Abstract: Each platform mounted mold assembly for plastic tubing includes a circuit board containing parameters defining elements of the forming, molding, tipping or welding operation to be undertaken on the tubing. A control unit includes an RF generator for providing the RF energy to effect the forming, molding, tipping or welding process, a source of air under pressure to operate the mechanical elements attendant each mold assembly, various sensors and a multiplex unit. In operation, the control unit serially addresses each of the mold assemblies, senses the parameters attendant the mold and applies the appropriate power level of RF energy for a specific duration and temperature while activating the mechanical aspects of the mold assembly. The mold assemblies may be serially activated through a multiplex unit or in a particular sequence that may be operator controlled.

Abstract: A die having a plurality of cavities and a temperature sensor for acquiring a temperature value in which the number of the cavities is larger than that of electrothermal conversion elements. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of a parting line, all cavities and a temperature sensor are arranged in a region occupied by the electrothermal conversion elements. Interval between the outlines of the cavities is smaller than the minimum interval between the outline of the cavity and the electrothermal conversion element, and the shortest distance between the electrothermal conversion element and the temperature measuring portion of a temperature measuring element is shorter than the minimum interval between the outline of the cavity and the electrothermal conversion element.

Abstract: A multilayer window guiderail is disclosed. The window guiderail includes a rail portion having an outer edge, a rail surface and an opposing rear surface. The rail portion includes a core and an integral rail cover layer disposed on the core. The core includes a first polymer material and the rail cover layer includes a second polymer material. An apparatus for making a multilayer guiderail includes a plurality of die portions having respective cavity portions. The cavity portions are configured to define a die cavity having the shape of the guiderail, at least one of the die portions being a slidable die portion and at least one of the die portions being a fixed die portion. The parting surface of the slidable die portion is configured for sliding translation of its parting surface over the parting surface of the fixed die portion along a translation path.

Abstract: Methods and systems for co-extruding multiple polymeric material flow streams into a mold cavity to produce a molded plastic article having an injection-formed aperture in gate region of the article are disclosed herein. A method includes providing a valve pin having a distal portion with a first diameter and a mid-portion with a second diameter smaller than the first diameter and providing a mold defining a cavity corresponding to a shape of a resulting molded plastic article. The mold has a recess aligned with a gate region of the mold, extending into the mold and configured to receive the distal portion of the valve pin when the distal portion of the valve pin extends beyond the gate region.

Abstract: Method of injection molding a plastics component includes providing a first mold member with a mold cavity, defined by an internal surface, and a second mold member with an external surface complementary to the mold cavity shape. Either the internal or external surface carry an elongate formation with an elongate apex. Then, the second mold member is advanced into the mold cavity such that the apex is spaced from the opposed one of the internal surface and the external surface by a predetermined distance and the internal surface of the first mold member and the external surface of the second mold member together define a mold space. Molten polyolefin material is then injected into the mold space to substantially fill it. The predetermined distance is so dimensioned that the polyolefin material does not completely fill the space between the apex and the opposed surface and the slit is thus formed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a side gate nozzle assembly (108) having a nozzle body (210) and at least one side gate nozzle tip assembly (112) wherein the nozzle body (210) and the at least one side gate nozzle tip assembly (112) are slidably engaged to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of bodies in plastic comprising two portions hinged to each other by a single rotation pin. The method comprises the steps: a) predisposing a mold with two distinct forming chambers for the two portions; the mold comprises a third chamber for the single pin, made and positioned in such a way that the pin is formed already aligned along the hinge axis; the mold is provided with a pair of pegs axially distanced from each other to form the third chamber and sliding along the axis between a first and a second operating position; b) positioning the pegs in the first position; c) injecting plastic material inside the chambers; d) shifting the pegs from the first to the second position, bringing the pin to engage inside the seats; e) opening the mold and extracting the two assembled portions.

