Abstract: A method for making a floor or wall panel has a foamed polymer core. A foamable polymer powder is foamed between two conveyor belts in the forming zone of a steel belt press. The sum of the thicknesses of the two conveyor belts and the total thickness of the layers at the entrance of the steel belt press is less than or equal to the opening of the steel belt press at the entrance of the steel belt press. The sum of the thicknesses of the two conveyor belts and the total thickness of the substrate at the outlet of the steel belt press is equal to the opening of the steel belt press at the outlet of the steel belt press and greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the two conveyor belts and the total thickness of the layers at the entrance of the steel belt press.

Abstract: A stamp for nano imprinting includes a base substrate, a first pattern part and a second pattern part disposed on the base substrate and having different widths, and a third pattern part and a fourth pattern part having different widths. Each of the first pattern part to the fourth pattern part includes a plurality of nano patterns, and the first pattern part and the second pattern part and the third pattern part and the fourth pattern are disposed to be arranged adjacent to each other in a sequential order in the first direction.

Abstract: A hybrid yarn, and associated system and method of making, are provided wherein a first continuous yarn is formed as a multi-filament yarn and a second continuous yarn is formed as a crimped yarn consisting of thermoplastic fibers in a parallel thread sheet. The parallel thread sheet has a plurality of crimped continuous threads next to one another in one plane. The continuous threads are formed from as a collection of a plurality of continuous filaments.

Abstract: A two dimensional unitary preform sheet including a substrate and a fiber bundle arranged on the substrate and attached to the substrate by a plurality of stitches of a thread, which may be a thermoplastic thread. The two dimensional unitary preform sheet is configurable into a three dimensional preform. According to embodiments, the fiber bundle includes carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, or a combination thereof. According to embodiments, the two dimensional unitary preform sheet is cut in a pattern that is foldable into the three dimensional preform. A method for making a three dimensional preform is also provided, which includes forming a two dimensional unitary preform sheet and placing the two dimensional unitary preform in a press to bend the two dimensional unitary preform into the shape of the three dimensional preform.

Abstract: A synthetic nonwoven fabric having bonded fibers forming channels surrounding unbonded fibers forming raised slip resistant spots. The fabric is made by extruding hot polymer through a spinneret die onto a moving belt to form a sheet of random fibers, which sheet undergoes a calendering process between a pair of heated rollers, one of which rollers having a plurality of cavities defined in its surface. The resulting fabric can be laminated and otherwise combined with other layers as desired to provide an end product having good slip resistant properties.

Abstract: A system and method of melt infiltrating components is provided. In one example aspect, an inductive heating system includes a heating source that inductively heats a susceptor. The susceptor defines a working chamber in which components can be received. During melt infiltration, the system can heat the susceptor and thus the components and melt infiltrants disposed within the working chamber at a first heating rate. The first heating rate can be faster than 50° C./minute. The system can then heat the components and melt infiltrants at a second heating rate. The first heating rate is faster than the second heating rate. Thereafter, the system can heat the components and infiltrants at a third heating rate. The third heating rate can be a constant rate at or above the melting point of the melt infiltrants. The infiltrants can melt and thus infiltrate into the component to densify the component.

Abstract: Provided is a technology for imparting a design having a higher degree of freedom than in the related art to a composite material product including a woven fabric, which is formed of a thread made of a specific fiber (carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber), and a resin. As a first step, a specific fiber cloth (100), which is the woven fabric formed of the thread made of a specific fiber, and a backing sheet (200) formed of a thermoplastic resin are stacked. Subsequently, embroidery is performed with an embroidery thread (300) to form a design on a front surface of the specific fiber cloth (100). The embroidery thread (300) is made of the specific fiber, and penetrates through the specific fiber cloth (100) and the backing sheet (200). Then, the specific fiber cloth (100) and the backing sheet (200) are sandwiched between resin sheets (400) each formed of a thermoplastic resin, and the whole is cured by an RFI method.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liner for reinforcing a pipe includes providing a continuous first reinforcing fibers extending in a first direction, moving the first reinforcing fibers in a machine direction such that the first direction is parallel to the machine direction, providing sheets of a material having second reinforcing fibers extending in a second direction, placing the sheets onto the moving first reinforcing fibers such that the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and folding the sheets into a closed shape.

