Abstract: Provided is a compression molding die. The die can be used for compression molding an I-shaped part without the need for machining. The molding die comprises: an outer mold with an inner diameter of d; an upper pressing disc, a lower pressing disc and a huff mold with the same outer diameter of d and the same inner diameter of f; an upper mold; a lower mold; and a core mold with a diameter of h. The upper pressing disc, the huff mold and the lower pressing disc, which are movable vertically, are arranged in the outer mold in a vertically spaced manner; the vertically movable upper mold extends into the upper pressing disc, and the vertically movable lower mold extends into the lower pressing disc; the outer mold, the upper mold, the upper pressing disc, the huff mold, the lower pressing disc and the lower mold define a cavity.

Abstract: A flexible film fluid-dispensing device including (A) at least one flexible film liner member having a flexibility property of from 3.6e-10 Nm to 2 Nm; (B) a rigid frame member for receiving the flexible film liner member and for removably holding the flexible film liner member in place during the flow of fluid through the flexible fluid-dispensing device; and (C) a connection means for connecting the flexible film fluid-dispensing device to the outlet feed stream of a fluid production process line; a process of manufacturing the above flexible film fluid-dispensing device; and a process for dispensing a fluid using the above flexible film fluid-dispensing device.

Abstract: A structural component, comprising at least two organo-sheet pieces which at least sectionally lie one on top of the other and which each include a fiber layer, wherein at least in the fiber layers of the organo-sheet pieces at least one pair of mutually aligned holes is formed, at which the organo-sheet pieces are positively connected to each other. There is furthermore proposed a method for manufacturing a structural component.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded part by an injection molding machine while changing between multiple molds, the method including transporting a stack mold including an intermediate mold to a molding operation position inside the injection molding machine, wherein the intermediate mold includes a first unit for closing a first opening portion for delivering a resin to a cavity and a second unit for closing a second opening portion for receiving the resin from a next mold located next to the intermediate mold, the next mold including a third unit for closing a third opening portion for receiving the resin, injecting the resin into the mold, closing the opening portions by the first unit, second unit, and third unit, and unloading the mold from the molding operation position after the resin is injected into the mold, where the first, second, and third opening portions are closed in this order.

Abstract: A stepped flight is formed on a screw of an injection molding machine. The stepped flight is a flight in which a step-shaped step portion is formed on a top portion thereof. The top portion of the flight includes a large diameter portion on an upstream side and a land portion on a downstream side. When a gap ratio m of a gap H1 between the land portion and a bore of the heating cylinder to a gap H2 between the large diameter portion and the bore is defined as H1/H2, the gap ratio m is selected to be 2.3?m?6.4.

Abstract: To provide a plasticizing device capable of easily executing maintenance of a barrel. A plasticizing device includes: a drive motor; a flat screw having a groove forming surface in which a groove is formed, and rotating around a rotation axis of the drive motor; a barrel having a facing surface facing the groove forming surface and having a communication hole formed therein; and a heating unit configured to heat a material supplied between the flat screw and the barrel. The barrel has a separate structure including, when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, a first barrel having the facing surface, and a second barrel separated from the facing surface.

Abstract: Injection molding apparatus (1) comprising: an actuator (14, 940, 941, 942) comprising a rotor (940r, 941r, 942r) controllably rotatable by electric power, the actuator (14, 940, 941, 942) being interconnected to a controller (16) that generates drive signals (DC), an electrical drive device (940d, 941d, 942d) comprising an interface that receives the drive signals (DC) and controllably distributes electrical energy or power in controllably varied amounts according to the drive signals (DC) to a driver (940dr, 941dr, 942dr) that drives the rotor (940r, 941r, 942r), a valve pin (1040, 1041, 1042) having an axis (X) and a control surface (43, 45, 102m) adapted to interface with a complementary surface (47, 103s) in a downstream feed channel to vary rate of injection fluid flow to a cavity of a mold, and, a sensor adapted to sense a property of the injection fluid upstream and away from a gate, the sensed property being used in a program to controllably position the control surface relative to the complementa

Abstract: A database 3 is previously set which is related to oxidation induction times Tg indicating the deteriorations of individual resins R based on the combinations of a plurality of oxidation induction conditions X including at least different types of resins R and different heating temperatures TH, when the molding condition is set, oxidation induction time derivation processing is performed such that an oxidation induction time Tg based on oxidation induction conditions X including at least the resin R which is used and the heating temperature TH which is set is determined from the database 3 and assistance processing is performed in which the determined oxidation induction time Tg is compared with a residence time Ts until the molten resin R is charged into a mold 2 that is calculated from the set molding condition and in which when the oxidation induction time Tg is shorter than the residence time Ts, the molding condition is corrected so as to shorten the residence time Ts or to prolong the oxidation inductio

