Abstract: A method for laminating essentially plate-shaped work pieces with a thermally activated adhesive layer, particularly photovoltaic modules. Work pieces are inserted into a vacuum chamber having a compression element dividing the vacuum chamber in a gas tight fashion that can be raised and lowered by pressure differences. The compression element presses against the work piece which in turn presses against a heating plate which forms a lower side of the vacuum chamber, with processing heat being transferred into the work piece to soften the adhesive. The work piece is first impinged by the compression element with a slight load from approx. 2% to 10% of the defined processing load, and is simultaneously kept below the adhesive activation temperature. Thereafter, the slight load is lifted off the work piece and the work piece is heated to the activation temperature and impinged via the compression element with the processing load.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three dimensional image display device includes bonding a lens plate having a lenticular lens to a display panel configured to display an image, with a partially-discontinuous frame-shaped adhesive member interposed in between while having the lenticular lens facing the display panel. The method also includes depressurizing a hermetic inner space formed by the display panel, the adhesive member, and the lens plate, and sealing an opening section communicating with the inner space.

Abstract: An intermediate sealing element and method for unsealing a vacuum membrane from one tool surface and transferring it to another tool surface without damaging the vacuum membrane. The intermediate sealing element forms a continuous path around the periphery of a vacuum membrane and is sealed directly to one or more vacuum membranes and a tool surface using any means known in the art to create an airtight seal between two surfaces. The intermediate sealing element is able to withstand high temperatures and high pressure without altering its structural characteristics. Because of its durability, the intermediate sealing element can be removed from the tool surface without tearing or elongating, subsequently allowing the vacuum membranes to be detached from the tool surface without tearing or elongating.

Abstract: A non-autoclave process of manufacturing a glass laminate comprising: (a) providing an assembly comprising (i) a first rigid sheet layer, and (ii) an interlayer sheet comprising a copolymer comprising units from an alpha olefin and about 17 weight to about 25 weight % of units from an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, groups wherein about 1 to about 100 mole % of the carboxylic acid groups are neutralized with metal ions; and (b) forming the glass laminate from the assembly without use of an autoclave comprising in sequence (i) applying vacuum to the assembly; and (ii) applying heat to the assembly while still under vacuum.

Abstract: An industrial-scale high throughput wafer bonding apparatus includes a wafer bonder chamber extending along a main axis and comprising a plurality of chamber zones, a plurality of heater/isolator plates, a guide rod system extending along the main axis, a pair of parallel track rods extending along the main axis, and first pressure means. The chamber zones are separated from each other and thermally isolated from each other by the heater/isolator plates. The heater/isolator plates are oriented perpendicular to the main axis, are movably supported and guided by the guide rod system and are configured to move along the direction of the main axis. Each of the chamber zones is dimensioned to accommodate an aligned wafer pair and the wafer pairs are configured to be supported by the parallel track rods. The first pressure means is configured to apply a first force perpendicular to a first end heater/isolator plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for performing rigid-to-rigid substrate lamination implementing pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). The process may include pressurizing a first sealed cavity to a first pressure. The process may further include creating a vacuum within a second sealed cavity, the second sealed cavity being sealed from the first sealed cavity by a flexible membrane. The process may further include applying the first pressure to a laminate assembly stack via the flexible membrane, the laminate assembly stack including a first substrate, a second substrate, and a PSA layer, the PSA layer being positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The process may further include applying the vacuum created within the second sealed cavity to the laminate assembly stack. The applied first pressure and the applied vacuum promote intimate contact between the first substrate and the second substrate of the laminate assembly stack via the PSA layer.

Abstract: In a method for reinforcing a fiber composite component for aviation and space flight, a vacuum mat is configured with at least one receiving portion for reproducibly receiving at least one reinforcing element. The at least one reinforcing element is introduced into the at least one receiving portion of the vacuum mat. The vacuum mat with at least one introduced reinforcing element is applied reproducibly in a sealed manner to the fiber composite component to be reinforced to form a mold portion and at least the formed mold portion is cured to connect the at least one reinforcing element to the fiber composite component. The vacuum mat is then removed from the reinforced fiber composite component so that the vacuum mat can be reused.

