Abstract: A method for preparing a compact of resin compound comprising the following steps (a) to (c): (a) a preparation step of mounting a sheet-shaped or block-shaped compact of resin compound including a resin composition, which contains a filler having magnetic anisotropy and is solidified by curing or by being advanced to a B-stage, on a transportation unit which is movable in the horizontal direction, and covering at least a top surface of the compact of resin compound with a cover material; (b) a step of applying a magnetic field to the compact of resin compound obtained in the step (a) with a bulk superconductor magnet having a central magnetic flux density of 1 T or more; and (c) a step of moving the compact of resin compound in the horizontal direction and scanning it while applying vibrations to the compact of resin compound mounted on a region of a central part of the bulk superconductor magnet under application of a magnetic field.

Abstract: An example system for molding a photocurable material into a planar object includes a first mold structure having a first mold surface, a second mold structure having a second mold surface, and one or more protrusions disposed along at least one of the first mold surface or the second mold surface. During operation, the system is configured to position the first and second mold structures such that the first and second mold surfaces face each other with the one or more protrusions contacting the opposite mold surface, and a volume having a total thickness variation (TTV) of 500 nm or less is defined between the first and second mold surfaces. The system is further configured to receive the photocurable material in the volume, and direct radiation at the one or more wavelengths into the volume.

Abstract: There is presented a method for geometrically modifying plasmonic structures on a support structure, such as for printing or recording, said method comprising changing a geometry specifically of plasmonic structures, wherein said changing the geometry is carried out by photothermally melting at least a portion of each of the plasmonic structures within the second plurality of plasmonic structures by irradiating, the plasmonic structures with incident electromagnetic radiation having an incident intensity in a plane of the second plurality of plasmonic structures, wherein said incident intensity is less than an incident intensity required to melt a film of a corresponding material and a corresponding thickness as the plasmonic structures within the second plurality of plasmonic structures.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a circuit board and a piezochromic stamp are provided. A circuit pattern is formed on a dielectric substrate. A dielectric layer having a hole or a conductive via and covering the circuit pattern is formed on the dielectric substrate. A conductive seed layer is formed on the dielectric layer. A photoresist layer is formed on the conductive seed layer. A piezochromic stamp is imprinted on the photoresist layer, wherein when the pressing side of the piezochromic stamp is in contact with the conductive seed layer, the light transmittance effect thereof is changed to blocking or allowing light having a specific wavelength to pass through. A patterned photoresist layer is formed by using the piezochromic stamp as a mask. A patterned metal layer is formed on the exposed conductive seed layer. The patterned photoresist layer and the conductive seed layer are removed.

Abstract: Plastic preforms are introduced into a blow mold and are expanded by applying a flowable medium thereto, which is introduced into the internal space of the plastic preforms, wherein the blow mold includes at least two lateral parts which form a cavity during the expansion of the plastic preforms, within which the plastic containers are expanded. The lateral parts are respectively provided on lateral part carriers that are moved relative to each other for opening and closing the blow mold. At least one arrangement of a lateral part carrier and the lateral part provided thereon has an expansion element that can have a gaseous medium applied thereto. The expansion element ensures, when the gaseous medium is applied thereto, that one lateral part is moved towards the other lateral part. During the expansion of the plastic preforms, at least two different pressure levels are applied.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the template treatment method includes a substrate having a principal surface, a first pattern formed on the principal surface and including a plurality of recesses, and a second pattern formed on the principal surface at a position different from the first pattern and including a plurality of recesses. The first pattern contains a first material and the second pattern contains a second material different from the first material. The second pattern is coated with a coating containing a third material different from the first and second materials. The template is cleaned while the second pattern is coated. After the coating is removed, the second pattern is exposed.

