Abstract: A method for nanoimprinting a pattern on an organic polymer substrate, comprising: (a) preparing a soft operational mold, the operational mold comprising a pattern to be replicated to the substrate; (b) soaking the operational mold in a solvent to produce diffusion of solvent to the mold; (c) removing the operational mold from the solvent, and placing it on a surface of the organic polymer substrate to form a structure, and simultaneously (i) heating the structure to a temperature T<Tg, where Tg is the glass transition temperature of the organic polymer; and (ii) applying controlled pressure in a range of 20-300 psi on the mold to effect a penetration into the surface of the organic polymer substrate, thereby to replicate the pattern of the mold to the surface of the substrate; and (d) separating the operational mold from the patterned substrate.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes an additive manufacturing print head and a nozzle that receives a bio-based shape memory polymer material and a bio-based material. The nozzle extrudes the bio-based shape memory polymer material and the bio-based material onto a substrate to form a bio-based shape memory polymer part or product.

Abstract: In one example, a porous tube assembly is described. The porous tube assembly comprises a material and at least one tube. The material is configured for an additive textile manufacturing process, and the at least one tube is integrated with the material by the additive textile manufacturing process. The at least one tube defines a hollow channel and one or more perforations that extend between the hollow channel and an outer surface of the at least one tube.

Abstract: A consumable filament and process for using the consumable filament in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system made from or containing a heterophasic polypropylene composition having a xylene soluble content ranging from 15 wt % to 50 wt %, a melt flow rate MFR L ranging from 0.5 to 100 g/10 min, an intrinsic viscosity of the fraction soluble in xylene at 25° C. ranging from 1.5 to 6.0 dl/g, and an ethylene content ranging from 10 wt % to 50 wt %.

Abstract: A method of making a three-dimensional object by additive manufacturing from a blended resin including (i) at least one light polymerizable first component and, (ii) at least one, or a plurality of, second solidifiable components that are different from said first component, the method including: providing a first resin and a second resin, where the resins produce three-dimensional objects having different mechanical properties from one another when all are produced under the same process conditions; mixing the first and second resins with one another to produce the blended resin, the blended resin producing a three-dimensional object having mechanical properties intermediate between that of objects produced by the first and second resins when all are produced under the same process conditions; and dispensing the blended resin to the build region of an additive manufacturing apparatus; and then optionally but preferably producing a three-dimensional object from the blended resin in the apparatus.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus can include a stage configured to hold a component formed by one or more layers of resin. A support plate can be positioned above the stage. A radiant energy device can be positioned above the stage. The radiant energy device can be operable to generate and project energy in a predetermined pattern. A feed module can be configured to operably couple with a first end portion of a resin support and can be positioned upstream of the stage. A take-up module can be configured to operably couple with a second end portion of the resin support and can be positioned downstream of the stage.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a photoreactive 3D printing system includes: a moveable print platform; a resin tub comprising a membrane; a tension apparatus; a volume of resin contained within the resin tub; an illumination system; a print platform force sensor; and a print recipe comprising information for layers in a 3D printed part to be built on the print platform. In some embodiments, the photoreactive 3D printing system is configured to: project an image through the membrane at a polymer interface using the illumination system; moving the print platform in a z-direction; apply a tensioning force using the tension apparatus to induce a membrane tension on the membrane; measure an amount of print platform force using the print platform force sensor; and update the print platform movement in the print recipe during a printing run based on the amount of print platform force measured by the print platform force sensor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe and methods of manufacture are provided. The method can include depositing a base layer on a platform. The method can also include depositing a first portion of a first functional layer on the base layer. The method can further include positioning a first surface of an ultrasonic transducer on the first portion of the first functional layer. The transducer can further include a second surface opposite the first surface and opposed first and second sides. The first and second sides can be transverse to the first and second surfaces. The method can additionally include depositing a second portion of the first functional layer on the first and second sides of the transducer. The method can further include depositing a second functional layer upon the second surface of the transducer. The transducer can be encapsulated by the first functional layer and the second functional layer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) printed object is described. The 3D printed object comprises a polymer. A surface of the 3D printed object comprises the polymer 5 and a UV absorbing colorant. The surface has a surface area roughness Sa (arithmetical mean height) of ?5.0 ?m. A method for preparing a three dimensional (3D) printed object having a smooth surface is also described.