Abstract: The invention is targeted mainly at a process for the preparation of a semifinished product comprising a PAEK-based resin and reinforcing fibers, comprising the stages of: a. preparation of a dispersion comprising a PAEK-based resin in the pulverulent form dispersed in an aqueous phase comprising a surfactant; b. bringing the reinforcing fibers into contact with said aqueous dispersion; c. drying the fibers impregnated with dispersion; and d. heating the impregnated fibers to a temperature sufficient for the melting of the resin, so as to form a semifinished product, characterized in that the surfactant is a thermally stable surfactant. It is furthermore targeted at the dispersion of use in said process. Finally, it is targeted at the semifinished products capable of being obtained and also at their use in the manufacture of composite materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a load-bearing composite platform. The platform includes a core layer, first and second reinforcement layers, and a frame. The core layer includes a structural sublayer, a force distribution sublayer, and an abrasion prevention sublayer. The first reinforcement layer is adhered to the force distribution sublayer, and the second reinforcement layer is adhered to the structural sublayer. The second reinforcement layer is an inverse of the first reinforcement layer. The frame surrounds the first reinforcement layer, the second reinforcement layer, and the core layer.

Abstract: A nonwoven web is made by displacing an air-permeable mesh-belt conveyor in a horizontal travel direction and spinning and then depositing crimped continuous filaments as a web at a deposit region on the air-permeable mesh-belt conveyor. A first preconsolidation stage is provided downstream of the deposit region and a second preconsolidation separated by a suction gap from the first stage. Air is drawn air through the web and the conveyor at the deposit region at a first predetermined speed, the first and second consolidation stages at a second and third predetermined speeds, and at the suction gap either not at all or at a fourth predetermined equal to at most substantially less than the second predetermined speed.

Abstract: A process of forming the fiber preform includes providing a substrate, applying a first layer of a fiber bundle to the substrate in a predetermined pattern having a principal orientation, stitching the first layer of the fiber bundle to the substrate using a thread, building up subsequent layers of the fiber bundle from the first layer, and stitching each of the subsequent layers to a preceding layer using the thread. A process of forming a unitary reinforced composite material includes the fiber preform. The process of forming a unitary reinforced composite component includes placing the fiber preform a mold platen, heating the perform to promote fusion of the thermoplastic fibers therein, cooling the perform until solidified with contours of the component, and removing the vehicle component from the mold platen.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a porous film, including: preparing a polymer mixture solution, wherein the polymer mixture solution includes polycaprolactone and at least one hydrophobic polymer; adding solid particles as a dispersing agent to the polymer mixture solution and mixing the solid particles with the polymer mixture solution, wherein the amount of solid particles added is enough to convert the polymer mixture solution into a solid mixture; drying the solid mixture to form a film; and washing the film with a washing fluid to remove the solid particles from the film to form the porous film, wherein the weight ratio of the polycaprolactone to the at least one hydrophobic polymer is about 1:0.1-10, and wherein the weight ratio of the polycaprolactone and the at least one hydrophobic polymer to the solid particles is about 1:0.01-250.

Abstract: A dry tape material for fiber placement includes a plurality of reinforcing fiber strands that satisfy (i) to (iii): (i) the reinforcing fiber strand has thicknesses T1 and T3 at both ends in a width direction of a section of the reinforcing fiber strand, and both T1 and T3 are 50 to 200% relative to a thickness T2 at a central portion of the reinforcing fiber strand, (ii) the reinforcing fiber strand has a number of filaments N and a width W that satisfy a relationship of 4.8<N/W<12, and (iii) the reinforcing fiber strand has a form kept by a first resin material having a glass transition temperature Tg or a melting point Tm of 40° C. to 200° C., the first resin material being heat-meltable, wherein the plurality of reinforcing fiber strands are bound and integrated with each other by a second resin material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a preimpregnated fibrous material containing a fibrous material made of continuous fibers and at least one thermoplastic polymer matrix, wherein the preimpregnated fibrous material is produced as a single unidirectional tape or of a plurality of parallel unidirectional tapes and wherein the process includes a step of impregnating, in particular fully and homogeneously, the fibrous material that is in the form of a roving or of several parallel rovings with the at least one thermoplastic polymer matrix that is in powder form, the impregnating step being carried out by a dry route in a tank and the control of the amount of the at least one thermoplastic polymer matrix in said fibrous material being achieved by control of the residence time of said fibrous material in the powder, with the exclusion of any electrostatic process with intentional charging.