Abstract: A reinforcement insert includes superposed laps of fiber which are coupled to each other by a coupling fiber which passes through the laps in order to form fiber sections wherein at least certain sections thereof are rectilinear. The fiber sections and laps are immersed in a cured resin. The total density of the fibers that make up the insert ranges from 50% to 60% of the volume of the insert and the fiber sections take up 3%-10% of the volume of the insert. A method for creating a sandwich structure includes at least one such insert.

Abstract: A sealing device for forming an airtight seal between a first body, such as a cure tool, and a second body, such as a vacuum bag, without the use of adhesives. The sealing device may comprise an outer surface attached to the second body, an inner surface configured to face the first body, and two cusps located at opposite edges of the inner and outer surfaces. The sealing device may form a continuous boundary around an area of any shape or size. The sealing device may have a substantially crescent-shaped cross-section, allowing the sealing device to suction to the first body when compressed against the first body. The sealing device may also comprise a tab portion protruding from the inner surface between the first and second cusp for providing a more secure seal between the sealing device and the first body.

Abstract: The present invention provide an apparatus for manufacturing a bonded substrate that suppresses a defect in the bonded substrate. When the pressure in a vacuum chamber is at the atmospheric level, upper and lower chuck units respectively attract substrates through vacuum. When the vacuum chamber is depressurized, each chuck unit electrostatically attracts the associated substrate. During the depressurization of the vacuum chamber, the pressure for attracting each substrate to the associated chuck unit is controlled to be equal to the pressure in the vacuum chamber. This prevents each substrate from falling from or moving relative to the associated chuck unit. The first and second substrates are thus bonded together as accurately aligned.

Abstract: A method of laminating a surface of a flexible material to a surface of a rigid, curved material. The method includes pressing an area of the surface of the flexible material into the surface of the rigid, curved material with a holder to create a contact area while the flexible material is conformed to the holder, which has a curvature greater than a curvature of the rigid, curved material surface; and changing the contact area between the surface of the flexible material and the surface of the rigid, curved material while maintaining pressure on the contact area until the surface of the flexible material and the surface of the rigid curved material are laminated.

Abstract: A capsule-like dosage form, method for producing such dosage form and apparatus are disclosed. Such dosage form is achieved by applying a sleeve over the caplet to provide a coating which is smoother and easier to swallow than an uncoated caplet. The production of the capsule-like dosage form is readily facilitated by simple and inexpensive modifications to existing empty gelatin capsule making equipment.

Abstract: A vacuum bag is applied around a fuselage barrel made of composite material to be polymerized, formed by lamination on the outer surface of a mandrel having the form of a solid of rotation about a longitudinal axis. A bag material in the form of a sheet having a transverse width corresponding to the longitudinal length of the fuselage barrel is provided alongside the mandrel. A first transverse end portion of the sheet is fastened or sealed on the outer surface of the barrel or the mandrel. Then the mandrel is rotated around the axis, so as to wrap the sheet about the barrel. While the mandrel rotates, the opposite axial end edges of the sheet are sealed on the mandrel. Finally, a second transverse end portion of the sheet is sealed on the outer surface of the barrel or the mandrel.