Abstract: A method of recycling a PET-containing material comprises: (1) providing a polymer crystallizer comprising at least one heating element, and at least one blower; (2) providing an MRS extruder having an MRS section comprising a plurality of satellite screws; (3) providing a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the MRS section; (4) grinding and washing the PET-containing material; (5) heating the PET-containing material in the crystallizer to at least partially dry the PET-containing material; (6) shearing the PET-containing material in the MRS extruder to produce a PET-containing melt; (7) increasing a surface area of the PET-containing melt by distributing the PET-containing melt across a plurality of satellite screws in the MRS extruder; (8) drawing off vapors from the PET-containing melt by reducing the pressure in the MRS section with the vacuum pump; (9) collating the PET-containing melt in the MRS extruder; and (10) extruding a recycled PET-containing material.

Abstract: Provided herein is: a method of efficiently manufacturing a curable silicone sheet with excellent flatness and uniformity, containing a curable particulate silicone composition with excellent handling/workability and curing properties; and a method of manufacturing a laminate body containing the curable silicone sheet. A method of manufacturing a curable silicone sheet having hot melt properties, comprises the following steps: 1) a step of mixing organopolysiloxane resin fine particles, a curing agent, and a functional filler; 2) a step of kneading while heating and melting the mixture obtained in step 1); 3) a step of laminating the heated and melted mixture obtained in step 2) between films provided with at least one release surface; and 4) a step of stretching the laminate body obtained in step 3) between rollers to mold a curable silicone sheet having a specific film thickness.

Abstract: A method of continuously manufacturing a cured membrane includes continuously compounding and mixing a vulcanizable rubber composition in a mixing extruder while continuously removing gasses from the vulcanizable rubber composition during mixing with a vacuum. The vulcanizable rubber composition may be continuously extruded to form an extrudate, which may be continuously calendered to form a green membrane. The green membrane may be continuously cured, such as by a hot air conveyor curing system, to form a cured membrane.

Abstract: A method for producing a polypropylene sheet having a thickness of 0.5 to 5 mm, the method comprising; a step 1 of preparing a precursor in which a first biaxially oriented polypropylene film having a thickness of less than 0.15 mm and a melting point Tmh and a second biaxially oriented polypropylene film having a thickness of less than 0.15 mm and a melting point of Tml are alternately laminated; a step 2 of bringing a heating element into contact with an outermost layer of the precursor to thermally seal layer of the films, where Tmh?Tml?8(° C.) where the melting point is measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) under the condition at 30° C. to 230° C. and a heating rate of 10° C./min.

Abstract: A nozzle for forming a container preform into a plastic container includes a nozzle body and a sealing portion proximate an end of the nozzle body. The sealing portion is configured to engage with a stepped interior of a finish portion of a preform having a longitudinal axis to seal without the use of an O-ring and to preclude any portion of the nozzle body from contacting the sealing surface.

Abstract: A device (1) for optical inspection of parisons (2) comprises: an illuminator (3) configured to emit a beam of light directed at a parison (2) located at an inspection position (10); a detector (4) configured to capture an image (10) of the parison (2) interposed between the illuminator (3) and the detector (4), where the illuminator (3) includes an emission-polarizing filter (32) configured to generate a polarized light beam, and where the detector (4) includes a receiving polarizing filter (41) configured to receive the polarized light beam.

Abstract: A method for producing a polylactic acid (PLA) shaped article by thermoforming and thermoformed PLA articles. The method for producing a shaped article includes: heating a sheet of crystallizable polylactic acid (PLA)-based resin having a ratio of cold crystallization over total melting enthalpy (?Hcc/?Hm) greater than 0.70 as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wherein heating includes a heating step the sheet is heated from a surface temperature of at most 80° C. to a surface temperature of at least 90° C. to at most 150° C. at heating rate of 5° C. to 25° C. per second, to provide heated sheet having a ratio of cold crystallization over total melting enthalpy (?Hcc/?Hm) greater than 0.5 as determined by DSC; and immediately after heating, forming heated sheet to provide a shaped article by means of a mold having a temperature of at least 70° C. and at most 120° C.