Abstract: A method for spreading a tow of textile non-braided filaments, preferably chemical or inorganic fibres comprises providing a tow of textile non-braided filaments extending along its own main direction and having a section transverse to the main direction with a predetermined thickness and a predetermined width, feeding the tow along a travel path and spreading the tow in order to increase its width and reduce its thickness, defining a spread tow. The step of spreading the tow includes immersing the tow in a bath and generating in the bath a sequence of transverse waves crossing the tow transversely to the main direction in order to separate and place the individual filaments side by side, thereby spreading the tow, wherein the tow entering the bath and/or the spread tow extracted from the bath is/are unsized.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for manufacturing transition structures including fiber threads embedded within a metal component. The system may include a supply of base sheet metal. The system may include a conveyor supported on a plurality of rollers and configured to move the base sheet metal in a production direction. The system may include a plurality of stages arranged in the production direction. Each stage may include a channel forming device configured to form a channel in the base sheet metal, a fiber inserting device configured to insert a portion of a fiber material into the channel, and one or more ultrasonic welders configured to consolidate a layer of metal foil over the fiber. The disclosure includes methods of using the system to produce transition structures and reinforced components.

Abstract: A fibrous structure including one or more nonwoven material layers comprising a fiber matrix, where the fiber matrix comprises polymeric binder fibers having a softening and/or melting temperature of about 190° C. or greater, where the article is adapted to withstand temperatures of about 190° C. or greater while in use; and where the article is a thermoacoustic insulation material.

Abstract: An attachment structure of a wiring member includes a metal member provided in a vehicle and a wiring member flatly formed to be disposed to have surface contact with the metal member and connecting an electrical component mounted to the vehicle. For example, the wiring member includes a plurality of electrical wires and a sheet material with one main surface having surface contact with the metal member and the other main surface on which the plurality of electrical wires are provided.

Abstract: A wiring member includes a plurality of wire-like transmission members disposed along a common route on an object-attached part and a base member keeping the plurality of wire-like transmission members in a flat state, wherein the plurality of wire-like transmission members include a first wire-like transmission member and a second wire-like transmission member longer than the first wire-like transmission member.

Abstract: A disposable diaper product useful for collecting a urine sample from an infant is disclosed. In one example the product may have a liquid control structure overlying a liquid impermeable backsheet, with a plan surface area defining a volume coextensive therewith, wherein a portion of the volume defined by at least 50 percent of the plan surface area contains no more than 50 percent by weight absorbent material. In another example the product may have a liquid control structure overlying a liquid impermeable backsheet, and have an average Liquid Release Ratio of at least 3 percent. A method for collecting a urine sample from an infant is also disclosed, in which a diaper is used for collection.

Abstract: Calendering installation for the production of a reinforcing ply (600) for a tire, which has a frame (100), two extruders (200, 300) for feeding elastomer material, a reinforcing-thread feeding device (400), a calender (500) having a first pair of counter-rotating rollers, with a first working roller (52) and a first shaping roller (51), and a second pair of counter-rotating rollers, with a second working roller (53) and a second shaping roller (54), wherein a calendaring nip (59) is formed between the working rolls (32, 53) in order to receive a first calendered rubber ply (57) delivered by the first pair of rollers (51, 52), a second calendered rubber ply (58) delivered by the second pair of rollers (53, 54), and the reinforcing threads (45) in order to supply the calendered reinforcing ply (600), which is conveyed to the outlet of the installation via GUIDE ROLLERS (62, 63).

Abstract: A wiping composition and a wiping product containing the composition are disclosed. The wiping composition contains a combination of an antimicrobial agent with a preservative enhancing agent that not only provides antiseptic properties when applied to an adjacent surface, but also is well suited to preserving the substrate that is used to apply the composition. In particular, the composition has been unexpectedly found to inhibit or destroy bacteria, particularly Burkholderia cepacia, even when the active ingredients are used at extremely low levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a wood-based board, a wood-based board as use of a liquid coating composition comprising at least one particulate filler material and at least one binder for in-line coating of wood-based boards.