Abstract: A process comprises constructing a sub-assembly including a rigid layer and a poly (vinyl acetal) interlayer in a vacuum bag or vacuum press; applying vacuum to the vacuum bag or vacuum press for a maximum of 30 to 60 minutes while maintaining the sub-assembly at a temperature between 10° C. and 22° C. to produce a cooled sub-assembly; increasing the temperature of the cooled sub-assembly to at least 100° C. or 125° C. over a minimum of 10 minutes or 20 minutes to produce a heated sub-assembly; maintaining the heated sub-assembly at minimum of 100° C. or 125° C. for a minimum of 10 minutes or 20 minutes to form a laminate; cooling the laminate at a rate of at least 0.5° C./minute until the laminate reaches a temperature below 40° C.; contemporaneously with the cooling, removing the vacuum from the vacuum bag, containing the laminate, and allowing the laminate to reach atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A non-autoclave process for producing a glass laminate comprises applying a sub-assembly including a rigid layer and an ionomer interlayer in a vacuum bag or vacuum press under vacuum followed by heating, cooling, and releasing vacuum.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for the forming or curing of polymer composites, the method including the step of: forming or curing the polymer composite in the presence of water vapor at about atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A multi-segment tool and tooling system for vacuum forming a composite part. A tool can include a first tool having first and second surfaces. A second tool can have an opening positioned on a first tool in a location other than the first surface or the second surface. The first tool and second tool can receive at least a portion of a preform composite. The first tool can have a vacuum barrier attached to the first surface and to the second surface encapsulating the preform composite and the second tool. A tooling system can include a first tool having a core and a base with a core extending upwards from the base. A second tool can be positioned upon the core where the core extends above the second tool. A vacuum barrier sealed to the base and the core can include a composite, the first tool and the second tool.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first substrate having a plurality of array regions is prepared. A seal material is formed in each of the array regions. A peripheral seal material is arranged outside the array regions extending in a first direction. The peripheral seal material has an exhaust opening provided at a portion of the peripheral seal material extending in a second direction. A dummy seal material is formed between the peripheral seal material extending in the first direction and the seal material formed in the array region. A second substrate is arranged on a surface of the first substrate in a jig. The inside of the jig is decompressed, and the atmosphere between the first and second substrates is exhausted while applying a pressure to the first and second substrates. Then, the first and second substrates are attached by curing the seal material, the peripheral seal material and the dummy seal material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for bonding a first surface (1a) and a second surface (7a) by means of an interlayer (3), comprising the steps: a) providing a first item (1) which has the first surface (1a), b) providing flowable, solidifiable material for the interlayer (3), c) providing a second item (7) which has the second surface (7a), d) applying the material for the interlayer onto the first surface (1a) so that a bulge (3a) encircling the surface is produced, e) applying a vacuum around the first item (1) and the second item (2), f) bringing the second surface (7a) of the second item (7) into contact with the circumferential bulge so that a sealed-off cavity (5) is produced, g) increasing the ambient pressure so that the cavity (5) is eliminated without resulting in a stream of gas flowing into the cavity and h) increasing the viscosity of the material for the interlayer.

Abstract: A method for making a honeycomb composite structure wherein the method allows for fluid flow from cells of a honeycomb core during a cure process. More specifically, the method involves forming one or more vents in a skin of the structure, which are preferably filled with venting wicks, to allow for fluid flow before being sealed by the polymer matrix during a skin bonding process. Additionally, the structure preferably comprises a scrim that allows for fluid flow between multiple cells of the honeycomb core. The honeycomb composite structure produced according to this process comprises, among other things, a sealed venting region that comprises a polymer matrix and fibers that are transverse to the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to acrylic adhesive composition comprising a mixture of at least one polyol tri(meth)acrylate monomer and at least one polyalkylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate monomer for assembling elements made of plastic materials, like PMMA or SAN, or inorganic material, like glass or metals, employed for manufacturing of devices for the distribution or containment of biological substances, like proteins, enzymes, antibodies, antigens, DNA, and the like. The present invention also relates to devices for the distribution or containment of biological substances assembled with the above mentioned acrylic adhesive composition, and particularly thermal or piezoelectric ejecting devices, and biochip microarray, as well as to a method for assembling thereof.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods of preparing a wet composite patch for use in various applications, such as, for example, reworking a composite part of an aircraft. The method comprises heating the composite patch to a temperature that causes resin containing gaseous components to flow from the patch through a flow path. The gaseous components are vented from the resin while restricting the flow of resin from the composite patch by restricting the flow of resin through the flow path. Systems for performing the methods of the present application are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal insulation core material and a vacuum insulation panel and a manufacturing process thereof are disclosed. The process for manufacturing a thermal insulation core material comprises: A) stirring and dispersing a mixture of glass fiber cotton and water to obtain a slurry; B) adding water and dilute sulfuric acid into the slurry to obtain a concentration of 0.1% and a pH value in a range of 2.5-3.0; C) removing residue from the slurry to obtain a qualified slurry, the residue comprising unmelted glass fibers; D) transporting the qualified slurry from a high-level tank to a head box, through which the qualified slurry flows onto a forming mesh where the qualified slurry is dehydrated to obtain a plate-shaped core material; E) transporting the plate-shaped core material into a vacuum box for compression and dehydration; and F) drying the plate-shaped core material.

