Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a presentation processing unit. The presentation processing unit executes, when a specific sound is generated at another point other than one of a plurality of points, presentation processing for presentation indicating that the specific sound generated at the other point is not a sound generated at the one point. Each of the plurality of points has a telepresence apparatus constituting a telepresence system that performs bidirectional communication of images and sounds for communication between users located at the plurality of points.

Abstract: An external component of a bone conduction device, including a vibrator and a platform configured to transfer vibrations from the vibrator to skin of the recipient, wherein the vibrator and platform are configured to quick connect and quick disconnect to and from, respectively, one another.

Abstract: An optical element is produced by introducing a first liquid and a second liquid into respective inlets of a mold. The inlets are connected to a channel that extends to an outlet of the mold, the channel being tapered towards the outlet. The first and second liquids have different refractive indices and partially diffuse into each other inside the channel to form a multi-layer structure. The multi-layer structure is extruded through the outlet, onto a substrate. Curing the first and second liquids forms a solid optical element having a spatially varying refractive index profile in at least one dimension.

Abstract: Methods of securing an optical fiber within an optical fiber connector include applying heat to a front-end section of a ferrule through a heating sleeve. The heating sleeve at least partially surrounds the front-end section of the ferrule and heats a bonding agent that resides within the ferrule a securing temperature. The optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber connector and through the bonding agent. The optical fiber is secured in the ferrule axial bore by the bonding agent when the bonding agent reaches the securing temperature.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aerial micromodule cable with excess length of an optical core is disclosed, the cable comprising a cable jacket defining a cavity in which the optical core is arranged, said cable having two rigid strength members embedded in the wall of the jacket; the method comprising guiding the cable over a wheel; wherein a first plane (P1) intersecting the center of gravity (C1) of the cable cavity is parallel to a second plane (P2) intersecting the two rigid strength members, said first and second planes (P1, P2) being offset from each other, and wherein, during said guiding, the two rigid strength members are positioned closer to the wheel than the first plane (P1) so as to cause the optical core to have a core excess length of at least 0.05%.

Abstract: Waveguide connector assembly device and methods of forming waveguide connectors include a cap having an inner portion to protect a connection end face of a polymer waveguide, wherein the cap includes one or more insertion structures to position the polymer waveguide in relation to one or more components of an assembled connector, and an inner wall to seal around the assembled connector to prevent contaminants from entering the inner portion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light guide plate includes steps of cutting a light guide plate base material with a frame-shaped die into a die-cut plate 50 including side surfaces each having a rectangular shape and performing thermal-imprinting process. In thermal-imprinting process, a processing surface 60a of a plate surface of a heated processing board 60 is pressed against one of the side surfaces 52 of the die-cut plate 50 to thermally imprint a pattern of the processing surface 60a of the processing board 60 on the one of the side surfaces 52 of the die-cut plate 50. The processing surface 60a having a shape that is recessed more at a portion thereof opposite a middle of a long dimension of the one of the side surfaces 52 than a portion thereof opposite ends of the long dimension of the one of the side surfaces 52 is pressed against the side surface 52.

Abstract: A cable-stranding apparatus includes a stationary guide, a motor, a driven guide, and a controller electrically coupled to the motor. The stationary guide is configured to guide strand elements in a spaced-apart configuration and to pass a core member. The motor is operatively associated with a guide driver. The driven guide is disposed at least partially within the guide driver so as to rotate therewith. The driven guide is configured to receive the strand elements from the stationary guide, individually guide the strand elements received from the stationary guide, and to further pass the core member. The controller is electrically coupled to the motor and configured to control the rotational speed and direction of the motor.

Abstract: To eliminate such shortcomings in the prior art that a large-scale semiconductor facility is required, large-sized wiring cannot be produced, and wiring for connection between substrates cannot be formed. Also, to eliminate such shortcomings in a method of using optical fibers for wiring that the wiring is unstable, requires a larger space, and gives rise to a difficulty in management regarding how the optical fibers are connected when the number of optical fibers increases. Further, to eliminate such shortcomings in another method of holding and fixing an optical fiber between polymer sheets that wiring cannot be formed on a plate connecting substrates.

