Abstract: A co-injection hot runner nozzle comprises an inner melt flow channel and an annular outer melt flow channel that surrounds the inner melt flow channel. The inner and outer melt flow channels have a first common source. The nozzle further comprises an annular intermediate melt flow channel disposed between the inner and outer melt flow channels. The annular intermediate melt flow channel is at least partly defined by a plurality of spiral grooves, each spiral groove having a respective inlet and defining a helical flow path. Lands between adjacent spiral grooves increase in clearance in a downstream direction. An annular axial flow path is defined over the lands. A plurality of feeder channels having a second common source is configured to supply melt to the plurality of inlets of the spiral grooves. The relationship of feeder channels to spiral grooves may be one-to-one. The inlets may be longitudinal channels.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring at least one component portion of an at least partially undercut injection molded plastic component, particularly a window frame trim component, from a first state, in which the at least one component portion has a geometric deviation from a component-specific reference state, to a second state, in which the at least one component portion has no geometric deviation from the component-specific reference state.

Abstract: A mold apparatus for producing a molded article by injection molding includes (a) a base plate for mounting to a platen of an injection molding machine; and (b) a core plate movably coupled to the base plate and axially translatable relative to the base plate between a plate advanced position and a plate retracted position. A method of resetting the core plate includes energizing a mechanical actuator in a retraction direction to exert a retraction force against the core plate and axially translate the core plate relative to a base plate from the plate advanced (molded part ejection) position to a plate retracted (mold injection) position; and then, prior to applying clamping tonnage, relieving the retraction force to axially unload the mechanical actuator, wherein the actuator is isolated from axial force exerted across the mold during application of the clamping tonnage.

Abstract: A thermal management system that provides metal mold surface temperature control using cyclic process thermodynamics to enhance plastic material flow and curing conditions making it possible to produce resin rich molded plastic surfaces without micro cracks or fissures to which contaminant particles can adhere or to which dirt can attach.

Abstract: In order to improve the consistency of molded products as viscosity shifts throughout a run, a controller of an injection molding machine executes a calibration cycle in accordance with a mold cycle. The controller analyzes a plurality of sensed melt pressure values during the calibration cycle to determine one or more calibration metrics. The controller then uses the calibration metrics when executing each mold cycle of the run. More particularly, during each mold cycle of the run, the controller detects a plurality of sensed melt pressures prior to and during a fill phase of the mold cycle and compares the plurality of sensed melt pressures to the one or more calibration metrics to predict cavity pressure for a pack and hold phase of the mold cycle. The controller then adjusts a set point pressure for the pack and hold phase based on the predicted cavity pressure.

Abstract: This invention provides for a component forming a part of a breathing tube, or forming the breathing tube, for example as a part of a breathing circuit for respiratory therapy. The component comprising a tubular body having a foamed wall. The foamed wall can be formed from extrusion of a single extrudate. The foamed wall is of a sufficient minimum optical transparency such that, in use, there is enabled the visual detection of a liquid (or condensate that may have formed) within the tubular body.

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

Abstract: A continuous, serpentine and intersecting pattern of filaments is provided on a surface of a house wrap membrane. Water drainage channels may be provided by depressions or viaducts formed at locations along filaments. The filaments may be formed using hot melt nozzles disposed on a member and translated transversely as the membrane is translated longitudinally beneath the nozzles.

Abstract: A thermoforming method includes heating a thermoplastic panel to a forming temperature, and compressing the thermoplastic panel between a first tool and a second tool, wherein the thermoplastic panel is bent about a first axis extending along a first direction with respect to the thermoplastic panel in response to being compressed between the first tool and the second tool. The thermoplastic panel may then be cooled to a hardened temperature and disposed between a third tool and a fourth tool. The method further includes heating the thermoplastic panel to the forming temperature, and compressing the thermoplastic panel between the third tool and the fourth tool, wherein the thermoplastic panel is bent about a second axis extending along a second direction with respect to the thermoplastic panel in response to being compressed between the third tool and the fourth tool.