Abstract: Adherence between a sealing material and a glass substrate is assured, thereby improving airtightness of a hermetic container. A manufacturing method of the hermetic container has: an assembling step of sealing a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate through a circumferential sealing material having plural straight line portions and plural coupling portions which connect the plural straight line portions so as to define an internal space between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate; and a sealing step of maintaining the internal space to a negative pressure to an outside after the assembling step, applying such local force as to compress the coupling portions of the circumferential sealing material in a thickness direction of the sealing material, and heating and melting the sealing material by irradiating local heating light to the sealing material, to seal the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate.

Abstract: A method for splicing honeycomb core together to form a core structure, such as an acoustic panel for an aircraft. The core structure may comprise a first honeycomb core, a second honeycomb core, and an intermediate bonding part disposed between the first and second honeycomb cores. The intermediate bonding part may comprise a syntactic core wrapped with or sandwiched between a non-foaming film adhesive. The syntactic core sandwiched between a first and second layer of film adhesive and a first and second honeycomb core is then compressed by vacuum and cured to bond the honeycomb cores together, forming the core structure.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing wind turbine blades having composite materials is provided that includes selecting an outer mould part, selecting an inner mould part, wherein at least a part of the surface of the inner mould part comprises a compressible layer being covered by an airtight membrane, positioning the composite materials in a mould cavity between the outer mould part and the inner mould part, evacuating the mould cavity, and bonding the composite materials, evacuating the compressible layer before positioning the composite materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a folding and shape-forming apparatus for a prepreg which includes a vacuum chamber which can generate a vacuum pressure in the inside thereof, an expanding portion disposed inside the vacuum chamber, provided with a prepreg thereon, and expanding because of the vacuum pressure inside the vacuum chamber, a heating portion disposed inside the vacuum chamber for heating the prepreg, a mandrel loaded at a portion of an upper surface of the prepreg, a first pressing portion which is brought into contact with an upper surface of the mandrel to press the mandrel, and a second pressing portion which simultaneously presses both another portion of the upper surface of the prepreg and the expanding portion.

Abstract: A method of applying material on a substrate. The material to be applied can be a pattern of material.

Abstract: An insulating liner for an article of clothing includes an insulating layer including an aerogel material and having opposite sides with passages extending therebetween, and a cover encapsulating the insulating layer. The cover includes vent holes aligned with the passages of the insulating layer, and has portions that extend into the passages of the insulating layer from the opposite sides of the insulating layer, with the portions having vent holes therethrough and being sealed about the periphery of the vent holes. A valve may be provided with the liner to allow gas to be withdrawn or expelled from the liner. Methods of forming the insulating liner(s) are also provided.

Abstract: An attaching device and a method of fabricating an organic light emitting device using the same are disclosed. The attaching device includes a process chamber, first and second substrate supporters, a substrate detachable part, and an open-close valve. The first and second substrate supporters are positioned inside the process chamber, load and fix substrates. The substrate detachable part is positioned inside the second substrate supporter, and moves up and down to allow the second substrate supporter to instantaneously receive a physical pressure. The open-close valve is positioned on a portion of the process chamber, and opens and closes the process chamber to control a pressure inside the process chamber.

Abstract: A pressing bag comprising silicone rubber sheets and uncured silicone members for covering a prepreg placed on a molding die to cure the prepreg in an evacuated state, the pressing bag being integrally molded in a shape in agreement with the molding die.

Abstract: A cured sandwiched article may be used to enhance a portion of a vehicle. In some embodiments, a cured sandwiched article may include a core sandwiched between one or more backing layers and one or more top layers cured to conform to a surface of a vehicle. A cured sandwiched article may be made by steps including shaping a core, positioning the core between one or more backing layers and one or more top layers to form the sandwiched article, and curing the sandwiched article. A cured sandwiched article may be connected to a surface of a vehicle by providing adhesive to a bottom surface of the cured sandwiched article, positioning the cured sandwiched article on a surface of the vehicle, and curing the adhesive. In some embodiments, the cured sandwiched article may include a plurality of fiber-optic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bonding apparatus and bonding method which can prevent warping of substrates by ensuring a sufficient standing time following bonding of the substrates, using a simple and compact apparatus. Substrate carrying parts 1a are formed along the circumference of a rotating turntable 1. The respective substrate carrying parts 1a are formed so that these parts pass through substrate placement positions 11 and 12, a bonding position 13, pre-curing standing positions 14a through 14d, a curing position 15, a post-curing standing position 16 and a conveying position 17 as the turntable 1 rotates. After being bonded in the bonding position 13, the substrates move through the pre-curing standing positions 14a through 14d as a result of the rotation of the turntable 1, and are allowed to stand for a fixed period of time, so that warping is corrected.