Abstract: A distribution system 18 of an injection moulding system 10 comprises an inlet 19 for receiving pressurized liquid plastic material, at least a first nozzle 24a and a second nozzle 24b for injecting liquid plastic material into a mould cavity 34, a distributor 20 for distributing the liquid plastic material from the inlet 19 over a first flow path 40a to the first nozzle 24a and over a second flow path 40b to the second nozzle 24b. The distribution system 18 is adapted for sequentially injecting liquid plastic material into the mould cavity 34 via the first flow path 40a and the second flow path 40b. The distribution system 18 is adapted for reducing pressure energy of liquid plastic material in the distributor 20, when liquid plastic material is injected into the mould cavity 34 via the first flow path 40a.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a barrier assembly includes: forming a barrier inside a mold using a polymeric material; removing the formed barrier from the mold while the barrier is still warm; inserting an elongated coupler into a passage on the barrier while the barrier is still warm, the coupler including a shaft and a securing member outwardly projecting from the shaft, the passage having a constricting portion, the warm constricting portion of the barrier pliably bending as the securing member passes throughthrough; and allowing the formed barrier to cool and harden, the hardened constricting portion of the barrier preventing or limiting the securing member of the connector from passing back through the constricting portion of the passage.

Abstract: A dynamic mixer and associated injection molding system for mixing a melt flow. The injection molding system includes: a hot runner assembly having a plurality of splits; an injection unit that delivers a melt flow to the plurality of splits in the hot runner assembly via a melt channel; and a dynamic mixer incorporated into the melt channel upstream from the plurality of splits, wherein the dynamic mixer includes a rotor assembly configured to be rotationally driven by the melt flow, and wherein the rotor assembly is further configured to mix the melt flow passing through the melt channel.

Abstract: A co-injected molded multi-layer article has inner and outer layers, an interior layer contained within the inner and outer layers and a surface portion to which a closure or other component may be heat-sealed. The article is molded by co-injecting the inner, outer and interior layer materials into a mold cavity of a mold. The interior layer material is caused to flow along a steam line offset from the zero velocity gradient of the combined material flow and biased toward a material flow for forming an outer wall of the multi-layer article. The resultant molded multi-layer article contains an interior layer located in a heat sealable region that avoids a breach or failure during a heat seal operation to seal an opening of the molded article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-component injection molding method for producing a sleeve-shaped preform as well as to a perform which has at least two layers, said method comprising at least two process steps including at least two cavities and at least one injection mold core that can be used for both cavities, and wherein during the first process step, the first layer which has at least one first and at least one second area extending partially in the circumferential direction of the preform, is injected onto the injection mold core within the first cavity, with the second area having a substantially lower layer thickness than the first area, and during the second process step, the second layer is deposited on the first layer which is located on the injection mold core in the second cavity in such a way that only the second area of the first layer is completely covered by the second layer, or during the first process step, the first area of the first layer is deposited partially on the injection mold core

Abstract: An airway device for human or animal use comprising an airway tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal and of which is surrounded by a laryngeal cuff, adapted to fit anatomically over the laryngeal structure of a patient, wherein the device optionally further comprises a buccal cavity stabilizer located on or around the airway tube between the laryngeal cuff and the proximal end of the tube, said buccal cavity stabilizer being adapted to nest with the anterior aspect of the patient's tongue, the size, shape and configuration of the buccal stabilizer being adapted to prevent rotational or side-to-side movement of the airway device in use.

Abstract: A molding system includes a plurality of injection heads each configured to inject molten polymer into a mold cavity. Each injection head has an outer body, a piston disposed within the outer body and defining a polymer chamber on a first side of the piston and a pressure chamber on an opposite second side of the piston. The piston moves from a retracted position to an extended position responsive to pressurization of the pressure chamber. Molten polymer is injected from the polymer chamber into the mold cavity as the piston moves from the retracted position to the extended position. Such systems may be used to mold relatively large articles of manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a plurality of mold assemblies having a first mold portion and a second mold portion operably connected together for forming parts. The apparatus includes a mold holding member and a pair of spaced apart support members extending from the mold holding member to a manufacturing floor. A carriage device is cooperable with the mold holding member for engaging and moving the mold assembly. A lifting mechanism is used for moving the carriage device relative the mold holding member to move the mold assembly to be engaged with mold holding member. A turn table adjacent to the mold holding member holds the mold assemblies and is movable relative the mold holding member thereby replacing the mold assemblies. A controller is operably connected to the mold holding member and the turn table thereby moving the turn table relative the mold holding member to interchange the mold assemblies.

