Abstract: Imprint apparatus performs, on shot regions of substrate, imprint process for transferring pattern of mold to imprint material arranged on the substrate. The apparatus includes detector for detecting first mark of the substrate and second mark of the mold, and controller configured to control positioning of the detector based on driving amount, held in a storage, by which the detector is to be driven to fit the first mark and the second mark within specific region of field of view of the detector, and correction value held in the storage and used to correct the driving amount. The controller performs alignment between shot region selected from the shot regions and the mold based on output of the detector, and updates the correction value held in the storage based on the output of the detector.

Abstract: This precursor sheet for a fuel cell separator comprises a conductive substrate sheet, a dense layer including first graphite particles, and a conduction layer including second graphite particles, wherein the dense layer and the conduction layer include a resin, the first graphite particles have a volume resistivity of 20 m?·cm or greater and a bulk density of 1.7 g/cm3 or greater when compressed at 30 MPa, and the second graphite particles have a volume resistivity of less than 20 m?·cm and a bulk density of 1.5 g/cm3 or greater when compressed at 30 MPa. This precursor sheet for a fuel cell separator provides a fuel cell separator that has excellent shapability and good mechanical strength, conductivity, and gas impermeability.

Abstract: Provided herein according to some embodiments is a dual cure additive manufacturing resin, comprising: (i) a light polymerizable component, (ii) a photoinitiator, (iii) a heat polymerizable component, and (iv) a non-reactive diluent, which resin is useful for the production of three-dimensional objects by additive manufacturing. Methods of using the same are also provided.

Abstract: A method includes locating a first set of electromagnetic field emitting devices in a vicinity of the pressure source, using the first set of electromagnetic field emitting devices to generate a first electromagnetic field in a first shape that forms an enclosure containing the pressure source, pumping a magnetic fluid into the enclosure at a pumping pressure, and increasing the pumping pressure to overcome the pressure from the pressure source.

Abstract: A process for support material removal for 3D printed parts wherein the part is placed in a media filled tank and support removal is optimized in a multi-parameter system through an artificial intelligence process which may include, but is not limited to, the use of historical data, parametric testing data, normal support removal data, and outputs from other support removal AI models to generate optimally efficient use of each parameter in terms of pulse repetition interval (PRI) and cycle time as defined by pulse width (PW). The input parameters may include heat, circulation, ultrasound and chemical reaction, which are used in sequence and/or in parallel, to optimize efficiency of support removal. Sequentially and/or in parallel, heat, pump circulation and ultrasound may vary in application or intensity. Selection of means of agitation depends on monitored feedback from the support removal tank and application of a statistically dynamic rule based system (SDRBS).

Abstract: Systems and methods for lens creations are disclosed. The method includes initiating light transmission from a light source through a diffuser into a container holding resin and a substrate. The light transmission is performed according to an irradiation pattern wherein each point in the resin is illuminated by at least 10% of the diffuser. This causes a lens to be formed. To achieve this illumination, at least 15% of the diffuser receives light from the light source. Further, a diameter of the diffuser is greater than or equal to a diameter of the substrate. The system performing the methods includes a polymerization apparatus and may include a resin conditioning and reservoir apparatus, a metrology unit, a resin drainage apparatus and an optional postcuring apparatus.

Abstract: Provided herein according to some embodiments is a dual cure additive manufacturing resin, comprising: (i) a light polymerizable component, (ii) a photoinitiator, (iii) a heat polymerizable component, and (iv) a non-reactive diluent, which resin is useful for the production of three-dimensional objects by additive manufacturing. Methods of using the same are also provided.

Abstract: In one example, a lighting device for an additive manufacturing machine includes an array of light sources each to emit monochromatic light within a band of wavelengths that includes a peak light absorption of a liquid coalescing agent to be dispensed on to a build material.

Abstract: Described are techniques for additive manufacturing with magnetic manipulation. The techniques including a method comprising performing additive manufacturing using a material containing a ferromagnetic additive to create a component. The method further comprises, during the additive manufacturing, generating a magnetic field near a portion the component, where the magnetic field causes the portion of the component to deform during the additive manufacturing based on the material containing the ferromagnetic additive.