Abstract: Proposed are an apparatus and a method for manufacturing an interior material for a vehicle, in which a core and a skin can be integrated by a pressing operation. The apparatus includes a first mold unit having a first molding surface, and a second mold unit having a second molding surface corresponding to the first molding surface. The core is mounted on the second molding surface. The first mold unit includes a first fixing part, and the second mold unit includes a second fixing part. The first fixing part and the second fixing part are configured to fix an outer peripheral portion of a skin placed between the first mold unit and the second mold unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for manufacturing a hybrid component including a first thermal supplier configured to heat a steel plate, a rolling roll for undercut configured to pressurize the steel plate heated by the first thermal supplier, and to form an undercut on one surface of the steel plate, a first molding roll configured to pressurize the steel plate formed with the undercut to mold the steel plate in a shape of a component to be manufactured, a composite material feeder configured to supply a composite material tape to be seated on one surface of the steel plate formed with the undercut through the first molding roll, and a composite material pressurization roll configured to pressurize the steel plate on which the composite material tape is seated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an additive manufacturing (AM) method for making a three-dimensional (3D) object, using a part material (M) comprising at least one poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) polymer, in particular to a 3D object obtainable by Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) from this part material (M).

Abstract: The disclosure provides systems for 3D printing. A 3D printer system includes one or more sources of actinic radiation characterized at least by a powered state and an unpowered state. A resin enclosure is transmissive to the actinic radiation. A temperature control system thermally communicates with the resin enclosure and maintains the resin enclosure at a predetermined sub-ambient chilled state. A control circuit is in electrical communication with the sources of actinic radiation and the temperature control system. The control circuit includes first non-transitory logic to switch the sources of actinic radiation to the powered state when one or more threshold criteria is satisfied including a requirement the temperature control system is in a predetermined state causing the resin enclosure to be below a temperature. A second non-transitory logic switches the sources of actinic radiation to the unpowered state when one or more threshold criteria is not satisfied.

Abstract: A method and system for in situ cross-linking of polymers, Bitumen, and other materials to produce arbitrary functional or ornamental three-dimensional features using electron beams provided by mobile accelerators comprises defining a desired pattern for imparting on a target area, mapping the target area, defining at least one discrete voxel in the target area according to the desired pattern to be imparted on the target area, assigning an irradiation value to each of the at least one discrete voxels, and delivering a dose of irradiation to each of the at least one discrete voxels according to the assigned irradiation value.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing tube elements comprised of tape strips. The machine includes a shaft, a disk mounted to one end of the shaft, a motor coupled to an opposite end of the shaft, and a plate mounted to the shaft. The plate includes a plurality of spools mounted to the plate, where a separate one of the strips is wound on each spool. In one embodiment, the machine further includes a rail positioned adjacent to the disk, a slide slidably secured to the rail and including an end support configured to hold ends of the tape strips, and an indexer configured to pull the slide on the rail away from the disk. The tape strips are unwound from the spools when the indexer pulls the slide in a manner so that the tape strips ride in a spaced apart manner around the disk to form the tube element.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method includes removing material from a sheet to create a plurality of individual layer segments formed, placing at least two first layer segments adjacent to each other at the same height to form a first layer having a hollow interior, the at least two first layer segments defining a first portion of an exterior of a part, and placing at least one second layer segment above the at least two first layer segments to form a second layer having a hollow interior, the at least one second layer segment defining a second portion of the exterior of the part. The method includes attaching the first layer to the second layer and removing material from the first layer and from the second layer to form the part having a continuous surface that extends along the first layer and the second layer.

Abstract: A method for forming an object includes moving a recoat assembly (200) in a coating direction over a build material, wherein the recoat assembly (200) comprises a first roller (202) and a second roller (204) that is spaced apart from the first roller; rotating the first roller (202) of the recoat assembly in a counter-rotation direction, such that a bottom of the first roller moves in the coating direction; contacting the build material with the first roller of the recoat assembly, thereby fluidizing at least a portion of the build material; irradiating, with a front energy source (260) coupled to a front end of the recoat assembly, an initial layer of build material positioned in a build area; subsequent to irradiating the initial layer of build material, spreading the build material on the build area with the first roller, thereby depositing a second layer of the build material over the initial layer of build material; and subsequent to spreading the second layer of the build material, irradiating, with a r

Abstract: This invention teaches a quality assurance system for additive manufacturing. This invention teaches a multi-sensor, real-time quality system including sensors, affiliated hardware, and data processing algorithms that are Lagrangian-Eulerian with respect to the reference frames of its associated input measurements. The quality system for Additive Manufacturing is capable of measuring true in-process state variables associated with an additive manufacturing process, i.e., those in-process variables that define a feasible process space within which the process is deemed nominal. The in-process state variables can also be correlated to the part structure or microstructure and can then be useful in identifying particular locations within the part likely to include defects.