Abstract: In a method of the present invention for holding a substrate in a vacuum, a glass substrate (5) is held by an adhesive pad (20) or an adhesive sheet, both of which are made from a material containing a diene based resin, whereby an adhesive agent is prevented from remaining on the substrate, and the adhesive sheet can be detached with ease from the substrate after assembling the substrates.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a shell, in particular a fuselage shell, a wing shell, a horizontal stabilizer shell or a vertical stabilizer shell, that is reinforced with a plurality of stiffening elements, for forming component parts for aircraft with high dimensional stability, wherein the stiffening elements and a shell skin are made with epoxy resin from at least partially cured carbon fiber reinforced semi-finished parts, the method comprising the following steps: positioning the stiffening elements on the shell skin, abutting connecting elements against the shell skin and the stiffening elements, and curing the connecting elements to form the shell. The invention also concerns a shell, in particular a fuselage shell, a wing shell, a horizontal stabilizer shell or a vertical stabilizer shell, manufactured in accordance with the inventive method.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a manufacturing method for a PDP which allows even high-definition and ultra-high-definition PDPs to demonstrate an excellent image display capability at improved luminous efficiency, by suppressing variation of a discharge gas composition, and by eliminating an impurity gas in a discharge space effectively. To achieve the aim, deterioration of an absorbent material 39 composed of copper ion-exchanged ZSM-5-type zeolite is prevented, by performing both sealing and evacuation steps for the front substrate 2 and back substrate 9 in a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere. This maintains properties of the absorbent material 39 for absorbing the impurity gas without degradation, even if the absorbent material 39 absorbs a Xe gas in a discharge gas introducing step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of an antiballistic article comprising the steps of forming a stack of sheets by stacking 2 or more sheets, each sheet comprising one or more mono-layers of anti-ballistic fibers and optionally a thermoplastic binder, followed by subjecting the stack of sheets to a reduced atmospheric pressure environment; and while maintaining the reduced atmospheric pressure environment, consolidating said stack of sheets to a pressure of at least 10 MPa at an elevated temperature. The invention also relates to an anti-ballistic article.

Abstract: A fluid enveloping device includes a housing having a vacuum chamber; a valve for blocking off the communication of the vacuum chamber and atmospheric environment; a vacuum pump module connected to the vacuum chamber for extracting air until the vacuum chamber is close to a vacuum state; a die holder for locating a lower thin film and receiving the fluid at the lower thin film; a punch holder for locating an upper thin film; and a sealing nip in the vacuum chamber for hot-pressing the upper and the lower thin films to envelope the fluid therein.

Abstract: A vacuum heat insulator small in limitation in shape of applicable objects, and wide in application is presented. A vacuum heat insulator is formed of a plurality of core members of thickness of 5 mm or less made of glass fiber shaped nearly in a regular octagonal shape, being coated with a gas barrier enveloping member and evacuated in side. The core members are shaped in octagon, and disposed in lattice layout at specified intervals so as to form folding lines in four directions of vertical, lateral and oblique 45-degree directions, parallel to each side. In order that the plurality of core members may be located in independent spaces individually, the entire surface of the enveloping member around the core members is formed as heat seal parts, and it is foldable in four directions and is flexible. By cutting the heat seal parts along the core members so as to leave about 3 mm in the periphery, a vacuum heat insulator of any desired shape and wide effective heat insulating area can be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum heat insulating material. Also disclosed is a heat insulating box using the vacuum heat insulating material. The vacuum heat insulating material includes a core member and envelope members having gas-barrier properties and including heat-seal layers. The envelope members are opposed to each other in such a manner that the core member is disposed between the heat-seal layers. The envelope members are entirely heated to a temperature at which the heat-seal layers are melted, and the heat-seal layers are heat sealed to each other by applying uniform pressure to the entire envelope members from outside to inside the envelope members.