Abstract: A system for a thermal manufacturing system including a heliostat and a mold. The heliostat includes at least one reflecting surface, a steering mechanism and a controller. The steering mechanism is coupled to the at least one reflecting surface and capable of directing at least a first portion of the at least one reflecting surface toward a first one of multiple, selectable focal points. The mold is located in a second one of the selectable focal points. A manufacturing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A photocurable resin composition for three-dimensional photofabrication operations, including stereolithography, comprising (A) a cationically polymerizable compound having two or more bisphenol structures and one or more hydroxyl groups, (B) a cationically polymerizable compound other than the component (A), (C) a cationic photoinitiator, (D) a radically polymerizable compound, (E) a radical photoinitiator, and (F) multilayer polymer particles having a core and a shell layer, the shell layer containing functional group-modified rubber polymer particles having at least one reactive functional group.

Abstract: A heating mold for thermal nanoimprint lithography is disclosed. According to one aspect, the mold includes a resistive heating element and collecting element for collecting the electromagnetic energy of a variable electromagnetic field emitted by a source located outside the mold. The collecting element being connected to the resistive heating element in which the electromagnetic energy is dissipated. A method for manufacturing the mold, a thermal nanoimprint lithography device including the mold, and a a method for preparing a substrate including a surface nanostructured by a thermal nanoimprint lithography technique using the mold is applied are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a stereolithography machine (1) comprising the following: a support plate (2) provided with a hole (2a); a container (3) associated with the support plate (2) and comprising a transparent bottom (3a); a radiation source (4) arranged below the support plate (2) and suited to convey a radiation beam towards the transparent bottom (3a) through the hole (2a); a temperature control unit (5) suited to maintain the support plate (2) at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A plastic injection molding system includes a mold having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a mold cavity, which is configured in a shape of a part to be formed. A source of plastic, having a known heat distortion temperature, is injected into the mold cavity. At least one infrared heat source is disposed adjacent the mold. The at least one heat source is moveable between a first position disposed away from the interior surface of the mold and a second position where the at least one heat source is in communication with the mold cavity surface. A controller is in communication with the at least one heat source and is configured to heat the mold cavity surface to a predetermined temperature below the heat distortion temperature of the plastic resin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing graphene including rotating a continuous surface within an evacuated chamber; coating the surface with a catalyst layer; heating portions of the catalyst layer; coating the heated portions of the catalyst layer with one or more layers of graphene; monitoring grain growth of the graphene layer; if the monitored grain growth indicates unacceptable grain growth, then taking corrective action; and removing the catalyst layer and the layer of graphene from the surface by heating other portions of the catalyst layer.

Abstract: A hot-runner system, comprising: a melt flow modular assembly having a gate melt flow control apparatus; and a Lorentz force actuator assembly being coupled to the gate melt flow control apparatus. A valve gate drive controller for control of the Lorentz force actuator assembly of the hot-runner system. An injection plastic molding apparatus devised to mold plastic articles, and the injection plastic molding apparatus having the hot-runner system. A method comprising operating the Lorentz force actuator assembly of the hot-runner system. A melt flow modular assembly for use with the Lorentz force actuator assembly of the hot-runner system.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A heater tube is provided for use in a method of producing a diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) tipped cutting tool by sintering a mass of crystalline particles to a metal carbide. The heater tube has a cylindrical shape and is comprised of a plurality of windings of an expanded graphite foil which are compressed together. In the method, a heater tube assembly is formed which comprises the metal carbide substrate positioned within the heater tube and a mass of diamond or CBN particles positioned within the heater tube adjacent the substrate. The method includes simultaneously applying sufficient levels of pressure to the heater tube assembly and sufficient levels of electrical current to the heater tube assembly for a sufficient amount of time to cause sintering of the crystalline particles and bonding to the substrate to form a diamond or CBN tipped cutting tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing nanoimprint lithography. When an electric field is applied between the mold and the substrate, various forces can be generated among molds, substrates, and resists. The electrostatic force between the mold and the substrate can serve as an imprinting pressure to press the structured mold into the conformable resist. In addition, the electric field induces additional wetting forces (electrowetting or dielectrophoresis) in a liquid resist, which can assist the flow and filling of the liquid resist into fine structures.