Abstract: An injection moulding apparatus includes an openable mould (1, 3) having a plurality of cavities for injection moulding articles (6), and, disposed below the mould cavities, a plurality of post cooling cavities (13) into which in use released injection moulded articles (6) may pass at least partially under gravity when released from the mould cavities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling commencement of an injection of a melt stream of moldable material from an auxiliary injection unit. A sensor is placed in an injection molding system to sense a condition related to an injection of a first melt stream of a first moldable material provided by a primary injection unit. Commencement of a second melt stream of a second moldable material from the auxiliary injection unit is initiated upon the sensed condition related to the injection of the first melt stream being detected at a preselected value. The sensed condition may be a pressure, velocity or temperature of the first melt stream as provided by a direct sensor, a force or strain on a hot runner component as provided by an indirect sensor or the occurrence of a function of the injection molding system as provided by a functional sensor.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth. The tooth cleaning elements include cleaning elements that define a radial array arrangement for better retention of the dentifrice. A radial array may be strategically disposed in an off-axis arrangement within other cleaning elements on the head.

Abstract: A hot runner apparatus includes a mold plate defining a pocket; a plurality of sub-manifolds; and a bridge manifold positioned in the pocket and between the sub-manifolds. The bridge manifold and the sub-manifolds are oriented in a common plane. The bridge manifold receives a melt from a melt source. Each of the sub-manifolds is coupled to the bridge manifold to receive the melt from the bridge manifold via a junction between an opening of a network of melt channels within the bridge manifold and an opening of a network of melt channels within each of the sub-manifolds. The sub-manifolds are urged against the bridge manifold to form a seal therebetween, when the bridge manifold and the sub-manifolds thermally expand urging the sub-manifolds against contact regions of a pair of opposing walls of the pocket. The respective opposing walls define a hollow region separated from the respective contact regions by a wall portion.

Abstract: A hold-down tooling package that maintains the dimensional integrity between the product manifold, shear and fill plate.

Abstract: Scalable injection molding systems comprise a molding press and at least one delivery system. Each delivery system comprises an injection unit and a manifold. The scalable injection molding system further comprises at least one molding face pair having a cavity face and an opposing core face. Each scalable injection molding system comprises at least one scalable system selected from the group consisting of a scalable face-number system with respect to numbers of active mold face pairs in the scalable injection molding system and a scalable cavitation system with respect to numbers of functional mold cavities on each mold face pair. Both the scalable face-number system and the scalable cavitation system allow the output of the scalable injection molding system to be increased or decreased according to needs of the operator, without requiring costly reconfiguration, retooling, replacement, or unnecessary duplication of standard mold components.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for injection molding intraocular lenses includes an embodiment having first and second runners extending into first and second optic cavities of a mold configured to make a dual optic lens device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an article made from co-injection molding using gas-assist. The article has an inner material and an outer material. The inner material has a blowing agent uniformly distributed throughout the inner material. The outer material surrounds the inner material. The use of the blowing agent in the inner material produces a repeatable and consistent structure, as the blowing agent is uniformly activated through the product. The use of the gas-assist the heat and pressure associated with the blowing agent is allowed to out gas, thereby insuring that the finished molded chair or other item is aesthetically pleasing while providing increased strength and reduced weight compared to traditional plastic chairs formed with known methods.

Abstract: A processing method for in-mold coating integrative system is used in cooperation with an injection molding machine. The injection molding machine comprises a rotatable work platform and a combination of at least one male mold and at least two female molds. The rotatable work platform is divided averagely into several work areas, and the processing proceeds sequentially in each work area by the rotation of the rotatable work platform.