Abstract: The optical waveguide sheet of the present invention is an optical waveguide sheet for use in an edge-lit backlight unit of a liquid crystal display unit of laptop computers having a housing thickness of no greater than 21 mm, and includes an optical waveguide layer containing a polycarbonate-based resin as a principal component; and a protective layer laminated on the back face of the optical waveguide layer, the protective layer containing an acrylic resin as a principal component, wherein an average thickness of the optical waveguide sheet is no lower than 250 ?m and no greater than 600 ?m. An average thickness of the protective layer is preferably no less than 10 ?m and no greater than 100 ?m, and a relative refractive index of the protective layer with respect to the optical waveguide layer is preferably no greater than 0.95.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to rotatable optical couplings, and more particularly to a manually separable and re-connectable optical-electrical rotary joint. The invention provides a manually separable optical-electrical rotary joint in which an optical signal and electrical signal are transmitted while a downstream component rotates relative to an upstream component, for example, as driven by a motor at the upstream component. Further, the downstream component can be easily manually unplugged from the upstream component.

Abstract: The invention provides an extrusion material supply device suitable for use in melt extrusion molding, and a method for manufacturing an optical transmission body, in which a deterioration of an optical signal transmission loss is extremely small, and productivity intrinsic to an extrusion molding method is provided in combination. An extrusion material supply device 1 includes: a vertical hopper 2, which has a cooling unit 3 and a heat melting unit 4 continuous with a lower portion thereof, and houses a material rod R; cooling means 5 for cooling the cooling unit 3; an electric heater 6 that heats the heat melting unit 4; and gas pressurizing means 7 for sequentially supplying molten plastics M to a metal die by a gas pressure. The heat melting unit 4 is formed into a cylinder shape in which an inner diameter is larger than an inner diameter of the cooling unit 3 arranged above, and enables the molten plastics M to spread in the heat melting unit 4.

Abstract: An optical communication cable includes a cable body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a channel defined by the inner surface and a longitudinal axis extending through the center of the channel. The outer surface of the cable body defines a profile feature such that the outer surface at the profile feature is asymmetric about the longitudinal axis. The profile feature having at least two peaks and at least one trough between the peaks, and the profile feature extends axially along at least a portion of the length of the outer surface of the cable body. The cable includes an optical transmission element located in the channel, and an ink layer positioned along an outer surface of the trough of the profile feature. The peaks are configured to limit contact of the ink layer with surfaces during installation and thereby act to protect the ink layer from abrasion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fiber optic cable includes manufacturing a subunit and manufacturing an outer portion. Manufacturing the subunit includes extruding a subunit jacket over a first reinforcement material constraining an optical fiber. Manufacturing the outer portion of the fiber optic cable includes extruding an outer jacket over a second reinforcement material between the outer jacket and the subunit jacket. Hoop stress is applied to the second reinforcement material by the outer jacket, which constrains the second reinforcement material such that it is positioned and oriented to provide anti-buckling support to the fiber optic cable and mitigate effects on the optical fiber of jacket shrinkage due to low temperatures.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a cable jacket and a core. The cable jacket is tubular, having exterior and interior surfaces, and is formed mostly from a first polymeric material. The jacket includes access features formed from a second polymeric material at least partially embedded in the first polymeric material and extending lengthwise along the jacket. Two of the access features are spaced apart from one another with a section of the jacket formed from the first polymeric material extending laterally therebetween, such that the section may be peeled apart from the rest of the cable lengthwise along the jacket by separation of the jacket about the access features. The core has an outermost surface and includes optical fibers and a strength member. The outermost surface of the core is at least partially bonded to the interior surface of the jacket, which enhances coupling between the jacket and core.

Abstract: A system for kneading and extruding a material includes a crusher for crushing the material into coarse particles, an extruder for conveying and extruding the material crushed by the crusher, a gear pump for receiving and discharging the material extruded from the extruder, and a kneading and extruding apparatus for kneading the material discharged from the gear pump and continuously extruding the kneaded material. Therefore, a material is accurately quantified and highly uniform, resulting in reduced product variations and ensured consistent quality.