Abstract: To solve the above problems, a pouch molding method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a seating step of seating a pouch film on a top surface of a die; a stripper descending step of allowing a stripper disposed above the die to descend; a fixing step of fixing the pouch film using the stripper; a molding preparation step of allowing a Blank holder disposed at a central portion of the die to ascend to contact one surface of the pouch film and allowing a punch disposed at a central portion of the stripper to descend to contact the other surface of the pouch film; and a molding step of allowing the punch and the Blank holder to descend along with each other to form a cup part in the pouch film.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of assemblies each configured to support a dental mold and a material, a heating system configured to heat the material, a forming system configured to form a chamber encompassing the dental mold and at least a portion of the heated material, and to cause the heated material to form over the dental mold, and a conveyor system configured to move the plurality of assemblies from a loading area to the heating system, from the heating system to the forming system, and from the forming system to an unloading area.

Abstract: A device and a method for extending a film web along a longitudinal direction thereof include guiding the film web in a travel direction over several rollers, and extending the film web in at least one straining gap which is limited by at least two rollers operated with different circumferential speeds. The web is provided with a temperature gradient, which extends in the direction perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis of the film web.

Abstract: Methods and systems suitable for fabricating multi-layer elastic electronic devices, and elastic electronic devices formed thereby. A method of fabricating an elastomer-based electronic device includes printing a first liquid material and then a second liquid material on a fabric substrate that comprises fibers. The first and second liquid materials are sequentially printed with a three-dimensional printer that directly prints the first liquid material onto the fabric substrate so that the first liquid material wicks through some of the fibers of the fabric substrate and forms a solid matrix of an elastomer-based composite that comprises the matrix and the fabric substrate, after which the three-dimensional printer directly prints the second liquid material on the elastomer-based composite to form a film thereon. The elastomer-based composite and film are electrical components of the elastomer-based electronic device.

Abstract: A hotend assembly for an additive manufacturing device. The hotend assembly comprises a heated chamber, a number of inlets configured to feed filament into the heated chamber, and an exit orifice from the heated chamber. An actuated rod extends into the heated chamber and is rotated by a motor, wherein the actuated rod is configured to impart mechanical energy to the filament inside the heated chamber prior to extrusion through the exit orifice.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for additively manufacturing of a three-dimensional product using top-down stereolithography, wherein flowable, photopolymerizable material in a vat (50) is solidified in a locally selective manner by exposure from above, characterized in that a pressurized gas jet is directed to the surface of the photopolymerizable material, which pressurized gas jet is ejected by a pressurized gas nozzle of a blower (2) which is movable above the liquid level in the vat, wherein the pressurized gas jet is extensive in a direction transverse to the moving direction of the blower, and that by moving the blower with its pressurized gas nozzle across areas of the material surface to be solidify and acts on the surface in this manner, to smooth and level the surface. With such a method multi-component products may be built in which products a further component has to be built attached to an already existing component which (partially) protrude over the liquid level in the vat.

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 invention relates to the field of the additive manufacturing of components, which are formed by the direct deposition of a substance, in the form of granules of a metal or non-metal, which passes from a reservoir into a melt bath, produced by the thermal energy of a laser or electron beam, and subsequently crystallizes. The granules enter the melt bath without the intervention of a gas stream, the path and rate of travel of said granules changing while they are in flight under the effect of an electromagnetic field. The granules travel within a chamber, falling into the melt bath from above from a reservoir, from which they are fed at a set speed by the rotation of an adjustable screw feed, and passing through a system of electromagnetic devices, which control the path of the granules by means of electromagnetic fields.