Abstract: A method for filling a mold with a compressible liquid material is disclosed. The mold is connected to a manifold via a plurality of runners, with at least one valve disposed in at least one of the plurality of runners. A controller is configured to pressurize the manifold with the liquid material, and modulate the at least one valve to perform a plurality of pulse cycles during one filling cycle of the mold. A pulse cycle includes adjusting an aperture of the valve from a first position to a second position, and adjusting the aperture of the valve from the second position to a third position, where the aperture corresponding to the second position is larger than the aperture corresponding to the first position, and the aperture corresponding to the third position is smaller than the aperture corresponding to the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for injection molding includes at least one mold part having at least one surface. The mold part has at least one shaped portion. At least one substantially closed cavity region is disposed within the at least one surface. The one cavity region is designed for molding at least part of an interstitial mass. The apparatus further includes at least one gate disposed on the at least one surface for providing fluid communication to the at least one cavity region and at least one flow restrictor positioned on the mold part for initially directing flow of the interstitial mass to the at least one shaped portion. In one embodiment, flow restrictors initially direct the interstitial mass to an upper portion of the shaped portion.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a filter end disc (7), for example for a fluid filter (14) of a motor vehicle, a first plastic molding material (M1) and a second plastic molding material (M2) are injected in succession into a tool mold (1) in a monosandwich method or co-injection method in such a way that the second plastic molding material (M2) is substantially surrounded by the first plastic molding material (M1). To manufacture a fluid filter, the filter end disc (7) is further irradiated by a radiation beam (L) having pre-determined beam characteristics for melting the first plastic molding material (M1), and a filter material (15) is applied to the at least partially melted first plastic molding material (M1). A filter end disc (7), in particular for a fluid filter (14) of a motor vehicle, said disc being manufactured according to a monosandwich method or co-injection method, comprises a first outer plastic molding material (M1) and a second inner plastic molding material (M2).

Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing a metallic decorative member without a weld line at low cost including: starting injections of molten molding material into a cavity formed by a set of dies from a plurality of gates provided at the cavity; and stopping respectively the injections of the molten molding material from the plurality of gates at different times so as to make dynamic pressure of the molten molding material injected from one gate smaller than dynamic pressure of the molten molding material injected from the other gate at a position on which heads of flows of the molten molding material injected from the one and the other gates contact each other.

Abstract: A method for producing a magnetic field sensor for use in drive train of a motor vehicle includes encapsulating an electrical assembly and an end of a connecting cable via injection molding and integrally extruding a fastening tab. After a first injection step in which the electrical assembly and the connecting cable are encapsulated in a core-type first molded part, a second injection molding step in implemented in which a fastening tab is integrally formed via injection molding on the core-type insertion part in a specifiable longitudinal and/or angular position. The core-like insertion part is held in the injection mold in a longitudinally displaceable and/or rotatable manner.

Abstract: Scalable injection molding systems comprise a molding press and at least one delivery system. Each delivery system comprises an injection unit and a manifold. The scalable injection molding system further comprises at least one molding face pair having a cavity face and an opposing core face. Each scalable injection molding system comprises at least one scalable system selected from the group consisting of a scalable face-number system with respect to numbers of active mold face pairs in the scalable injection molding system and a scalable cavitation system with respect to numbers of functional mold cavities on each mold face pair. Both the scalable face-number system and the scalable cavitation system allow the output of the scalable injection molding system to be increased or decreased according to needs of the operator, without requiring costly reconfiguration, retooling, replacement, or unnecessary duplication of standard mold components.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sequentially delivering multiple shots of polymer material to a plurality of mold cavities to form multilayer articles. A first shot of greater than 50% of the total article weight of a first polymer material is simultaneously delivered to a plurality of mold cavities using, at each cavity, a chamber of predetermined volume that is prefilled with the first polymer material. A second shot of no greater than 10% of the total article weight of a second material is simultaneously delivered to all of the cavities beginning subsequent to the step of delivering the start of the first shot delivery step. The second shot of second material is delivered through a manifold channel that fluidly communicates with each cavity, and is injected to all cavities under pressure exerted by a source of the second material that is common to all of the plurality of cavities.

Abstract: A method of molding a resin member formed by solidifying molten resin M on a resin member on which molding is to be performed, includes first to third steps. The first step includes setting, on the member on which molding is to be performed, a first mold having a first cavity for molding a portion corresponding to a base portion of the resin member. The second step includes setting, on the first mold, a second mold having a second cavity for molding a portion corresponding to a main body portion of the resin member. The second cavity is formed so as to communicate with the first cavity. The third step includes pouring molten M resin into each of the cavities of both of the molds that have been set, and solidifying the molten resin M thus poured such that it is bonded to the member on which molding is to be performed.