Abstract: Provided is a composite material capable of keeping a good appearance even after heat processed, a method for manufacturing a composite material and a method for manufacturing a molded article. The composite material of the present invention contains a commingled yarn that contains a continuous reinforcing fiber (A) and a continuous thermoplastic resin fiber (B) as fiber components thereof; and a thermoplastic resin fiber (C) that keeps the commingled yarn in place, a thermoplastic resin that composes the thermoplastic resin fiber (C) having a melting point 15° C. or more higher than the melting point of a thermoplastic resin that composes the continuous thermoplastic resin fiber (B).

Abstract: Provided is a multi-layered non-woven wound dressing produced by a method including steps of: preparing multiple natural polymeric layers; stacking the multiple natural polymeric layers to form a polymeric structure; preparing multiple natural polymeric threads; and stitching the polymeric structure with the natural polymeric threads to enforce a formed multi-layered non-woven wound dressing and continuous crossing lines to enforce the formed multi-layered non-woven wound dressing to reinforce its longitudinal and transversal tensile strength for a pre-set period of degradation in wound.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liner for reinforcing a pipe includes providing a continuous first reinforcing fibers extending in a first direction, moving the first reinforcing fibers in a machine direction such that the first direction is parallel to the machine direction, providing sheets of a material having second reinforcing fibers extending in a second direction, placing the sheets onto the moving first reinforcing fibers such that the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and folding the sheets into a closed shape.

Abstract: A production system of a water-absorbent core. The supplying component thereof is configured to convey the fluffy cotton to the starting end of the transmission component, and the plurality of outlets of the supplying component for conveying the mixture of the fluff pulp and the hot-melt fibers to the transmission component are all located in the middle portion of the transmission component, the feeding port for conveying the super absorbent polymer to the transmission component and the outlets are arranged alternately along the transmitting direction of the transmission component, and each feeding port is located between the two outlets; the vacuum adsorption device can cause the mixture to be absorbed on the transmission component; the hot air penetration device performs hot air penetration treatment on the laminate; and the ultrasonic cutting device of the slitting mechanism is configured to ultrasonically cut the laminate after the hot air penetration treatment.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for extrusion-based three-dimensional printing are provided. The methods, systems, and devices allow for the printing materials such as fabrics, clothing, and wearable and/or implantable devices. A number of different enhancements are provided that allow for this improved form of three-dimensional printing, including: (1) printing using a polymer (e.g., cellulose acetate) dissolved in a solvent (e.g., acetone); (2) selectively bonding portions of a deposited filament onto one or more surfaces and/or one or more previously deposited filaments; (3) using particular toolpaths to create a fabric or similar material by creating a woven pattern; and (4) printing across multiple layers even when previous layers are not complete. Other aspects of the present disclosure, including other enhancements and various printer configurations, are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for forming non-woven fibers includes an extruder for melting a substance, a nozzle on an end of the extruder for outputting the melted substance, and a gas source in fluid communication with the nozzle. The nozzle may be configured to output the substance in a melted form at atmospheric pressure proximate an output of the gas source. The system may be configured to output a gas stream at lower temperature.

Abstract: A method of forming fiber-reinforced composites. The method includes stabilizing two or more carbon fibers tows together (a) with a stabilizing resin and (b) in-line with a commercial carbon fiber production process to form a semi-finished tape; and impregnating the semi-finished tape with a matrix resin in a process offline of the carbon fiber production process to form a prepreg.

Abstract: A gas diffusion layer (GDL) for fuel cell applications that can prevented channels of a bipolar plate from being intruded. The gas diffusion layer is manufactured by cutting a GDL material at a certain angle such that a machine direction of the inherent high stiffness of the GDL material is not in parallel with a major flow field direction of a bipolar plate to prevent the GDL intrusion into the channels of the bipolar plate without modifying an existing method for manufacturing the gas diffusion layer. With the gas diffusion layer, the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell can be improved and manufacturing process can be improved even in the case where the width of the rolled GDL material is small.