Abstract: A method for producing a multilayer information recording medium the method including: holding a substrate; feeding a resin onto the substrate; and removing the excess resin by moving a squeegee throughout the entire surface of the substrate. The substrate may have a resin-coated region, onto which the resin is to be applied, and a non-resin-coated region, onto which the resin is not to be applied. In this case, the resin-coated region has a smaller contact angle with the resin than the non-resin-coated region. The method for producing a multilayer information recording medium may further include, prior to feeding a resin onto the substrate, subjecting a specified area of the substrate to an oil repellent treatment to increase the contact angle of the specified area with the resin.

Abstract: In a method for reinforcing a fibre composite component for aviation and space flight, a vacuum mat is configured with at least one receiving portion for reproducibly receiving at least one reinforcing element. The at least one reinforcing element is introduced into the at least one receiving portion of the vacuum mat. The vacuum mat with at least one introduced reinforcing element is applied reproducibly in a sealed manner to the fibre composite component to be reinforced to form a mould portion and at least the formed mould portion is cured to connect the at least one reinforcing element to the fibre composite component. The vacuum mat is then removed from the reinforced fibre composite component so that the vacuum mat can be reused.

Abstract: A technique which solves the problem of conventional laminating apparatuses that a substrate may be deformed when released by pushing lift pins against the substrate held on an adhesive member by suction. An upper table inside a chamber has, on its substrate holding face, an elastic plate provided with an elastic body, a vacuum suction means and a purge gas blow means. A plurality of adhesive pins are provided on an adhesive pin plate which can move up and down independently from the upper table. The upper table and the elastic plate have through holes through which the adhesive pins can move and the adhesive pins have adhesion means at their tips.

Abstract: An intermediate-manufactured composite airfoil includes first and second composite skins each having a plurality of fibers in a polymer matrix. A composite core is removably located between the first and second composite skins. The composite core includes a dry, three-dimensional, woven fiber network. The composite core may alternatively include a three-dimensional, woven fiber network in a fully cured polymer matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining an uncured stringer to a structural component of an aircraft or spacecraft. The uncured stringer is supplied with at least one joining section and at least one web section. A rapidly curing low-temperature auxiliary material is deposited on web flanks of the at least one web section, which are to be supported. The at least one joining section of the uncured stringer is fitted to the structural component. Curing of the auxiliary material then takes place at a first curing temperature in order to form cured supporting elements for the web flanks of the at least one web section, which are to be supported. Curing of the uncured stringer is undertaken at a second curing temperature which is greater than the first precuring/curing temperature, and then the deposited and cured auxiliary material is removed.

Abstract: Methods of sealing environmentally sensitive devices and vacuum insulation panels are described. One method includes: providing first and second substrates; placing the environmentally sensitive device between the first and second substrates; sealing the first and second substrates together with an adhesive, the adhesive having an exposed portion; and covering the exposed portion of the adhesive with a barrier layer, or with a barrier stack comprising at least one decoupling layer and at least one barrier layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for manufacturing a display device includes forming a discontinuous organic layer on at least one of a cover substrate and an insulating substrate provided with a display device element, arranging the insulating substrate and the cover substrate with facing each other for the organic layer to be interposed therebetween, and assembling the cover substrate and the insulating substrate by pressing the substrates together.

Abstract: A mandrel for composite fabrication includes an open cell foam carrier and at least one vacuum bag enclosing the open cell foam carrier.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate aesthetically pleasing decorative architectural resin panels having a thin or brittle veneer layer, such as thinly sliced natural wood or stone. In particular, at least one implementation includes a flat or curved decorative resin panel made with a natural wood veneer layer whose structural integrity has been maintained despite being subject to various heats and pressures. The resulting resin panel is at least partially translucent, and allows for a unique display both of the resin sheets used to form the panel and of the thin wood materials encapsulated therein. Additional implementations relate to the use of other brittle veneer layers, such as translucent stone, translucent metals, or the like, which also provide unique, decorative architectural, aesthetic features.

Abstract: A method of using a hot isostatic press to make an article of armor is disclosed. A plurality of fiber layers interposed with a plurality of resin layers is laid in the hot isostatic press as a layered combination. An omnidirectional pressure is applied to the layered combination, and the combination is degassed as the pressure is applied.