Abstract: The invention describes a laser printing system (100) for illuminating an object moving relative to a laser module of the laser printing system (100) in a working plane (180), the laser module comprising at least two laser arrays of semiconductor lasers and at least one optical element, wherein the optical element is adapted to image laser light emitted by the laser arrays, such that laser light of semiconductor lasers of one laser array is imaged to one pixel in the working plane of the laser printing system, and wherein the laser printing system is a 3D printing system for additive manufacturing and wherein two, three, four or a multitude of laser modules (201, 202) are provided, which are arranged in columns (c1, c2) perpendicular to a direction of movement (250) of the object in the working plane (180), and wherein the columns are staggered with respect to each other such that a first laser module (201) of a first column of laser modules (c1) is adapted to illuminate a first area (y1) of the object and a

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems, and methods for 3D printing. The invention employs slurries of particles or a solute in a carrier fluid, which may be a liquid or gas, in printing. The use of a slurry is advantageous in allowing for printing in any orientation.

Abstract: A layer of additive material is formed in a circular printing area on a substrate using additive sources distributed across a printing zone. The additive sources form predetermined discrete amounts of the additive material. The substrate and the additive sources are rotated with respect to each other around a center of rotation, so that a pattern of the additive material is formed in a circular printing area on the substrate. Each additive source receives actuation waveforms at an actuation frequency that is proportional to a distance of the additive source from the center of rotation. The actuation waveforms include formation signals, with a maximum of one formation signal in each cycle of the actuation frequency. The formation signals result in the additive sources forming the predetermined discrete amounts of the additive material on the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method having two hobs suitable to receive and extrude therebetween a print material filament for the additive manufacturing; a material guide suitable to receive the extruded print material filament; a heater element coupled to a transition point along the material guide distally from the at least two hobs, wherein the transition point comprises a partial liquefication of the print material within the material guide by the heater element to allow for printing of the partially liquefied print material; at least one peltier device at least partially about an upper aspect of the transition point and suitable to at least sink heat from the upper aspect of the transition point to thereby preclude partial liquefication of the print material above the upper aspect; and a print nozzle in fluid communication with the liquefied print material and suitable to print the liquefied print material.

Abstract: Method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, in particular 3D screen printing method, in which at least one workpiece carrier for at least one screen-printed workpiece is provided, in which in a printing device a screen-printed workpiece is produced on a layer by layer on a workpiece carrier in a plurality of printing operations, in which the workpiece carrier, for carrying out a printing process, is positioned on a printing table plate being formed separately from the workpiece carrier, and in which the workpiece carrier is, between two successive printing processes for a screen-printed workpiece, removed from the printing table plate for drying the screen-printed workpiece.

Abstract: A high-resolution additive manufacturing system based on a parallel printing method using a spatial light modulator. A method and system for additive manufacturing using a DMD in the laser beam path. The use of a pre-heat laser beam in combination with a build laser beam having a DMD along the build laser beam path.

Abstract: Implantable devices having rougher surfaces and more surface area can be made of polymers such as PEEK or PAEK using a 3D printing process. The 3D implantable devices can be soaked in a lipase solution to etch the surface which can alter the surface energy, surface roughness, and atomic composition. After the lipase solution soaking, the 3D printed implantable devices can be removed from the solution and thoroughly rinsed with a cleaning fluid such as an acetone solution. The outer surfaces of the lipase treated 3D printed implantable device can also be surface activated by UV light or other photocatalytic activity to decrease bacteria attachment and growth. The surface energy of the resulting 3D printed implantable devices enhances patient ingrowth resulting in a faster recovery.

Abstract: A cleaning system for an additively manufactured component includes a tank storing a cleaning fluid. A fluid circuit is operably coupled with the tank. A pump is coupled with the fluid circuit. A manifold is configured to receive fluid from the fluid circuit through the pump. At least one of a coupler defined by the manifold or a hose is coupled with the manifold. The at least one of the coupler defined by the manifold or the hose is further configured to couple with said additively manufactured component.