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 system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a print head configured to discharge a continuous reinforcement that is at least partially coated in a matrix, and a compactor configured to compact the continuous reinforcement and the matrix. The system may also include a cure enhancer configured to direct a path of cure energy toward the matrix after discharge, wherein the path of cure energy passes through at least a portion of the compactor.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing fusing module for use with an additive manufacturing base unit may include a housing, a reflector within the housing, a fusing unit within the housing, an electrical power connector connected to the heating device and having a terminal for releasable connection to a power source and a retainer coupled to the housing to releasably secure the housing to the additive manufacturing base unit.

Abstract: A foldable 3D printer includes: a main body having an upper surface parallel to the ground; a stage coupled to the upper surface of the main body and adapted to stack a molding material thereon; a nozzle unit spraying the molding material onto the stage; and a bridge assembly adapted to mount the nozzle unit thereon, the bridge assembly being rotatably coupled to the main body to be positioned parallel to the main body when not in use and to be positioned perpendicular to the main body when in use.

Abstract: Disclosed are a 4D printing method using thermal anisotropy and thermal transformation, and the resulting product. The method includes (a) artificially planning transverse printing paths and longitudinal printing paths on a specimen to impose a thermal anisotropy to the specimen, (b) sequentially and alternately forming transversely printed layers and longitudinally printed layers on the specimen by printing a thermoplastic polymer in transverse and longitudinal directions to build a 3D printed product, (c) heating the 3D printed product so that the 3D printed product thermally transforms in a specific direction, and (d) controlling heating time to obtain a 4D printed product having a desired final shape which is formed through the transformation of the 3D printed product over the heating time.

Abstract: A mask is provided for an additively manufactured part including a plurality of spaced openings in a surface of the part. The mask is made with the part and includes an attachment ligament configured to integrally couple to the part between the openings in a cantilever fashion. First and second cover members include a proximal ends integrally coupled to the attachment ligament and distal ends extending at least partially over a respective portions of the plurality of openings. A detachment member extends from each of the first and second cover members. The attachment ligament is the sole connection to the part. The mask may have an umbrella shape in cross-section.

Abstract: A machine for washing and removing substrate material for parts produced by a 3D printer. The machine includes a housing having a working chamber and a disposal chamber. The machine has at least one inlet in fluid communication with the working chamber. The disposal chamber is disposed adjacent to the working chamber. A dividing wall is disposed between the working chamber and the disposal chamber. A pump conveys a working fluid to the at least one inlet in the working chamber. The disposal chamber and the working chamber are disposed in fluid communication via a passageway such that working fluid passes from the working chamber to the disposal chamber. The machine may also include an ultrasonic generator for generating ultrasonic vibrations within the working chamber and a heater for warming the working fluid.

Abstract: Techniques for flexible, on-site additive manufacturing of components or portions thereof for transport structures are disclosed. An automated assembly system for a transport structure may include a plurality of automated constructors to assemble the transport structure. In one aspect, the assembly system may span the full vertically integrated production process, from powder production to recycling. At least some of the automated constructors are able to move in an automated fashion between the station under the guidance of a control system. A first of the automated constructors may include a 3-D printer to print at least a portion of a component and to transfer the component to a second one of the automated constructors for installation during the assembly of the transport structure. The automated constructors may also be adapted to perform a variety of different tasks utilizing sensors for enabling machine-learning.

Abstract: A method is disclosed and includes providing a first data set marking an object cross-section, determining whether the length of a connecting line undercuts a specified minimum dimension, generating a second data such that, in the event falling the minimum dimension is undercut, a position lying within an object cross-section on the connecting line is marked as a position not to be solidified or to which a reduced radiation to be supplied, and for a position lying outside of the object cross-section, positions of an object cross-section directly above or below that are adjacent to this position are marked as positions not to be solidified or to which a reduced radiation is to be supplied, and integrating the second data set into the control command set.

Abstract: Examples of a 3D printing apparatus arranged to perform a print operation using build material, and methods of operating such a 3D printing apparatus, are described. In one case, a 3D printer is arranged to perform a print operation using build material whilst a build material temperature sensed by the printer is below a threshold temperature of the build material. The printer is arranged to obtain a threshold temperature indicator in advance of a respective print operation.