Abstract: Polymeric layer having first and second, generally opposed major surfaces, comprising an array of openings extending between the first and second major surfaces. The polymeric layers are useful, for example, as components in personal care garments such as diapers and feminine hygiene products. They can also be useful for filtering (including liquid filtering) and acoustic applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a spunbond nonwoven from monofilaments of thermoplastic synthetics has a spinneret for spinning and emitting the filaments in a travel direction, a cooler downstream of the spinneret for cooling the spun filaments, and a stretcher downstream of the cooler for stretching the filaments. An intermediate passage extending in the travel direction between the cooler and the stretcher has upstream and downstream converging passage sections. The upstream passage section in the travel direction of the filaments having a shorter length than the downstream passage section in the travel direction of the filaments. A ratio BE/BA of an inlet width BE to an outlet width BA of the upstream passage section is 1.5 to 5.5. A ratio of an inlet width bE, to an outlet width bA, of the downstream passage section is 1 to 4.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polycarbonate fibers and fibrous substrates, such as papers, containing such fibers. The polycarbonate fibers are produced from a polymeric composition comprising a cross-linkable polycarbonate containing endgroups derived from a monofunctional benzophenone or containing repeating units derived from a difunctional benzophenone. The polycarbonate fibers can be combined with other fibers to form the fibrous substrate. Upon exposure to ultraviolet light, crosslinking of the polycarbonate fibers will occur, improving various properties of the fibrous substrate.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric contains a plurality of fibers having average fiber diameter Dave in a range from 10 nm to 3 ?m, inclusive. The nonwoven fabric has a plurality of fusion portions among the plurality of fibers. The nonwoven fabric has a first principal surface and a second principal surface on an opposite side to the first principal surface. Average number Nh of the fusion portions observed per 500 ?m2 on the first principal surface is six or more.

Abstract: A loop-forming closure element for hook-and-loop fasteners embodies an embossed nonwoven material having continuous fibers of a spun bonded fabric and carded staple fibers. The continuous fibers and the staple fibers are intertwined and form a common nonwoven material layer as a fiber blend.

Abstract: An endless rubber track belt includes an endless, elongate carcass having an outer surface, an inner surface, and at least one reinforcing layer. The inner surface defines a plurality of wheel path areas. A plurality of tread lugs are disposed on the outer surface. A plurality of guide lugs are disposed on the inner surface, where each guide lug includes oppositely disposed drive faces, an upper face between said drive faces, and oppositely disposed end faces. At least one reinforcement strip is disposed inward from the inner surface and outward from the at least one reinforcement layer. The at least one reinforcement strip is positioned adjacent the plurality of wheel path areas. The at least one reinforcement strip may include a bias ply formed of two layers of cords arranged in opposite +/? bias angles. The +/? bias angles may range from about +/?20° to about +/?80°.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for manufacturing a fully impregnated thermoplastic prepreg includes a mechanism for moving a fabric or mat and a drying mechanism that removes residual moisture from at least one surface of the fabric or mat. The system also includes a resin application mechanism that applies a reactive resin to the fabric or mat and a press mechanism that presses the coated fabric or mat to ensure that the resin fully saturates the fabric or mat. The system further includes a curing oven through which the coated fabric or mat is moved to polymerize the resin and thereby form a thermoplastic polymer so that upon exiting the oven, the fabric or mat is fully impregnated with the thermoplastic polymer. During at least a portion of the process, humidity in the vicinity of the coated fabric or mat is maintained at substantially zero.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving vibration damping of a substrate, such as the underbody of an automobile. The method comprises applying a plastisol which comprises a polymeric component, a general purpose plasticizer and a rosin ester resin. The fused plastisol has improved damping behavior as determined using Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis.

Abstract: There has been a problem that wrinkles easily occur on a carbonaceous film produced by the use of a continuous production method and on a graphite film obtained by heat-treating the carbonaceous film. In the present invention, heating treatment is carried out on a polymeric film while applying pressure to the polymeric film in the film thickness direction with the use of a continuous carbonization apparatus. This makes it possible to obtain a carbonaceous film and a graphite film in which wrinkling is reduced.