Abstract: A method of forming a microplasma device places a curable polymer material between a mold having a negative volume impression of microcavities and/or microchannels and a substrate. The polymer is cured and then the mold is separated from the solid polymer. The method can form a microplasma device that includes a substrate and either or both of a microchannel or microcavity defined in a polymer layer supported by the substrate. Electrodes arranged with respect to the polymer material can excite plasma in a discharge medium contained in the microchannel or the microcavity or both. A flexible mold is preferably used to fabricate transparent polymer microcavities onto rigid substrates. A rigid mold is preferably used to fabricate transparent polymer microcavities onto flexible substrates. Having one of the mold and the substrate flexible and the other rigid aids in the separation of the mold from the cured polymer.

Abstract: In a molding machine, an electrical current is caused to flow to a coil by a high-frequency power supply, and a magnetic field is generated, whereupon lines of magnetic force are generated so as to substantially conform to cavity faces of the stationary mold and the moveable mold. The magnetic field strength is constant with respect to position in the lengthwise direction of the coil, and eddy currents are generated uniformly with respect to the cavity faces. Because the molds have electrical resistance, Joule heat is generated by the eddy currents and electrical resistance, and the cavity faces are heated. When a material in a molten state is injected into the cavities of the heated molds, flowability of the material is promoted, and therefore the quality of the molded article is improved.

Abstract: A system for a thermal manufacturing system including a heliostat and a mold. The heliostat includes at least one reflecting surface, a steering mechanism and a controller. The steering mechanism is coupled to the at least one reflecting surface and capable of directing at least a first portion of the at least one reflecting surface toward a first one of multiple, selectable focal points. The mold is located in a second one of the selectable focal points. A manufacturing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pattern forming method is disclosed. The method can include selectively providing a curing agent to a pattern in a template, contacting the template provided the curing agent to a substrate, irradiating the curing agent with light where the template and the substrate are contacted each other to harden the curing agent, demolding the template from the substrate to form a curing agent pattern on the substrate, and etching the substrate on a basis of the curing agent pattern.

Abstract: A method for recycling soft artificial fishing baits comprising: providing used soft artificial baits to be recycled; providing a mold having two separable sides cooperatively defining at least one cavity therein, each cavity having a shape corresponding to a desired fishing bait, fastening means, holding means, at least one vent hole; placing used soft artificial baits into the holding means; placing the mold with artificial baits in the holding means into a microwave oven; heating the mold with artificial baits in the holding means for a time sufficient to melt the baits and cause material to fill each cavity; allowing the mold to cool for a time sufficient to allow the material in each cavity to solidify; opening the mold and removing each molded bait; and cutting away any excess material that may be attached to the bait.

Abstract: A heater tube is provided for use in a method of producing a diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) tipped cutting tool by sintering a mass of crystalline particles to a metal carbide. The heater tube has a cylindrical shape and is comprised of a plurality of windings of an expanded graphite foil which are compressed together. In the method, a heater tube assembly is formed which comprises the metal carbide substrate positioned within the heater tube and a mass of diamond or CBN particles positioned within the heater tube adjacent the substrate. The method includes simultaneously applying sufficient levels of pressure to the heater tube assembly and sufficient levels of electrical current to the heater tube assembly for a sufficient amount of time to cause sintering of the crystalline particles and bonding to the substrate to form a diamond or CBN tipped cutting tool.

Abstract: An apparatus to help control the quality of printed three-dimensional objects is provided. The apparatus may include a printing head to print a three-dimensional object and a printing tray having defined surface characteristics serving to control adherence of the object being printed to the printing tray and/or prevent deformations in the printed object.

Abstract: An ultrasonic-assisted injection molding system and method for making precisely-shaped articles. A source of ultrasonic energy is positioned to apply vibrational energy to a mold cavity connected to at least one gate in flow communication with a source of molten (co)polymer. The mold is heated to a temperature of 104-116° C., and the molten (co)polymer is injected into the mold cavity. After cooling the mold until the molten (co)polymer within the gate has solidified, ultrasonic energy is applied to the mold without remelting the solidified (co)polymer within the gate until the temperature increases to 116-122° C., thereby substantially relieving flow induced stresses. The mold is then cooled until the temperature decreases to 101-107° C., and is thereafter heated until the temperature increases to 116-122° C., thereby substantially relieving any thermally induced stresses. The mold is cooled until the molten (co)polymer has solidified, thereby forming a precision molded plastic optical element.