Abstract: The invention relates to an FFF printing system (100), the FFF printing system comprising a print head (105), a feeder (91; 126) arranged to feed a filament (4) into the print head (105), and a container (801) for storing the filament on one or more filament spools (88). The system also comprises a prefeeder (81) arranged to feed the filament from the spools to the feeder (91; 126), and a first flexible tube (D01; 102; 121) for guiding the filament (4). A filament path length measuring device (1) is arranged to detect a misalignment between the feeder and the prefeeder. Measurement signals are sent to a processing system to correct any misalignment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for designing a gradient minimal surface structure based on a surface density distribution.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object 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: A system and method for welding two thermoplastic workpieces. The system has an ultrasonic tool, a support and a cooling unit. The ultrasonic tool is configured to generate mechanical vibrations. The system is configured to clamp together workpieces in the receiving region by the ultrasonic tool and the support if at least one fastening portion of the workpieces opposite one another is arranged in the receiving region. The ultrasonic tool is configured to introduce the mechanical vibrations into the fastening portion of the workpieces to weld the workpieces in a joining zone. The cooling unit is configured to cool, with cooling fluid, at least a part of the fastening portion of the workpieces and/or a cooling portion of the workpieces directly adjacent to the fastening portion.

Abstract: An optical wheel assembly for a laser transmission welding apparatus includes a double-convex optical lens having two spherical surfaces that are joined by a polished side surface extending circumferentially around the lens. Each of the two spherical surfaces has a known spherical diameter. The optical lens is disposed between a pair of dish cup holders, each having a spherical concave surface with the known spherical diameter and engaging the spherical surfaces of the lens. Each dish cup holder has an axial projection extending away from a side of the dish cup holder that is opposite the spherical concave surface. The axial projections are received within respective bearings that are mounted within a housing. The bearings allow the dish cup holders and the optical lens to rotate while pressure is being applied to plastic workpieces during laser transmission welding thereof.

Abstract: A method of attaching an object to a substrate with a fastener, and an associated fastener. The object is tensible and has an engagement portion. The fastener has a protrusion, which includes thermoplastic material in a solid state. The method includes applying a mechanical pressing force and a mechanical excitation capable to cause a movement of the fastener in a distal direction so that the protrusion penetrates into the substrate and liquefies the thermoplastic material until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material is flowable and penetrates into structures of the substrate. The engagement portion is moved in the distal direction by the movement of the fastener, wherein the movement of the engagement portion in the distal direction causes a tensioning force in the object, and wherein the fastener has a protruding portion extending at least partly into the substrate after the thermoplastic material resolidifies.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pad with dynamic massage bubbles includes: preparing an upper-half foam substrate and a lower-half foam substrate; and bonding the upper-half foam substrate and the lower-half foam substrate together by means of hot press so that air bubbles are formed therebetween. Particularly, then form-setting bake is performed under a progressively decreased baking temperature, so that as the pad is cooled gradually, the air bubbles are well shaped. The method provides improved dimensional control of air bubbles, thereby significantly enhancing manufacturing precision and yield.

Abstract: A fusion welding device, comprising a fusion welding work motor, a fusion welding work moving assembly, and a fusion welding work fixed assembly, the fusion welding work motor being connected to the fusion welding work moving assembly by means of a transmission mechanism. The fusion welding device is provided with a central connection component that is able to rotate, and the central connection component is provided with a first input position, a second input position, and a locking structure connection position. The present fusion welding device is able to implement automatic band pressing and fusion welding work by means of relatively simple structural cooperation, and by means of differently transmitted front and back connections and changes in engagement, and is able to automatically lift the fusion welding work moving assembly without requiring a handle or related operations.

Abstract: A molding apparatus reduces waviness or deformation of fibers. The molding apparatus includes a fiber feeder (7) that feeds fibers (5) to a lamination area (32) long in a first direction, a resin composition feeder (11) that feeds a resin composition (9) to the lamination area (32), an impregnator (17) that impregnates the fibers (5) fed to the lamination area (32) with the resin composition (9), a curing accelerator (13) that accelerates curing of the resin composition (9) fed to the lamination area (32) while the fibers (5) fed in the lamination area (32) are being tensioned, and a transporter (15) that relatively moves the devices (7, 11, 17, and 13) in the first direction with respect to the lamination area (32). The resin composition (9) contains an epoxy resin (A), a cyanate resin (B), and an aromatic amine curing agent (C) that is liquid at 25° C.