Abstract: A method of building a heat exchanger includes forming the heat exchanger with layer-by-layer additive manufacturing. A first hollow annulus is formed. A body of the heat exchanger is formed to be integrally connected to and grown upwards from the first hollow annulus. The body includes an exterior wall and a heat exchanger core disposed within the exterior wall. The body defines an interior that is cylindrically shaped with an axis oriented parallel to a direction of gravity. The first annulus is disposed on a gravitational bottom of the body. A second hollow annulus is formed integrally connected to and grown upwards from a gravitational top of the body. Residual powder is removed from a bottom of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing three-dimensional models using a radiation-emitting set and optionally a specific arrangement of radiation-emitting units.

Abstract: In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, an additive manufacturing device is described. The additive manufacturing device includes a build material distributor to deposit layers of powdered build material onto a bed. At least one energy source selectively fuses portions of the layer of powdered build material to form a slice of a three-dimensional (3D) printed object. A detailing agent distributor of the additive manufacturing device generates a uniform property distribution across a portion of the layer of powdered build material by depositing a detailing agent.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional printed part can include a part body including a first matrix of fusing agent and thermoplastic polymer powder, a security feature including a second matrix of fusing agent, thermoplastic polymer powder, and photoluminescent agent, and a masking feature including a third matrix of fusing agent and thermoplastic polymer powder. The security feature can be positioned beneath and visible through the masking feature upon photoluminescent emission of the security feature.

Abstract: A 3D printing apparatus is disclosed herein. The 3D printing apparatus comprises a non-powered compartment defining a chamber to contain build material, and a passive latching element connected to a lateral wall of the compartment to be engaged with a complementary latching element of a platform. A drive mechanism of a 3D printing device is engageable with the platform to apply an upward vertical force to the platform to move the platform upwardly. The complementary latching elements are to: passively latch the platform and the compartment together at a latched position such that upward movement of the platform causes upward movement of the compartment until the compartment is restrained at a sealing position; and to passively unlatch the platform from the compartment, upon further upward movement of the platform.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer and a method of leveling a support surface in a three-dimensional printer. The three-dimensional printer includes a base plate, a support bed, including a support surface, wherein the support bed is mounted to the base plate, a plurality of adjustable mounting assemblies adjustably mounting the base plate to the support bed, wherein each adjustable mount assembly separates the base plate from the support bed by a first distance. The three-dimensional printer may further include a vacuum port fluid communication with a vacuum opening, a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the vacuum port, a vacuum regulator coupled to the tubing between the vacuum pump and vacuum port, and a vacuum pressure switch coupled to the tubing between the vacuum regulator and the vacuum port.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to form a printed article rapidly and simply, without using a support material, in three-dimensional printing. A three-dimensional printing support device (1) is provided with: a variable table (2) which includes an installation surface (10), and which has a configuration enabling the shape of the installation surface (10) to be freely modified; a drive unit (3) for driving the variable table (2) to change the shape of the installation surface (10); and a control unit (4) for acquiring shape data relating to the shape of a printed article, which is a printing target, and controlling the drive unit (3) on the basis of the acquired shape data such that the shape of the installation surface (10) is a shape corresponding to the surface shape of the printed article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a 3D printer having an advantageous irradiation device, and a method for 3D printing. The irradiation device is an array of multiple irradiation units each of which is individually controllable with regard to its temperature. According to an embodiment, a subset of irradiation units is combined to a group, each group of irradiation units being controllable with regard to its temperature. The target temperature of the irradiation units at the edges can be set to a temperature that is higher than the target temperature of the irradiation units in the remaining area.