Abstract: Composite light guide plate includes a substrate, a first transparent layer, and a second transparent layer. The substrate includes an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The substrate is made of polycarbonate, and a number of diffusion particles made of polymethyl methacrylate are embedded in the substrate. The first transparent layer is made of polystyrene formed on the upper surface. The second transparent layer made of polystyrene is formed on the lower surface.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable has at least one fiber and at least one buffer tube surrounding the fiber, with the fiber being loosely held within the buffer tube. A jacket surrounds the tube where the at least one buffer tube is constructed from an extruded transparent polymer, allowing the arrangement of the fiber within the buffer tube to be visible along the entire length of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light guide film for a backlight unit of an ultrathin liquid crystal display device, the light guide film allowing rays of light entering from an end face to exit from a front face side, and including a hard layer (17, 18) having a pencil hardness of at least HB, the hard layer (17, 18) containing a polycarbonate as a principal component, and at least one face of the hard layer being exposed, and the entire light guide film (12) having an average thickness of no less than 100 ?m and no greater than 600 ?m.

Abstract: A method of drawing a material into sheet form includes forming a preform comprising at least one material as a large aspect ratio block wherein a first transverse dimension of the preform is much greater than a second transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to the first transverse dimension. A furnace having substantially linearly opposed heating elements one spaced from the other is provided and the heating elements are energized to apply heat to the preform to create a negative thermal gradient from an exterior surface along the first transverse dimension of the preform inward toward a central plane of the preform. The preform is drawn in such a manner that the material substantially maintains its first transverse dimension and deforms across its second transverse dimension.

Abstract: A telecommunication cable includes at least one optical fibre unit surrounded by a low fire hazard halogen free polymeric inner sheath that is covered by and in contact with a peelable, environmentally resistant polymer outer sheath. At least two discrete strength members are embedded into the low fire hazard halogen free polymeric inner sheath. The cable is intended for outdoor and indoor use.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a light guide plate (LGP) capable of bidirectional focusing via a bidirectional micro-transmissive layer, a fabrication method of the LGP, an extrusion equipment, a backlight module and a display device. The LGP comprises a LGP substrate, the LGP substrate comprises at least one incident surface for receiving a light beam and one outgoing surface connected to the at least one incident surface, a bidirectional micro-transmissive layer is provided in the LGP substrate, the bidirectional micro-transmissive layer comprises a plurality of micro-transmissive points having biconvex surfaces.

Abstract: A strain sensing cable including one or more strain sensing elements and a strain transfer medium extruded directly onto the one or more strain sensing elements disposed within the strain transfer medium. The strain transfer medium is operatively arranged to transfer strain experienced by the cable to the one or more strain sensing elements. A method of making a strain sensing cable is also included.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides filler rods that have higher melting temperature than the conventional filler rods and methods of making the filler rods. For some embodiments, the filler rod is made from a blend of polyethylene and polypropylene.

Abstract: A light diffusion plate includes a body including a first surface through which incident light enters, and a second surface through which light exits and facing the first surface, a light scattering member disposed in the body, and an ultraviolet absorption member disposed in the body. The second surface has a convex pattern. The convex pattern has ridges and valleys arranged in a plurality of columns. The ridges and valleys are sequentially arranged with each other.

Abstract: An optical transmission module has an optical transmission path in which optical transmission is performed between a first circuit board and a second circuit board disposed opposite the first circuit board. The optical transmission path has a folded structure having a bending radius. A circumferential portion drawn by the bending radius is provided substantially perpendicular to board surfaces of the first circuit board and the second circuit board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic binder product [12, 10] which includes a mixture of a hydraulic binder [38, 202], a polyvinyl alcohol [14, 204] and a gelling agent [54] which reacts with the polyvinyl alcohol and a method [8] of producing same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a film for a film capacitor making it possible to produce a film for a film capacitor which has a thickness of 10 ?m or less and which is excellent in a heat resistance and a voltage resistance at a high thickness accuracy by using a polyetherimide resin and provides as well a film for a film capacitor.