Abstract: A system and method for forming 3D printed structures on a base component includes extruding material through a nozzle while moving the nozzle vertically. Extruded material flows from the nozzle and spreads outwardly upon contact with an underlying portion of material. The outward spread of material is controlled to form a desired geometry for the 3D printed structure. An optical sensing device may provide feedback for controlling the outward spread of material. Using a molding component, structures with anchored portions extending through openings in the base component can be formed.

Abstract: A support assembly includes a part and a tension support rod. The part is additively manufactured on a base plate and includes a series of stacked layers of material fused together. The tension support rod is attached to the base plate at a first attachment location and is attached to the part at a second attachment location. At least one of the first attachment location or the second attachment location comprises a pivot joint to enable movement of the tension support rod at the pivot joint.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object is carried out by: (a) providing a carrier and an optically transparent member having a build surface, the carrier and the build surface defining a build region therebetween; (b) filling the build region with a polymerizable liquid, the polymerizable liquid including a mixture of (i) a light polymerizable liquid first component, and (ii) a second solidifiable component that is different from the first component; (c) irradiating the build region with light through the optically transparent member to form a solid polymer scaffold from the first component and also advancing the carrier away from the build surface to form a three-dimensional intermediate having the same shape as, or a shape to be imparted to, the three-dimensional object, and containing the second solidifiable component carried in the scaffold in unsolidified and/or uncured form; and (d) concurrently with or subsequent to the irradiating step, solidifying and/or curing the second solidifiable compone

Abstract: A method of bonding a first object to a second object, including the steps of: providing a profile body having a first profile body portion; providing the first object, wherein the first object has thermoplastic material; providing the second object, wherein the profile body is separate from and attachable to the second object or wherein the second object includes the profile body; embedding the profile body in the first object such that the first profile body portion is within the thermoplastic material of the first object. Embedding the profile body in the first object is caused by mechanical energy impinging on the first object and/or on the second object while the first object and the second object are pressed against each other.

Abstract: A heat sink for use in induction welding includes a number of tiles, where the tiles are electrically non-conductive and thermally conductive, a joint flexibly joining the tiles together, and a fluid path formed through the heat sink for communicating a coolant therethrough.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for composite part fabrication. One embodiment is a method for fabricating a composite part. The method includes selecting a tool with sides made of a core material in a desired size and shape, disposing a preform of a fiber reinforced material that surrounds the tool, resulting in a lamina assembly comprising the preform and the tool, heating the tool and the preform, co-bonding the tool to the fiber reinforced material within the lamina assembly, and hardening the preform and the tool into a hybrid composite part.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a golf club head part includes the steps of: sewing at least one roving material onto a base material, so as to form a laminate blank; placing the laminate blank into a cavity of a mold assembly; vacuuming the cavity, and then impregnating a resin material into the laminate blank that is placed in the cavity under vacuum; and thermoforming the laminate blank and the resin material in the cavity into the golf club head part.

Abstract: A fully impregnated fiber-reinforced thermoplastic granule includes a fiber core impregnated with a thermoplastic resin and coated with the resin and subsequently polymerized to form a thermoplastic. The granule is formed in a continuous process including a continuous fiber strand being coated and impregnated with a thermoplastic resin, curing the thermoplastic resin, and cutting the fiber and thermoplastic into granules of a desired length. The continuous process results in a uniform, fully impregnated fiber core in the granule which results in a longer reinforcing fiber for added strength in subsequently produced products formed from the granules.

Abstract: A mold insert and method of using a mold insert to make a composite part. The mold insert is configured to make a composite part from composite material. The mold insert is configured to be attached to a mandrel. Once attached, the composite material is applied to the mandrel over the mold insert, stringers, and bladders. The composite material is then cured on the mandrel. The mold insert can then be removed from the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a composite component is provided, the method comprising the steps of providing two layers of pre-preg composite material, one of which has an edge adjacent a surface of the other. Pressure and, optionally, vibrational energy is applied to the edge to thereby smooth the ply drop.