Abstract: A plasticizing device includes: a material storage unit having a charging port and configured to store pellet-shaped resin pellets; a plasticizing unit having a supply port in communication with the charging port and configured to plasticize at least a part of the resin pellets to generate a shaping material; a coupling pipe having a coupling path coupling the charging port and the supply port; a first material sensor configured to detect a remaining quantity of the resin pellets in the coupling path; and a control unit. The material storage unit includes a material supply mechanism configured to supply the resin pellets to the coupling path, and when the remaining quantity of the resin pellets detected by the first material sensor is less than a first reference value, the control unit controls the material supply mechanism to supply a predetermined quantity of the resin pellets to the coupling path.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning and/or post-exposure of a body manufactured by using an additive manufacturing method from a substance curable by radiation, the system including a cleaning tank for cleaning the body and/or an exposure chamber for post-exposure of the body, the system further including a transport device having a drive for moving a build platform relative to the cleaning tank and/or to the exposure chamber. The transport device includes a force sensor, the force sensor captures a force acting on the build platform and provides a force signal, and is connected to a processing unit for controlling the drive and/or for outputting process parameters based on the force signal.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a support plate and a stage configured to hold a component formed of one or more cured layers of a resin. An actuator assembly is configured to change a relative position of the stage relative the support plate. A radiant energy device is positioned opposite to the stage such that it is operable to generate and project radiant energy in a pattern. A peeling device is positioned downstream of the window. The actuator assembly is configured to move the stage simultaneously with a resin support over the peeling device in an X-axis direction.

Abstract: A three-dimensional modeling device includes a first ejection section configured to eject a first material, a second ejection section configured to eject a second material, a drive section configured to move each of the first ejection section and the second ejection section relatively to a stage, and a control section.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object, wherein said three-dimensional object is an insert for use between a helmet and a human body, is described. The method may use a polymerizable liquid, or resin, useful for the production by additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object, comprising a mixture of (i) a light polymerizable liquid first component, and (ii) a second solidifiable component that is different from said first component.

Abstract: The use of compatible, semi-miscible or miscible polymer compositions as support structures for the 3D printing of objects, including those made from polyether-block-amide copolymers such as PEBAX® block copolymers from Arkema, polyamides such as RILSAN® polyamides from Arkema, polyether ketone ketone such as KEPSTAN® PEKK from Arkema, and fluoropolymers, such a KYNAR® PVDF from Arkema, especially objects of polyvinylidene fluoride and its copolymers. One particularly useful miscible polymer is an acrylic polymer, which is miscible with the fluoropolymer in the melt. The support structure composition provides the needed adhesion to the build plate and to the printed object and support strength during the 3D printing process, yet it is removable after the fluoropolymer object has cooled. The support polymer composition is selected to be stiff and low warping, yet flexible enough to be formed into filaments.

Abstract: A process is provided for heat sealing substrate layers.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor includes: a placement table configured to allow a workpiece to be placed thereon; a light projecting device including a light emitting element configured to emit light and a converging element configured to converge the light emitted from the light emitting element toward a detection area; and a light receiving device configured to receive the light passing through the detection area from the converging element at a position located on a same plane as the placement table in a direction along an optical axis of the light. The optical axis of the light projected from the light projecting device is set such that the light is incident in a direction perpendicular to an incident surface of the light receiving device and focused on the incident surface of the light receiving device.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a blade made of composite material for a turbomachine is provided. The blade includes an airfoil having a pressure side and a suction side which extend from a leading edge to a trailing edge of the airfoil. The blade further includes a metal sheath that extends along the leading edge of the airfoil. The process includes the steps of: a) placing a preform, made by three-dimensionally weaving fibers, in a mold, a polymerizable adhesive being inserted between the sheath and the edge of the preform; and b) injecting polymerizable resin into the mold to impregnate the preform so as to form the airfoil after solidifying, wherein the resin is injected within a time interval during which the adhesive reaches a freezing point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the automatic manufacturing of wind turbine blades, including an elongate tool support (2) with a main suspension beam (4), a plurality of support frames (8) supporting the main suspension beam (4) above the wind turbine blade mould (1), an elongate guide rail (5) provided on the main suspension beam (4) so as to extend longitudinally along the main suspension beam (4), a slider base (6) slidably mounted on the guide rail (5), a drive mechanism (53) for driving the slider base (6) longitudinally along the guide rail (5) and a tool holder (7) mounted on the slider base (6). The apparatus/method improves the efficiency and accuracy of the blade manufacture, and also reduces the exposure of the human body to harmful substances used in blade manufacture.