Abstract: A single opening permanent breast prosthesis includes an envelope made of a flexible, hermatic and biologically inert material having a flat rear surface (3) and a curved front surface (2). The prosthesis thus defines a closed pocket (5) which contains a physiological serum. There are at least two compartments (6, 7, 8) in the pocket (5) which are separated by at least one membrane (10, 11, 12) extending in the form of an arch from the front surface (2) to the rear surface (3) of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A method of curing a composite material. A tool is heated using microwaves. At least a part of the composite material is shielded by reflecting microwaves away from the composite material with a shield. Heat is transferred from the tool through the shield to the composite material. The tool comprises a material which is sensitive to microwaves so that, when microwaves are incident upon the tool, some of the microwaves are absorbed by the microwave-sensitive material, thereby heating the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a fiber composite component, comprising the steps: introduction of a first body (12), consisting of fibers and a matrix material, into a mold (10), said first body (12) having a continuous first body edge (18); the first body (12) is irradiated with microwaves (28) to produce a fiber-composite component. According to the invention, the first body (12) is introduced into the mold (10) in such a way that at least parts of the first body edge (18) are brought into contact with the mold (10).

Abstract: The cleaning process of cleaning an imprinting mold including a release layer coupled via siloxane bonds to a substrate of that release layer includes a first cleaning step and a second cleaning step. In the first cleaning step, the angle of contact of the surface of the release layer with water is made small, and in the second cleaning step, the alkali cleaning agent is brought in contact with the release layer that has gone through the first cleaning step.

Abstract: To provide an eraser molding toy with which it is possible to mold an eraser having a colored pattern or design, a plurality of thermofusible eraser members 1 of differing colors are placed in succession inside a molding container 2 so as to form a required pattern or design etc., and the molding container 2 is heated in order to fuse the surfaces of the eraser members 1 together to mold an eraser P having a colored pattern or design in the mold shape of the container.

Abstract: To provide an eraser molding toy with which it is possible to mold an eraser having a colored pattern or design, a plurality of thermofusible eraser members 1 of differing colors are placed in succession inside a molding container 2 so as to form a required pattern or design etc., and the molding container 2 is heated in order to fuse the surfaces of the eraser members 1 together to mold an eraser P having a colored pattern or design in the mold shape of the container.

Abstract: An injection-molding equipment includes at least two cavities and at least one needle valve nozzle, each fitted with one needle, per cavity. The needles are displaceable by an electromagnetic drive into an open and a closed position to respectively release and close a gate aperture subtended in the particular related cavity. Each electromagnetic drive has at least one electromagnet with each sealing needle axially held in place in the open and in the closed position by at least one permanent magnet. A control unit generates individual power pulses of which the duration is defined and saved in said control unit. An electromagnet of an electromagnetic drive is fed a power pulse and generates an electromagnetic field to displace the sealing needle from its closed into its open position and vice-versa, with the power pulses for at least two electromagnetic drives being transmitted in time-staggered manner to the drives.

Abstract: Tubular ceramic structures, e.g., anode components of tubular fuel cells, are manufactured by applying ceramic-forming composition to the external surface of the heat shrinkable polymeric tubular mandrel component of a rotating mandrel-spindle assembly, removing the spindle from said assembly after a predetermined thickness of tubular ceramic structure has been built up on the mandrel and thereafter heat shrinking the mandrel to cause the mandrel to separate from the tubular ceramic structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of fabricating a mold and the mold fabricated by such method. The mold is fabricated by providing a support structure having a predefined shape; applying a heat distribution layer on the support structure; applying a heating element network upon the heat distribution layer; applying at least one glass composition layer upon the heating element network; applying a resin composition to each of the heating element network and the at least one glass composition layer; and integrating the heat distribution layer, heating element network, the at least one glass composition layer and the resin composition to form a mold unit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a substrate with surface substrates by employing photothermal effect is described. Nanoparticles on the surface of the substrate excited by a beam convert light energy to thermal energy. The surface structure on the substrate is formed through the thermal energy generated by the excited nanoparticles. The substrate with plural pores is thus formed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for curing composite material to form composite structures are provided. A curing tool in one embodiment includes cured nano tube impregnated resin, at least two conductors formed in the nano tube impregnated resin, at least one layer of cured composite material and at least one insulation layer separating the cured composite material from the nano tube impregnated resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprinting device and an imprinting method which can uniformly apply pressure between a mold and a molding object and which can increase and decrease a temperature at a fast speed. An imprinting device is for transferring a pattern on a mold to a film molding object, and comprises a stage for holding the mold, a pressurizing-chamber casing which configures a pressurizing-chamber together with the molding object, sealing means which airtightly seals a space between the pressurizing-chamber casing and the molding object, opening and closing means which opens and closes the space between the pressurizing-chamber casing and the molding object, pressurizing means which adjusts atmospheric pressure in the pressurizing-chamber, heating means which heats either one of or both of the mold and the molding object, and degassing means which eliminates any gas present between the mold and the molding object.