Abstract: A process, and related structure, uses conventional palletized compositions to form the elements of a non-textile fabric by coining a single pellet or briquette of a polymer into an individual element in a single forming step. The steps of the process generally include: a) positioning a pellet in or adjacent to a mold cavity, and b) forcing the pellet into contact with the mold surfaces of the mold cavity to plastically deform the pellet to the shape of the mold cavity. The forcing step preferably uses an energy and speed where the pellet superplastically deforms to substantially fill the mold cavity. This process is repeated with the elements being formed in the appropriate order to form a non-textile fabric. The elements thus formed can have a variety of shapes, and can form base units for the formation of the non-textile fabric of two, three or more elements.

Abstract: A mold-tool system is provided which includes a melt distribution device and a melt splitting device configured to interact with the melt distribution device. The melt splitting device includes a single inlet and multiple outlets spaced from the single inlet. The outlets are configured for fluid communication with the melt distribution device. The melt splitting device further includes a plurality of uninterrupted melt channels, where each melt channel extends from the inlet to an associated one of the outlets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for low pressure molding are disclosed. The molding apparatus comprises a frame, a mold assembly and a transmission assembly. The mold assembly may comprise a first mold and a second mold, the second mold being coupled to the frame. The transmission assembly may be coupled to the frame and to the first mold. A motor may be coupled to the transmission assembly for moving the first mold relative to the second mold. A pneumatic actuator may also be coupled to the transmission assembly for increasing clamping pressure between the first mold and the second mold.

Abstract: A process for the fabrication of a molded part with circular cross section and a hollowed-out cylindrical base body. An inner channel of the molded part, designed for the sealing with a connector part, has segments with various functions in axial direction. A fiber containing plasticized polymeric mass is injected into the cavity of a molding tool, and following hardening of the polymeric mass, the molded part is removed from the tool. In order to improve strength in a reliable manner, injection into the cavity is carried out radially from the inner channel towards the exterior, in a segment, or in an area of a segment, that does not serve for the mounting of a circumferential seal, or the mounting, and/or arrest of the connector part.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to intrinsic injection molding gates and a method of overmolding cordage. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a mold configuration wherein the viscous material is first injected into a distributor collar and then into a plurality of intrinsic injection molding gates with are formed between the injection mold and the cordage to be overmolded.

Abstract: A hot-runner system is provided with a manifold body including a manifold melt channel, and a melt-flow control structure communicating with the manifold melt channel. The melt-flow control structure is integrally formed with the manifold body.

Abstract: An injection molding die for producing a molded product having an appearance surface, an injection molding method for producing a molded product having an appearance surface, and a resin molded product molded by the injection molding method which is free from occurrence of appearance deficiency such as a flow mark or the like that is a drawback in appearance. A molten thermoplastic resin material is injected into a cavity defined by a molded product's appearance surface forming portion (4a) and a molded product's rear surface forming portion (6a) through one or more direct gates and one or more hot runners to fill the cavity with the molten resin material, thereby performing injection molding.

Abstract: An injection tool for the production of components by an injection-molding method, the injection tool including several cavities for shaping one respective product, an injection nozzle for injecting plastic materials for each cavity, and an actuating device. The injection nozzle has an injection channel which can be closed by a nozzle needle in order to control the injection process. The actuating device is arranged to move the nozzle needle in an axial direction between a first end position and a second end position, with an adjustable stop being provided which defines the first end position.

Abstract: A method of coating a field joint of a pipeline to accelerate the cycle time comprises positioning a mould tool around the field joint to define a mould cavity and injecting plastics material into the mould cavity through a plurality of gates in the mould tool, spaced along the mould cavity. The material is injected through different gates at different times as the mould cavity is filled, specifically through at least one first gate to advance a melt front within the mould cavity, and subsequently through at least one second gate spaced from the first gate, preferably when the melt front passes the second gate. First and second mould tools may be positioned successively around the field joint to create inner and outer coatings on the field joint. An insert may be positioned in the mould cavity to be embedded in the injected plastics material.

Abstract: A rod-shaped implant for spinal stabilization includes a first component comprising a first material, and a second component comprising a second material, wherein at least the first material is a plastic material, and wherein the first and the second component are connected by melting at least the first component to connect to the second component.