Abstract: A single stage OPF-to-carbon preform shape forming method includes positioning an oxidized PAN fiber preform with a female forming tool, positioning a vacuum bag over the oxidized PAN fiber preform, and vacuum forming the oxidized PAN fiber preform into a shaped body. The vacuum formed shaped body (while still in the shape forming fixture) may be loaded into a carbonization furnace and carbonized. The vacuum bag may be burned away in the carbonization furnace during carbonization.

Abstract: During a manufacturing method, a preform is arranged with a plurality of grips. The preform includes a stack of a plurality of layers of material. The grips are disposed along a periphery of the stack. The preform is formed into a shaped body. The forming includes pressing a die against the stack and gripping the stack with the grips during the pressing of the die. The gripping includes asynchronously gripping the stack with at least some of the grips.

Abstract: A mold for an ultra-thick walled U-shaped composite product with a deep cavity includes an upper mold cavity, a lower mold cavity, a slidable side-drawing insert, and an auxiliary mold clamping structure. The auxiliary mold clamping structure includes a first auxiliary mold clamping insert and a second auxiliary mold clamping insert. The first auxiliary mold clamping insert is fixed on the lower mold cavity, and the second auxiliary mold clamping insert is fixed on the slidable side-drawing insert. The slidable side-drawing insert is located on a side of an integral structure formed after the upper mold cavity is engaged with the lower mold cavity, and the slidable side-drawing insert longitudinally slides along the lower mold cavity. The ultra-thick walled U-shaped composite product is formed and located between the upper mold cavity, the lower mold cavity, and the slidable side-drawing insert.

Abstract: A method for closing an injection mold for manufacturing a revolution part made of composite material, the mold including a mandrel supporting a fiber preform and angular sectors comprising an annular base to come into contact with the fiber texture, the annular base extending between first and second side edges along a circumferential direction. The method includes successive positioning and fixing the angular sectors on the mandrel, the annular base of each sector compacting the fiber preform portion present oppositely, the side edges of the annular base of each angular sector being in contact with the side edges of the annular base of the adjacent sectors. Before the positioning and fixing of the angular sectors on the mandrel, strip s are placed on the exposed surface of the fiber preform, each strip covering an area of the fiber preform located facing a junction area between two adjacent angular sectors.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and devices for build temperature control. In some examples, a method comprises applying a temperature controllable top cover over a top of the build volume. The method may further comprise controlling the temperature controllable top cover to maintain a temperature substantially equal to a build temperature for a predetermined period of time. The method may further comprise applying a thermally conductive bottom cover to a bottom of the build volume.

Abstract: A device for repairing a damaged spot in a repair area of a glass pane includes an attachment portion, a repair portion, an excitation device and a control device. The attachment portion is configured to be releasably attached to a main surface of the glass pane. The repair portion is configured to repair the glass pane. The excitation device is configured to produce a periodic mechanical excitation and to couple the periodic mechanical excitation into the glass pane. The control device is configured to control the periodic mechanical excitation.