Abstract: A penetration-resistant article includes at least one woven structure that has thermoplastic fibers and high-strength fibers, wherein the high-strength fibers have a strength of at least 100 MPa according to ASTM D-885, and a second weave of the woven structure has high-strength fibers. The thermoplastic fibers lie on the second weave and are connected to the second weave by way of at least one warp and/or weft thread. The thermoplastic fibers account for a proportion by weight with respect to the weight of the double weave of 5 to 35%. A method for producing such a woven structure is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of strengthening existing structures containing the following steps. An existing structure made of concrete, steel, timber, masonry to be reinforced and a reinforcing sheet are provided, where the reinforcing sheet contains an alternating arrangement of reinforcement zones and slitting zones. The reinforcement zones contain unidirectional strengthening fibers in the warp direction of the reinforcement sheet and the slitting zones have an absence of strengthening fibers. The reinforcement sheet is slit through the slitting zones and the reinforcement zones are adhered to the existing structure.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to an oven for heating fibers. The oven comprises a plurality of walls forming a chamber and a supply structure disposed within the chamber between first and second ends of the chamber. The supply structure is in communication with a first heating system and is configured to direct heated gas from the first heating system into a first portion of the chamber. The supply structure is in communication with a second heating system and is configured to direct heated gas from the second heating system into a second portion of the chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic plastic composite. The continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic plastic composite includes a continuous carbon fiber impregnated in thermoplastic resin, and the continuous carbon fiber is a continuous carbon fiber has the width of 4 times to 8 times as wide as the original fiber bundle.

Abstract: Curable adhesive compositions, cured adhesive compositions, and articles that include the cured adhesive compositions are described. The curable adhesive composition contains a) an epoxy resin, b) a curing agent, c) a reactive liquid modifier, d) a toughening agent, and e) an oil displacing agent. The cured adhesive compositions can be used as structural adhesives.

Abstract: Techniques for efficient routing of wires and electrical components within a device are disclosed. A wire can be routed, for example, in the space between two battery cells (or other components/structures) with the use of a bracket inserted between the cells to provide structural support. Electrical tape surrounding a battery may be breached to expose a cavity between distinct battery cells. In some embodiments, multiple brackets may be inserted between the cells, creating a trough through which a wire or other component may be routed. After routing a wire through the trough, another electrical part or housing may be fixed above the battery cells. One example case includes a first electrical component placed within the bracket, and a second electrical component routing in a divergent path to the first electrical component external to the bracket, wherein the first and second electrical component have a common start and end point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of strengthening existing structures containing the following steps. An existing structure made of concrete, steel, timber, masonry to be reinforced and a reinforcing sheet are provided, where the reinforcing sheet contains an alternating arrangement of reinforcement zones and slitting zones. The reinforcement zones contain unidirectional strengthening fibers in the warp direction of the reinforcement sheet and the slitting zones have an absence of strengthening fibers. The reinforcement sheet is slit through the slitting zones and the reinforcement zones are adhered to the existing structure.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite material, comprising an assembly of natural fibres, impregnated with an amorphous or semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer, said method including: i) a step of impregnating said assembly with a precursor composition in the molten state and including: a) at least one prepolymer P(X)n of said thermoplastic polymer, having a molecular chain P having, at the ends of same, n reactive functions X, with n ranging from 1 to 3, in particular n being 1 or 2, and preferably 2 b) at least one chain extender Y-A-Y including reactive functions Y with at least one of said functions X ii) a step of polymerisation by mass (poly)addition, in the molten state, of said prepolymer with said chain extender with: said thermoplastic polymer being the result of said polymerisation by mass polyaddition and said impregnation i) and polymerisation ii) taking place at a temperature lower than 250° C.

Abstract: An industrial fabric, belt or sleeve and a method of making the fabric, belt or sleeve are disclosed. The industrial fabric, belt or sleeve is produced by spirally winding strips of polymeric material, such as an industrial strapping or ribbon material, around two rolls in a side-to-side manner in which a gap between adjacent edges is formed. A second material, for example a gap filler material, is placed between the adjacent edges, and the adjoining edges are joined by melting the filler material, strips of polymeric material, or both. The gap filler material can have a specific cross-sectional shape corresponding to the gap.