Abstract: A hot-runner system for use with an injection molding system, the hot-runner system including a hot-runner component, a material; and carbon nanotubes being combined with the material. The carbon nanotubes are dispersed, at least in part, in the material and the material includes a metal alloy. The carbon nanotubes are dispersed in the metal alloy, so that the metal alloy and the carbon nanotubes are combined to form a CNT-metal composite material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a manifold assembly (22) in accordance with specifications required by a mold is provided. The method includes selecting a manifold (22) from a predetermined set of manifolds (22) and sub-manifolds (24) selected from a predetermined set of sub-manifolds (24). Both the manifolds (22) and the sub-manifolds (24) are at least partially manufactured to define first and second portions of the melt channels (28). Injection nozzles (26) are also selected for each sub-manifold (24), defining third portions of the melt channels (28). The manifold (22), the at least one sub-manifold (24) and the injection nozzles (26) are arranged and assembled together so that the first portions, the second portions and the third portions of the melt channels (28) cooperatively define the melt channels (28) operable to direct a melt material to gates located in the mold. The invention further includes a manifold assembly manufactured using the methods described herein.

Abstract: A mold for molding an injection molded article comprises a mold cavity with a non-symmetrical portion. At least one flow leader in the non-symmetrical portion of the cavity may produce a symmetrical flow boundary in a multilayer flow downstream of the non-symmetrical portion of the mold cavity. The at least one flow leader may be a plurality of flow leaders having a flow path length that differs from the flow path length of an adjacent flow leader by no more than about 15%. The multilayer flow comprising an inner layer, an outer layer, and an interior layer. Co-injection molding apparatus and methods that may use the foregoing mold are disclosed. Similarly, co-injection molded articles and containers that may result from the foregoing mold, apparatus, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: In a method of making multi-component plastic molded parts, using an apparatus which includes two outer platens with first half-molds, and a middle platen with second half-molds interacting with the first half-molds such as to define cavities in two parting planes for injection of a plastic melt and/or a PUR mixture, one of the first and second half-molds can move in increments relative to the other one of the first and second half-molds, thereby forming different cavities in the parting planes from cycle to cycle. In a first cycle preforms are produced in respective cavities and then held in one of the first and second half-molds as the other one of the first and second half-molds moves in increments. Further components can then be injected into cavities formed in the parting planes from cycle to cycle, while another process step can be executed from cycle to cycle in free half-molds.

Abstract: [PROBLEM]To provide a method of molding a composite molded article enabling compression molding without requiring a large sized injection molding machine and a mold system used for that. [MEANS FOR SOLUTION]A method of molding a composite molded article using a first mold member 13 to mold a primary molded article 29 by primary molding, switching a movable mold member holding the primary molded article 29 with a movable mold member 14 positioned with a second mold member 15, then using a second mold member 15 in which the primary molded article 29 is inserted to mold a secondary molded article 30 by secondary molding, wherein the primary molding and the secondary molding are executed by non-continuous different steps at points of time different from each other.

Abstract: For a skin, a non-formed polyurethane resin layer at the surface side and a foamed polyurethane resin layer between the non-foamed polyurethane resin layer and a base member are configured to form an integral and uniform layer over and extent from an injection point to a distant point on a surface of the base member, so that an integral skin foam in which such skin layer and foamed layer are laminated can be molded, under an atmospheric pressure, in a single process, allowing for manufacture of a laminate article with a high degree of uniformity over an appreciable wide range of the article, as well as for provision of a laminate mold goods having the skin and foamed layers formed with a high uniformity along the base member, over the length in a flow direction of skin forming material.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a proppant is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first member comprising a manifold for channeling a plastic fluid to a cavity block, with the cavity block containing a plurality of semi-spherical cavities. The apparatus further includes a second member that comprises a movable plate for engaging with the first member, with the movable plate having an opening therein, and a core block positioned within the opening, with the core block containing a plurality of reciprocal semi-spherical cavities configured to engage the semi-spherical cavities of the cavity block so that a plurality of spheres are formed, with the core block further containing a plurality of arm cavities that link the plurality of spheres so that a star cluster (which links the proppants) is formed. A method of manufacturing proppants and a method of using the proppants is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastics composite encompassing at least one hard component whose modulus of elasticity is greater than or equal to 1000 MPa and one soft component whose modulus of elasticity is less than or equal to 500 MPa, where the hard and the soft component have electrical conductivity, and where the bond strength of the composite is at least 0.5 N/mm2.