Abstract: A method of producing an elastomeric optical conductor fiber composed of plastic includes drawing a fiber composed of a high-viscosity liquid reactive starting material. The starting material is added by way of a nozzle to a reaction apparatus, to which a liquid, which is inert towards the starting material, has been charged. At least partial crosslinking of the starting material takes place in the reaction apparatus. The elastomeric plastic of the optical conductor fiber is in particular a three-dimensionally crosslinked polyurethane.

Abstract: An extrusion-molding apparatus for a loose tube includes: an extrusion head that includes a tip and a die concentrically arranged therewithin and extrudes a tube between the tip and the die; a needle that feeds at least one optical fiber and filler to be filled around the optical fiber into the tube being extrusion-molded; and a cylindrical bundling member provided within the needle. The bundling member has a bundling hole being smaller than an inner diameter of the tube at a center thereof and into which the optical fiber can pass through, and a flow pass penetrating along a feeding direction of the filler between the bundling hole and an inner circumferential surface of the needle. In an extrusion molding method using the extrusion-molding apparatus, the optical fiber is passed through a bundling hole to be bundled at an almost center of the tube. In addition, filler is passed through a flow path to be filled around the optical fiber.

Abstract: A low cost, high performance, low profile flexible reinforcement member that can be used for both optical and copper communications cable. The reinforcement members made according to the preferred process are more rigid than known reinforcement members, but are less rigid than glass pultruded rods. Communications cables utilizing these members are lightweight and exhibit an improved combination of strength and flexibility compared to traditional communications cables. Further, these communication cables may then be installed into underground ducts using more economical and faster installation techniques.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical waveguide includes: step A of forming a first resin layer 23 by allowing a first liquid-state resin to flow to be extended in a manner so as to bury and enclose cores 22; step B of forming a second resin layer 25 by allowing a second liquid-state resin having a viscosity higher than that of the first liquid-state resin to flow to be extended on the first resin layer 23, after or while the first resin layer 23 is heated; and step C of forming an over-cladding layer 26 by curing the first resin layer 23 and the second resin layer 25.

Abstract: Embodiments related to the fabrication of a light guide are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises extruding a thermoplastic polymer through a die to form an extrusion, machining the extrusion to one or more fixed dimensions, and maintaining a face of the extrusion in contact with a heated mold surface to soften or melt the face of the extrusion while applying pressure to the extrusion.

Abstract: Light diffusing optical fibers and methods for producing light diffusing optical fibers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a light diffusing optical fiber includes a core portion formed from silica glass and comprising a plurality of helical void randomly distributed in the core portion of the optical fiber and wrapped around the long axis of the optical fiber. A pitch of the helical voids may vary along the axial length of the light diffusing optical fiber in order to achieve the desired illumination along the length of the optical fiber. A cladding may surround the core portion. Light guided by the core portion is scattered by the helical voids radially outward, through the cladding, such that the light diffusing optical fiber emits light with a predetermined intensity over an axial length of the light diffusing optical fiber, the light diffusing optical fiber having a scattering induced attenuation loss greater than about 0.2 dB/m at a wavelength of 550 nm.

Abstract: An optical cellulose ester film comprising a cellulose ester (A); at least one ester based plasticizer (B) selected from ester based plasticizers composed of a polyhydric alcohol and a univalent carboxylic acid, or ester based plasticizers composed of a polyvalent carboxylic acid and a monohydric alcohol; at least one stabilizer (C) selected from the group consisting of a phenol based stabilizer, a hindered amine based stabilizer, or a phosphorous based stabilizer; and a hydrogen bonding solvent (D).

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber disposed within a cavity of a cable jacket and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The cavity has a first cavity cross-sectional area and a second cavity cross-sectional area located at different longitudinal locations along the cable, where the first cavity cross-sectional area is greater than the second cavity cross-sectional area. The region of the second cavity cross-sectional area of the cable provides and/or increases the coupling level of the at least one optical fiber to the cable jacket. In further embodiments, the fiber optic cable is a dry cable having one or more dry insert within the cavity for cushioning and/or optionally providing water-blocking for the cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical sheet having a plurality of light guide plate patterns, each light guide plate pattern having a micro-patterned output surface for emitting light, and a micro-patterned bottom surface opposing to the output surface, made in steps comprising: extruding a first resin into the nip between a first pressure roller and a first patterned roller to form a first layer at a first patterned roller surface temperature T1 and a first nip pressure P1, the first layer having an unpatterned surface and a patterned surface, the patterned surface having a micro-pattern transferred from the first patterned roller, and conveying the first layer into a nip between a second patterned roller and a second pressure roller in a second extrusion station; and extruding a second resin into the nip between the second pressure roller and the second patterned roller and onto the unpatterned surface of the first layer to form a second layer at a second patterned roller surface temperature T2 and a se