Abstract: A mold design with magnetic locking components for a urethane casting process can allow for several advantages over conventional mechanical locking mechanisms for holding two mold halves together. The magnetic locking components can be permanent magnetic components, electromagnetic components, or a combination of the two. A switch can allow for magnetizing and demagnetizing of the magnetic locking components, thereby respectively providing and releasing a mold holding force at the appropriate times of, for example, a urethane casting process. The magnetic locking components can be used with single or multi-cavity molds.

Abstract: A photopolymer die for foil stamping, foil printing, embossing, debossing, or a combination thereof is disclosed. The die has a metal backing plate on which is mounted a photopolymer layer which has a number of micro-grooves therein. Preferably the micro-grooves are arranged in a swatch like pattern. Preferably images have adjacent regions each with a different pattern of micro-grooves. The spacing between adjacent micro-grooves can be resolvable by the human eye, or cannot.

Abstract: A system for a thermal manufacturing system including a heliostat and a mold. The heliostat includes at least one reflecting surface, a steering mechanism and a controller. The steering mechanism is coupled to the at least one reflecting surface and capable of directing at least a first portion of the at least one reflecting surface toward a first one of multiple, selectable focal points. The mold is located in a second one of the selectable focal points. A manufacturing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for moulding plastic preforms into plastic containers, comprising at least one blow moulding station (1) having a cavity, within which the plastic preforms can be expanded into the plastic containers, wherein the blow moulding station (1) includes a base part (2) that delimits the cavity and wherein the base part (2) is releasably mounted on a carrier (6) by means of a fastening mechanism (10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 28). According to the invention, the apparatus includes a force application member (10) to which an engageable force can be applied and which generates in a fixed condition of the base part (2) on the carrier (6) a holding force that keeps the base part (2) and the carrier (6) together.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to golf balls, and more specifically, to a golf ball having a single cover layer that is comprised of a blend of two or more distinct resinous materials. The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a golf ball having a single cover layer of heterogeneous composition. One embodiment of the invention describes a method wherein a core, comprising one or more layers, has pre-molded hemispherical cover cups placed about the core and each cover cup has at least two layers of distinct resinous materials, and the cover cups are heated and compressed such that the resinous materials in the cover cups intermingle with each other to form a single cover layer comprised of a non-distinct blend of the materials.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pattern formation method is disclosed. The method can include filling an imprint material between a first protrusion-depression pattern of a first pattern transfer layer formed on a first replica substrate and a second pattern transfer layer being transparent to energy radiation and formed on a second replica substrate transparent to the energy radiation. The method can include curing the imprint material by irradiating the imprint material with the energy radiation from an opposite surface side of the second replica substrate. The method can include releasing the first protrusion-depression pattern from the imprint material. The method can include forming a second protrusion-depression pattern in the second pattern transfer layer by processing the second pattern transfer layer using the imprint material as a mask.

Abstract: A rubber mold for molding a resin 2 is provided with a cavity 213 for filling therein a thermoplastic resin in a molten state by applying pressure. The rubber mold 2 includes a core mold 21 made of a rubber material and provided with the cavity 213 and a base mold 22 made of a rubber material and having such a shape that the core mold 21 is to be placed therein. The core mold 21 is formed by combining a pair of split mold parts 211 which is divided on splitting surfaces 212 for opening the cavity 213. The base mold 22 has a bottom part 221 and a pair of first side parts 222 formed on two opposite sides in a direction in which the plurality of split mold parts are aligned with each other.