Abstract: A method of using a device of inflating and repairing a broken tire contains a step of: placing the device on a ground. The device contains: an accommodation box, a sealant can, a cap, and at least one delivery hose. The accommodation box accommodates an air compressor for compressing airs so as to produce compressed airs. The accommodation box includes a first coupling orifice and a second coupling orifice. The sealant can includes a body in which sealant is received, and the cap is connected on an open end of the body. The cap includes an air inflow tube and a sealant supply tube), and the cap is engaged on the first coupling orifice or the second coupling orifice. The at least one delivery hose includes a first connector and a second connector connected with two components, thus inflating and repairing the broken tire diversely.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing laser damage threshold and induced phase change range in a method of writing phase change structures in a hydrogel material with a femtosecond laser writing system focusing a laser beam into the hydrogel material. laser pulse width and a laser effective NA are selected for a given focused laser average power range to increase the laser damage threshold relative to use of laser pulse widths shorter than the selected laser pulse width and/or use of laser effective NAs greater than the selected laser effective NA. In a particular embodiment, the focused laser average power is from 1 to 5000 mW, the selected laser pulse width is greater than about 165 fs, and the selected laser effective NA is less than 0.50. Applications of the techniques described include laser induced refractive index change (LIRIC) customization of contact lenses, intra-ocular lenses, and other ophthalmic materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, a tire tread cutting apparatus for cutting a length of a tire tread is described. The tire tread cutting apparatus includes a track having a first track end and a second track end downstream of the first track end. The track includes a plurality of rollers positioned between the first track end and the second track end. The plurality of rollers is configured to facilitate the tire tread along the track. A tire hub is positioned downstream of and adjacent to the second track end. The tire hub is configured to receive a tire casing. The tire casing defines a tire casing circumference along an outer surface of the tire casing. A tread dispenser is positioned upstream of the track and configured to dispense tire tread. The tread dispenser includes a drive roller configured to drive tire tread downstream toward the second track end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compression type dehydrator including: an upper plate that includes a pressurizing portion and a first guide adjacent to the pressurizing portion and spaced apart from the pressurizing portion, and performs a vertical movement by a hydraulic cylinder; a feed plate that includes a hollow portion and a first guide groove surrounding the hollow portion and guiding the vertical movement of the first guide, and is positioned on a lower portion of the upper plate; a slurry supply line connected to the feed plate; a lower plate positioned on a lower portion of the feed plate and having a plurality of holes formed therein; and a dehydration means including a filtration belt positioned in close contact with an upper portion of the lower plate.

Abstract: An expanding machine includes a chassis, a feeding roller carrying a honeycomb paper, a guiding roller, and an expansion roller assembly including an upper expansion roller, a lower expansion roller, and a passage gap. The upper expansion roller includes upper projection assemblies that are staggered with respect to each other. Each of the projecting assemblies includes upper projecting portions and upper supporting portions that are alternate with respect to each other. The lower expansion roller includes projecting portions and supporting portions corresponding to the upper expansion roller. When the expansion roller assembly is put into rotation, the upper projecting portions correspond to the lower supporting portion, and the lower projecting portions correspond to the upper supporting portions, so that the projections that are separately arranged may pull and expand the honeycomb paper, making it not readily compress down the honeycomb paper or generating apparent compressing marking.