Abstract: A method of forming a sandwich structure including at least partially filling an open volume of an open cellular core with a sacrificial mold material, consolidating the sacrificial mold material to form a sacrificial mold, laying up a composite facesheet on each of at least two surfaces of the open cellular core, co-curing the composite facesheets by applying a consolidation temperature and a compaction pressure to the composite facesheets to form the sandwich structure, and removing the sacrificial mold. The compaction pressure is greater than a compressive strength of the open cellular core and less than a combined compressive strength of the open cellular core and the sacrificial mold.

Abstract: An anti-spray joint structure of a connection hose of a vehicle air compressor, the vehicle air compressor contains: a box, a sealant supply can, and a connection hose. The box includes a body accommodated in the box and started by a power supply to produce compressed airs. The sealant supply can includes an open segment for accommodating chemical sealant, and the sealant supply can includes a supply tube arranged on the open segment. The connection hose includes a front connector and a rear connector. The rear connector is an anti-spray joint structure and includes a first segment and a second segment removed from and connected with the first segment, and the first segment is connected with the second segment which has a channel of different sizes and shapes so as to be applicable for different tires and to avoid eruption of the chemical sealant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a medical device, which includes a step of disposing a solution containing a hydrophilic polymer having a hydroxyl group and an amide group and a substrate on or in a support, and heating the solution and the substrate through the support, wherein a pH of the solution before starting the heating step is in a range of 2.0 or higher and 6.0 or lower, and a pH of the solution after completion of the heating step is in a range of 2.0 or higher and 6.0 or lower. The present invention provides a method for simply producing a medical device. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for simply producing a medical device whose surface is hydrophilized.

Abstract: The invention provides a method producing contact lenses, comprising the step of: separating the mold into the male and female mold halves, with the silicone hydrogel contact lens adhered on one of the male and female mold halves; bring a shaped ultrasonic horn in direct contact with at least one area of a non-optical surface of the female mold half or the male mold half having the molded silicone hydrogel contact lens attached thereon; and applying a ultrasonic vibrational energy to the at least one area of the non-optical surface of the female mold half or the male mold half having the molded silicone hydrogel contact lens attached thereon so as to separate the molded silicone hydrogel contact lens from the mold half attached thereon.

Abstract: A process for producing a plastic lens includes a step of stirring and mixing a solution including a polymerization reactive compound in a preparation tank; a step of transferring the polymerizable composition obtained in the step from the preparation tank to a lens casting mold; a step of curing the polymerizable composition; and a step of obtaining a plastic lens molded product by separating the obtained resin from the lens casting mold. The step of transferring the polymerizable composition includes a step of re-mixing the polymerizable composition discharged from the preparation tank and injecting the polymerizable composition into the lens casting mold.

Abstract: Optical films having a curved shaped and methods of shaping optical films are described. A method of shaping an optical film includes the steps of disposing the optical film adjacent first and second rollers spaced apart along a first direction, securing opposing first and second ends of the optical film, providing a curved mold surface, and shaping the optical film by contacting the optical film with the curved mold surface while stretching the optical film along the first direction and keeping a threshold distance between closest points on the optical film contacting the first roller and contacting the curved mold surface less than the width of the optical film to reduce buckling of the optical film.

Abstract: A transfer ring for use in the manufacture of vehicle tires, the transfer ring including a radially expandable and collapsible segmented cylindrical gripping surface defined by a plurality of inwardly facing arcuate surfaces mounted for radial movement toward and away from a central axis of the cylindrical gripping surface, wherein each arcuate surface is mounted to a corresponding set of driven linkages comprising first, second, and third members, each set of driven linkages further including a block-and-rail cam follower secured to at least one of the first, second, and third members and configured to cooperate with the first, second, and third members to limit movement of the arcuate surface to linear movement radially toward and away from the central axis of the cylindrical gripping surface.