Abstract: An FRP material has a circular arc part, and a member fixed to the circular arc part. The FRP forming system has a portion-pressing device, a member positioning mechanism, and a transport device configured to form the FRP material as a single body of a circular arc-shaped FRP part. The FRP material may comprise a single layer prepreg or a plurality of prepregs that have been layered. The portion-pressing device has upper and lower molds sandwiching a portion of the FRP material in a radial direction orthogonal to the circular arc part, and compresses intermittently a portion of the FRP part. The member positioning mechanism locates the position of the member relatively to the upper or lower mold. The transport device moves the portion of the FRP material that is compressed by the portion-pressing device. The portion-pressing and the transport are repeated to form the FRP part.

Abstract: Cassette of at least one fibrous reinforcement wound into at least one roll of textile in order to carry out laying up, including: a receiving structure adapted to receive said at least one roll and to enable it to be unwound, a connecting system for removably fixing the cassette to a laying head part, itself adapted to be connected to a laying up robot.

Abstract: An aircraft structure (such as a T-shaped structure, a convex structure, a curved structure, or the like) includes: a laminated structure including composite-material layers that are laminated; and wherein the composite material aircraft structure is a three-dimensional structure that includes at least one of a standing structure, a convex structure, or a curved structure. The composite-material layers include at least a composite-material layer in which a reinforced fiber is a single continuous fiber, wherein the single continuous fiber includes a partial slit region. When a thickness of a flat-plate formed body including a same laminated structure as the aircraft structure but not including the three-dimensional structure, is defined as a reference thickness, the aircraft structure includes a thin plate region which has a thickness that is smaller than the reference thickness while maintaining the laminated structure.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for compression molding a composite article comprising at least one prepreg and at least one transformer film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of a fiber composite part, with a fibrous blank (6) being inserted into a mold (1) and the mold (1) being closed, and a matrix being injected into the closed mold (1), which is characterized in that at least sectionally an intermediate fibrous layer (15) is arranged locally fixed between the outer shell surface (7) of the fibrous material blank (6) and the inner shell surface (5) of the mold (1), so that the flow rate of the resin is reduced due to the randomly arranged fibers (15).

Abstract: Mold intended to be used for the manufacture of a gas turbine fan casing made of composite material including: a mandrel on which a fibrous preform of a fan casing is intended to be wound said preform comprising an annular wall the profile of the outer surface of which corresponds to that of the inner surface of the casing to be manufactured and two side flasks the profiles of which correspond to those of outer flanges of the casing to be manufactured; a plurality of angular counter-mold sectors assembled in a sealed manner on the mandrel and intended to close the mold and to compact a fibrous preform wound on the mandrel; and at least one compacting wedge, the wedge being placed between the fibrous preform wound on the mandrel and the associated angular counter-mold sector.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a part includes a mold having a contoured forming surface. The system also includes at least one tension strap, configured to attach to a consolidated laminate sheet, and a heating assembly, positioned relative to the mold and configured to supply heat to the consolidated laminate sheet, when attached to the at least one tension strap, to form a heated consolidated laminate sheet. The system additionally includes a strap retraction mechanism, configured to retract the at least one tension strap, when attached to the consolidated laminate sheet, to force the heated consolidated laminate sheet against the contoured forming surface of the mold. The heating assembly includes a flexible heating element configured to flex to conform to a shape of the heated consolidated laminate sheet as the heated consolidated laminate sheet is forced against the contoured forming surface of the mold.

Abstract: A method for repairing a composite member includes assembling a composite stack on a surface. The composite stack includes a first book nested with a second book. An adhesive is disposed between the first book and the second book. At least one of the first book and the second book includes a first pattern of slots. The method further includes setting the composite stack to yield a composite repair piece. The method further includes attaching the composite repair piece to the composite member. Also disclosed is a composite repair piece. The composite repair piece includes a first book and a second book. The second book is stacked on top of the first book. An adhesive is disposed between the first book and the second book. At least one of the first book and the second book includes a first pattern of slots.

Abstract: A method for optical production includes fabricating an array of optical elements on a transparent planar substrate, the array having opposing first and second surfaces parallel to the planar substrate. For each of the optical elements, a respective housing contains a notch of a predefined width. The first surface of the array is etched so as to form, on each of the optical elements in the array, a respective protrusion having a transverse dimension selected so as to fit into the width of the notch, the second surface of the array is diced through so as to singulate the optical elements. Each of the singulated optical elements is inserted into the respective housing such that the respective protrusion is contained in the notch.