Abstract: “A controller of a corrugated fiberboard sheet manufacturing apparatus can execute a steady operation where a corrugating roll rotates at a first set speed, a deceleration operation where the corrugating roll is decelerated to a second set speed, and an acceleration operation where the corrugating roll is accelerated to a third set speed. In the steady operation, the controller set an on-off valve to a closed state for steam supply to a hollow portion at a first set pressure by a pressure adjusting valve. In the deceleration operation, the controller maintains states of the valves. In the acceleration operation, the controller switches the on-off valve to an open state, and adjusts the pressure adjusting valve for steam supply to the hollow portion at a second set pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a shaft for athletic activities comprising, along at least a part of the length of the shaft: an internal wall (31) made of a first fiber-reinforced composite; and an external wall (30), fixed to the internal wall, and made of a second fiber-reinforced composite, wherein one or more cavities (32A, 32B, 32C) are present between the internal wall and the external wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an article that protects surface textures from abrasion as a result of regular wear and tear. The article comprises a substrate comprising a first texture and a second texture, where the second texture is in a protective relationship with the first texture and protects elements of the first texture from being abraded by an external surface. The first texture comprises a first plurality of features having a first height measured from a base of the substrate and the second texture comprises a second plurality of features having a second height measured from the base of the substrate. The height of the second texture is greater than the height of the first texture. The second texture comprises a plurality of non-uniform cells; and wherein the first texture is disposed on a surface of the second texture.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a layered assembly. The assembly has a support layer that has a textured surface. A decorative layer is applied to the textured surface. The layered assembly can therefore exhibit many different visual appearances depending on the texturing that is created on the support layer and imparted to the decorative layer. The present disclosure also provides methods of making the layered assembly, and appliances that use the layered assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing ultra-thin glass. The method includes: patterning, on a mother glass substrate comprising a plurality of display cells and a dummy area surrounding the display cells, a cutting line having a shape corresponding to the display cells; forming a mother glass protective film on the mother glass substrate; forming a through-hole which corresponds to the cutting line by etching the mother glass substrate; and cutting bridges which are formed by the mother glass substrate and connect the through-holes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for composite textiles that can include a coating layer that is compatible with textiles such as those comprising polyolefins. The coating layer, as well as the precursor coating layer composition, the coating mixture, or resin composition used to form the coating layer, include a mixture of a polyolefin resin and a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV). It is believed that the use of the coating layer in the disclosed composite textiles can promote better bonding between other components or materials used in articles, such as articles of footwear or articles of clothing, while resisting or preventing creasing and bagging. This allows the use of cost-effective materials such as polyolefins in the composite textiles that have adequate physical and mechanical properties, while also having sufficient chemical bonding properties.

Abstract: A three dimensional tape that may be used as a top sheet and a backsheet for a sanitary product, particularly a baby diaper or a sanitary pad. The three dimensional tape allows manufacturing of comparatively thinner, fluffless sanitary products with an improved comfort for the user. Manufacturing of the tape may be accomplished in-line, thereby dispensing with all of the logistics burden from outsourced products, and all of the environmental impact the logistics come with.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced-resin composite molded article including: a rigid layer that is formed of a fiber-reinforced-resin material for a rigid layer; a shaping layer that is formed, at least on one side of the rigid layer, of a shaping-layer compound composed of a thermosetting resin and fibers that are shorter than fibers contained in the fiber-reinforced-resin material for a rigid layer; and a cured resin being formed of a liquid-state resin that is deposited on the surface of the shaping layer. The fiber-reinforced-resin composite molded article has a structure in which the fiber-reinforced-resin material for a rigid layer, the shaping-layer compound, and the liquid-state resin are cured under heat and pressure in a layered state.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ribbon includes a carrier layer, a release layer, and a thermally transferable ink layer. The ink layer includes an active ink having a chemistry that is configured, responsive to the occurrence of an environmental, physical or biological condition, to undergo a chemical or physical state change causing a change in the color state of the active ink.

Abstract: In general, the present invention is directed to the use of particular phosphorus containing compounds for making a glass mat faced gypsum board. The phosphorus containing compound may be a phosphite or a phosphate having a certain formula. In this regard, the present invention is directed to a glass mat faced gypsum board including a gypsum core that is formed from a gypsum slurry comprising such phosphorus containing compound. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a glass mat faced gypsum board.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a solid metallic component. This component (1) is particularly notable in that it comprises a core (5) and an external shell (3) which surrounds said core (5) in all directions, this core (5) and this shell (3) being made of different grades of steel, the steel of said core (5) having martensite and bainite critical cooling rates lower than those of the steel or steels of said shell (3).

Abstract: Provided is a laminated film comprising a base material, an anchor layer, a metal deposition layer, and a bonding layer, the metal deposition layer comprising indium, wherein an OD value is 1.2 or less, and wherein an a* value and a b* value of a transmitted light in a L*a*b* color space satisfy the following inequality (1): OD value×(a*2+b*2)1/2?6.