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical sheet having a plurality of light guide plates patterns, each light guide plate pattern having a micro-patterned output surface for emitting light, and a micro-patterned bottom surface opposing to the output surface. The optical sheet is made in steps comprising: extruding a resin into the nip between a first patterned roller and a second patterned roller at a first patterned roller surface temperature T1, a second patterned roller temperature T2, and a nip pressure P1, to form the optical sheet, the optical sheet having a first patterned surface and a second patterned surface, the first patterned surface having a micro-pattern transferred from the first patterned roller and the second patterned surface having a micro-pattern transferred from the second patterned roller.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical sheet having a plurality of light guide plate patterns, each light guide plate pattern having a micro-patterned output surface for emitting light, and a micro-patterned bottom surface opposing to the output surface. The optical sheet is made in steps comprising: extruding a resin into the nip between a patterned roller and a patterned carrier film at a patterned roller temperature T1 and a nip pressure P1, to form the optical sheet, the optical sheet having a first patterned surface and a second patterned surface, the first patterned surface having a micro-pattern transferred from the patterned roller and the second patterned surface having a micro-pattern transferred from the patterned carrier film; and peeling off the patterned carrier film from the optical sheet.

Abstract: A processing method for suppressing photodarkening in an Yb-doped optical fiber, comprising: a first step of preparing the Yb-doped optical fiber by doping a core with Yb, and irradiating at least one of a gamma ray, a X-ray, or an electron beam onto the Yb-doped optical fiber with an energy greater than a light to be transmitted through the optical fiber when a laser is being oscillated; a second step of measuring a loss spectrum of an infrared region of the optical fiber after the first step, and selecting an optical fiber with the loss in a specific wavelength falling within a predetermined range; and a third step of treating the optical fiber selected in the second step in an atmosphere containing hydrogen to obtain an Yb-doped optical fiber with suppressed photodarkening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a thermoplastic plastic film. According to said method, the thermoplastic plastic is melted and transported in an extrusion installation comprising an extruder, an extrusion nozzle with a wide-slot delivery opening and a chill roll, which is fixed to a roll system and then leaves the delivery opening of the extrusion nozzle in the form of a flat melted web. Said melted web is then applied to the chill roll and is cooled. The invention is characterised in that it uses an extrusion installation, in which the distance between the delivery opening of the extrusion nozzle and the surface of the cooled roll does not vary by more than +/?50 ?m during the operating time. The invention also relates to a film of this type and to uses of the latter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications cable having a layer constructed to resist post-extrusion shrinkage. The layer includes a plurality of discrete shrinkage-reduction members embedded within a base material. The shrinkage-reduction members can be made of a liquid crystal polymer. The disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing telecommunications cables having layers adapted to resist post-extrusion shrinkage.

Abstract: Optical qualities of a production lot of base material used in the fabrication of semi-finished lenses may be accurately determined by employing chipper plate samples produced from the base material in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In various implementations of the present invention, the chipper plates samples may be fabricated by subjecting base material to an extended cycle time and temperature profile using a mold having cavities of different thicknesses. The resulting chipper plates provide an improved indication of the color of semi-finished lenses molded from the production lot as well as an improved indication of resin stabilizer defects that may be utilized during a pelletizing process to control and enhance the quality of a production lot. Furthermore, the chipper plates may be provided by suppliers as samples of a production lot to enable customers to base purchasing decisions on a reliable and accurate measure of optical properties.