Abstract: A molding element having a molding surface forming a contact face and a groove forming rib portion forming the groove comprising two opposed rib side faces and a rib top face connecting two rib side faces. The groove forming rib portion provides at least one space opening to at least one of the rib side faces and/or to the rib top face. An insert is received in the space. The insert comprises a cavity for forming a closing device in the groove. The cavity has two opposed cavity faces and opens to at least two faces of the insert corresponding to the faces of the groove forming rib portion. The insert comprises at least one cutting means extending and/or projecting in a direction the groove forming rib portion extends for cutting a material filled in the cavity during demolding.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes cutting a plurality of sipes into an outer surface of a pre-formed, foamed thermoplastic sole structure that has both an inner surface and an opposite outer surface. An adhesive is then applied to the inner surface of the pre-formed sole structure and the sole structure is heated to permit forming. The heated sole structure is positioned adjacent to a ground-facing surface of a lasted upper, and then is thermoformed against the lasted upper to draw the adhesive into contact with the ground-facing surface of the upper, and such that at least a portion of the pre-formed sole structure bends into contact with a sidewall of the upper.

Abstract: A hydraulic machine unit that can be operated with various working forces, in which working medium is selectively delivered, via a pump-piston accumulator system, to a main cylinder and at least one driving cylinder, wherein at least for one working stroke a pump system of the pump-piston accumulator system is used to provide working medium to a piston accumulator of the pump-piston accumulator system, and then at least for the working stroke at least the main cylinder is charged with a working pressure from the piston accumulator, and wherein at least for a return stroke the at least one driving cylinder is charged with a return stroke pressure from the pump-piston accumulator system, can be of structurally simple configuration if, at reduced working forces, the working pressure is reduced with respect to the piston accumulator pressure prevailing in the piston accumulator.

Abstract: A supply of single-ply, fan-folded sheet stock material (100) includes a holder that has inclined support surfaces (114, 116, 120, 122) and intersecting support walls (124, 126) that support the support surfaces in their inclined orientations. The holder has a W-shape cross-section, with inclined outer support surfaces (114, 116) and inclined inner support surfaces (120, 122) that may meet in the middle. The inner support surfaces generally are perpendicular to adjacent outer support surfaces to support a generally rectangular stack (102) and sub-stacks (110, 112) of single-ply, fan-folded sheet stock material. A method includes laying open a stack of single-ply fan-folded sheet stock material to form two sub-stacks of sheet stock material and operating a dunnage conversion machine to simultaneously draw sheet stock material from both sub-stacks of sheet stock material, thereby providing a two-ply sheet stock material for conversion into a dunnage product.

Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine converts a sheet stock material into a dunnage product that is relatively thicker and less dense than the stock material. The conversion machine includes a conversion assembly that draws the sheet stock material therethrough and randomly crumples at least a portion of the sheet stock material. Before severing a discrete dunnage product of a desired length from the substantially continuous length of sheet stock material, the conversion assembly temporarily advances the sheet stock material therethrough while minimizing or eliminating the random crumpling of the sheet stock material in a reduced-crumpling zone, and then cuts the sheet stock material in the reduced-cutting zone to reduce or eliminate the production of scrap shards of sheet stock material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-shrinkable film comprising a first polymer ply A comprising at least one dark pigment, a second polymer ply B comprising at least one white pigment, wherein the thickness ratio of the first ply A is in the range of 5:95 to 50:50, the film has a thickness of 20 ?m bis 100 ?m, the light transmission of the film is not more than 12%, and the film after 15 seconds in a water bath having a temperature of 95° C. exhibits shrinkage in a main shrinking direction in the range of 20% to 85%. The invention further relates to a hose comprising such a heat-shrinkable film and to a process for producing such a heat-shrinkable film.