Abstract: In a method for cleaning profile molds for producing tire profiles on treads of vehicle tires, the profile molds are cleaned in rinsing suds by using ultrasound. The profile molds are moved successively through a pre-cleaning and a primary cleaning chamber between which they are rinsed in a rinsing bath. After cleaning in the primary cleaning chamber, the profile molds are checked with respect to remaining contaminants and valves disposed in air vent openings in the profile molds are inspected and loosened by ultrasound application to ensure their mobility. Subsequently, the profile molds are cleaned again. The invention also relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Method for transferring a pattern from a template (10) having a structured surface (11) to a substrate (12) carrying a surface layer (14) of a material devised to 5 solidify upon exposure to radiation, comprising: arranging said template and substrate mutually parallel in an imprint apparatus, with said structured surface facing said surface layer; heating the template and the substrate to a temperature Tp by means of a heater device (20); and while maintaining said temperature Tp, performing the steps of: pressing the template towards the substrate for imprinting said pattern into said layer; exposing said layer to radiation (19) for solidifying the layer, and—postbaking the layer.

Abstract: The inventive method for forming articles from foaming polymers and compositions based thereon consists in forming articles using a heat energy released by water exposed to the action of microwave radiation al n temperature equal to or less than 170° C., wherein said temperature is attained, controlled and limited by adjusting a vapor pressure in a forming chamber. The inventive device for carrying out said method comprises a forming chamber, which is made of a microwave transparent material, filled with the mixture of prefoamed or granulated foaming polymer or a composition based thereon with water and is placed in a microwave radiation producing channel, and a unit for equalizing a pressure in said forming chamber. The forming chamber and the body thereof made of a microwave non-transparent material are provided with air holes, which are also used for connecting the forming chamber to the pressure equalizing unit.

Abstract: An improved method of imprint lithography involves using fluid-induced pressure from electric or magnetic fields to press a mold onto a substrate having a moldable surface. In essence, the method comprises the steps of providing a substrate having a moldable surface, providing a mold having a molding surface and pressing the molding surface and the moldable surface together by electric or magnetic fields to imprint the molding surface onto the moldable surface. The molding surface advantageously comprises a plurality of projecting features of nanoscale extent or separation, but the molding surface can also be a smooth planar surface, as for planarization. The improved method can be practiced without mechanical presses and without sealing the region between the mold and the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing plastic components, in particular optical lenses or optical light-guides, wherein plastic melt is injected via a sprue (3, 4, 6, 8) into a cavity (1) of a moulding tool shaping the component and additional plastic melt is after-pressed into the cavity (1) for the purpose of compensating a volume contraction of the injected plastic melt due to cooling. The process is characterised in that the plastic melt located in the sprue (3, 4, 6, 8) is kept flowable by means of energy introduced in the region of the sprue until such time as the molten core of the plastic component has solidified in the course of the after-pressing of plastic melt for the purpose of compensating the volume contraction due to cooling (holding-pressure). The invention further relates to an apparatus for implementing the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition designed to be a release agent applied to the surface of a molding apparatus and method of using the composition in molding operations. The composition includes a siloxane composition, hydrophilic matting particles, a cross linking agent, a binding agent having hydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics. The composition may optionally include a carrier. The composition is designed to be applied to the surface of a mold, allowing for repeated use without the need for re-applying the composition between uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods which may be used to determine when an uncured composite part is ready to be cured. In one embodiment, a system under the invention may comprise an infrared camera adapted to take infrared images of an uncured composite part, a heating device adapted to heat an uncured composite part, an image capture device adapted to capture infrared images taken by the infrared camera, and a computer adapted to analyze infrared images taken by the infrared camera in order to evaluate temperatures of an uncured composite part. The infrared images may be used to determine that the composite part is substantially covered, and/or completely covered, with resin and ready to be cured.