Abstract: A light guide module includes an elongated bar-shaped light guide member, a light emitting assembly mounted to at least one end of the light guide member, and a reflector partially covering the light guide member and the light emitting assembly. The light guide member has an axially extended hollow bore and a light-guiding structure formed in the hollow bore. The light emitting assembly includes a circuit board shaped corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the light guide member, at least one light-emitting unit mounted on one face of the circuit board adjacent to the light guide member, and a light-shielding unit extended into the hollow bore. The reflector has one open or light-transmitting side to serve as a light projection side. With the above arrangements, the light guide module can be miniaturized and the light-shielding unit helps in solving the problem of uneven light intensity at the light projection side.

Abstract: An article, method of using, and method of making a multilayer optical film comprising an optical stack, wherein the optical stack comprises a plurality of first optical layers, each first optical layer comprising a melt-processible copolymer comprising interpolymerized monomers of tetrafluoroethylene, with the proviso that the melt-processible copolymer is not fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer or a perfluoroalkoxy resin; and a second polymer layer disposed in a repeating sequence with the plurality of first optical layers, each second optical layer comprising a non-fluorinated polymeric material selected from the group consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate); copolymers of poly(methyl methacrylate); polypropylene; copolymers of polypropylene; polystyrenes; copolymers of styrene; polyvinylidene chloride; polycarbonates; thermoplastic polyurethanes; copolymers of ethylene; cyclic olefin copolymers; and combinations thereof is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light guide plate having an input surface for receiving light from a light source, a micro-patterned output surface for emitting light, and a micro-patterned bottom surface opposing to the output surface, made in steps comprising: extruding a resin into the nip between a pressure roller and a patterned roller to form a layer at a patterned roller surface temperature T1 and a nip pressure P1, the layer having an un-patterned surface and a patterned surface, the patterned surface having a pattern transferred from the patterned roller. Printing a discrete pattern on the un-patterned surface of the layer to form an optical sheet comprising a plurality of light guide plate patterns, and cutting and finishing the said optical sheet into a plurality of double-sided light guide plates having the specified length and width dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light guide plate having an input surface for receiving light from a light source, a micro-patterned output surface for emitting light, and a micro-patterned bottom surface opposing to the output surface, made in steps comprising: extruding a resin into the nip between a patterned roller and a patterned carrier film at a nip pressure P1, to form an optical sheet, the optical sheet having a first patterned surface and a second patterned surface, the first patterned surface having a micro-pattern transferred from the patterned roller and the second patterned surface having a micro-pattern transferred from the patterned carrier film, peeling off the patterned carrier film from the optical sheet; and cutting and finishing the said optical sheet into a plurality of double-sided light guide plates having the specified length and width dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light guide plate having an input surface for receiving light from a light source, a micro-patterned output surface for emitting light, and a micro-patterned bottom surface opposing to the output surface. The invention provides extruding a resin into the nip between a first patterned roller and a second patterned roller at a first patterned roller surface temperature T1, a second patterned roller temperature T2, and a nip pressure P1, to form an optical sheet, the optical sheet having a first patterned surface and a second patterned surface, the first patterned surface having a pattern transferred from the first patterned roller and the second patterned surface having a pattern transferred from the second patterned roller, and cutting and finishing the said optical sheet into a plurality of double-sided light guide plates having the specified length and width dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light guide plate having an input surface for receiving light from a light source, a micro-patterned output surface for emitting light, and a micro-patterned bottom surface opposing to the output surface, made in steps comprising: extruding a first resin into the nip between a first pressure roller and a first patterned roller to form a first layer. Extruding a second resin into the nip between a second pressure roller and a second patterned roller and onto the unpatterned surface of the first layer to form a second layer. The second layer having a pattern transferred from the second patterned roller; the combined first and second layers form an optical sheet comprising a plurality of light guide plate patterns and cutting and finishing the optical sheet into a plurality of double-sided light guide plates having the specified length and width dimensions.

Abstract: Embodiments related to the fabrication of a light guide are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises extruding a thermoplastic polymer through a die to form an extrusion, machining the extrusion to one or more fixed dimensions, and maintaining a face of the extrusion in contact with a heated mold surface to soften or melt the face of the extrusion while applying pressure to the extrusion.