internet-enabled vending machine, and the like. The first state can comprise a virtual state and the second state can comprise a physical state. Likewise, the first state can comprise a physical state and the second state can comprise a virtual state. Additionally, the three-dimensional item/object can be mapped in the first state for rendering in the second state.

Abstract: In an example, a method of controlling an additive manufacturing apparatus to generate a three dimensional object comprises processing successive layers of build material so as to form successive layers of a three dimensional object, wherein the processing of each layer is performed within a predetermined layer processing time by a plurality of components. The method may further include selecting, by at least one processor, from a plurality of ancillary tasks, at least one ancillary task to be performed in relation to at least one component of the plurality of components. The method may further include scheduling, by at least one processor, the at least one ancillary task to be performed in relation to the at least one component within the predetermined layer processing time for a single layer or for multiple layers of the build material.

Abstract: In an example, processing apparatus includes a substructure module to define a substructure for a three dimensional object. The substructure module includes a weighting module to apply relative weights to data relating to each of the plurality of substructures and a blending module to blend data relating to the substructures. The substructure module is to generate data defining an intermediate substructure from a weighted blend of the data relating to the plurality of substructures.

Abstract: A method of measuring the viscosity of a resin in a bottom-up additive manufacturing apparatus, includes the steps of: (a) providing an additive manufacturing apparatus including a build platform and a light transmissive window, said build platform and said window defining a build region there between, with said window carrying a resin; (b) advancing said build platform and said window towards one another until said build platform contacts said resin; (c) detecting the force exerted on said build platform by said resin; and (d) generating in a processor a viscosity measure of said resin from said detected force.

Abstract: Fixtures for industrial tooling that may be made by additive manufacturing techniques, and systems and methods for making the same, are described. A fixture for industrial tooling may include a plurality of support columns that defines an intermediate area having at least 10% empty space between a contoured surface and a base structure. The fixtures may be made through a draping method instead of a slicing technique. A fixture for industrial tooling may alternatively be made by applying an extruded layer over a core of foam, balsawood, or other lightweight material, through a non-slicing process.

Abstract: Provided is a welding joining method for joining end portions of first and second pipes made of polyamide resin by bonding the end portions to each other by pressure in a molten state. The welding joining method includes: a placing step of placing an infrared radiation lamp between the first and second pipes placed to face each other at an interval; a heating and melting step of heating and melting the end portions of the first and second pipes by emitting infrared; and a pressure bonding step of cooling down the molten end portions in a state where the molten end portions are bonded to each other by pressure.

Abstract: A protrusion on a first member made of synthetic resin wherein a laser beam is applied to a side surface of the protrusion in a state in which a top surface of the protrusion of the first member is abutted against a second member made of synthetic resin, so as to melt at least the entire top surface of the protrusion and melt a portion of the second member in contact with the protrusion by heat of the melted top surface of the protrusion, followed by solidification of the melted portions, whereby the first member and the second member are welded together.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fabricating a hybrid composite part. A method includes braiding a first set of fibers to form a weave having a closed cross-sectional shape, braiding a second set of fibers into the weave that are chemically distinct from the first set of fibers, impregnating the weave with a resin, and hardening the resin within the weave to form a hybrid composite part.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding of a composite part. The method includes locating a linear fiber optic sensor along a composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, measuring temperatures along the weld line via the linear fiber optic sensor, performing induction welding at the composite part along the weld line, determining a continuum of weld temperatures along the weld line, and controlling the induction welding based on the continuum of weld temperatures.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for severing a continuous reinforcement from a print head at conclusion of an event during fabrication of a composite structure. The method may include moving the print head a distance away from the composite structure that provides clearance for a cutting mechanism between an outlet of the print head and the composite structure, and responsively causing the cutting mechanism to make a first cut of the continuous reinforcement at a boundary of the composite structure. The method may also include moving the print head to a waste discard location, and responsively causing the cutting mechanism to make a second cut of the continuous reinforcement at a desired distance offset from the outlet of the print head.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods include infusing the flowable matrix material into a space in the composite laminate through the use of a formed hole extending at least partially through the composite laminate. In addition, the apparatus and methods include infusing the flowable matrix material into a space in the composite laminate in a stepwise manner in order to obtain more complete filling of such space.

Abstract: A method for the production of stiffened components made of fiber-reinforced composite material using two rigid form tools which are suitable for covering the longer end sides of T-shaped preformed reinforcing fibers, using a folded hose core and inflation of the hose core so as to exert pressure on the end side of the preformed reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A complex-shaped, three-dimensional fiber reinforced composite structure may be formed by using counteracting pressures applied to a structural lay-up of wetted fibers with mechanical features embedded or encapsulated therein. The mechanical features may be located on or at least partially between two or more pressurizable members, which may be internally pressurized within a mold. The mechanical features may operate as bearing plates, attachment fittings, or other structural elements. Assemblies of pressurizable members, fiber plies and mechanical features may be arranged to create complex composite structures with predefined load paths, enhanced structural capability or both.

Abstract: A photo-alignable object has a thickness of more than 2 ?m. The photo-alignable object can be in the form of a free standing film. Also, the photo-alignable object can have a topographical surface structure. The depth of the topographical surface structure can be larger than 100 nm, and preferably the depth of the topographical surface structure is larger than 1 ?m.