Abstract: Systems for thermal control of additive manufacturing comprise a build volume within which a part is additively manufactured; a heat source positioned relative to the build volume and configured to actively deliver heat to discrete sections of the part as it is being additively manufactured; and a controller operatively coupled to the heat source and configured to direct delivery of heat from the heat source to discrete sections of the part as it is being additively manufactured to impart desired physical properties to the part. Methods of additively manufacturing a part comprise additively building a part from a feedstock material; and actively heating discrete sections of the part as the part is being additively built to impart desired physical properties to the part.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes: (a) a build platform dispensing assembly carrying a plurality of build platforms; (b) at least two additive manufacturing apparatus, each apparatus configured for receiving a removable build platform on which objects can be produced; (c) a build platform buffering assembly configured for removably receiving at least one build platform on which an object has been produced; (d) a cleaning apparatus; and (e) a robot operatively associated with each cleaning apparatus, the at least two additive manufacturing apparatus, the build platform dispensing assembly, and the build platform buffering assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an online laser leveling detection method of a 3D printer. The method comprises: (1), arranging a bar-shaped triangular reflecting prism and a bar-shaped photoelectric receiver; (2), fixedly mounting a laser emitter and a plane mirror on the side face of a printer head; (3), with the aid of a detection laser beam, fine tuning the mounting azimuths of an X-axis guide rail, a Y-axis guide rail, and the printer head till the motion levelness of the printer head is adjusted to meet requirements of the design accuracy of the printer; (4), with the aid of the detection laser beam, fine tuning the mounting azimuth of a printing platform till the mounting levelness of the printing platform is adjusted to meet the requirements of the design accuracy of the printer; (5), starting the 3D printing program; (6), in the printing process, detecting in real time whether a nozzle of the printer head generates faults including material blockage, shortage, and breakage.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing parts or devices using additive manufacturing is provided. The method forms the parts or devices, and also forms a transition layer or transition layers of partially or incompletely sintered powder between a build-plate and/or supports provided on the build-plate, and/or a gap or gaps of unsintered powder, or partially or incompletely sintered powder between the supports and the parts. The transition layer(s) and the gap(s) facilitate separation of the parts or devices from the build-plate or the supports provided on the build-plate.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shaped article production method according to the invention is a method for producing a three-dimensional shaped article by stacking layers formed in a predetermined pattern, wherein a series of steps including a composition supply step of supplying a composition containing a plurality of particles to a predetermined part, and a bonding step of bonding the particles by irradiation with a laser light is performed repeatedly, and the composition supply step includes a step of forming a first region using a first composition containing first particles as the composition, and a step of forming a second region using a second composition containing second particles which are different from the first particles as the composition, and the bonding of the particles in the first region and the bonding of the particles in the second region are performed by irradiation with laser lights with a different spectrum.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the preferential heating of a thermoplastic hollow body having at least one portion to be heated and another to be superheated, the portion that is to be superheated initially having a radiation absorption coefficient substantially identical to that of the portion to be heated. The method includes, in succession: a first step of marking the portions of the hollow body that are to be superheated, during which step isolated marks are made in the thickness of the wall of the portion that is to be superheated so as to increase its absorption coefficient; a second step of preferential heating of the hollow body by uniform exposure of the portions that are to be heated and of the portions that are to be superheated to the heating electromagnetic radiation. Also disclosed is a preform marked in accordance with the first step of the method.

Abstract: A method of selectively combining particulate material, comprising: (i) providing a layer of particulate material to a part bed; (ii) providing radiation to sinter a portion of the material of the layer; (iii) providing a further layer of particulate material overlying the prior layer of particulate material including the previously sintered portion of material; (iv) providing radiation to sinter a further portion of the material within the overlying further layer and to sinter said further portion with the previously sintered portion of material in the prior layer; (v) successively repeating blocks (iii) and (iv) to form a three-dimensional object; and wherein at least some of the layers of particulate material are pre-heated with a heater prior to sintering a portion of the material of the respective layer, the heater being configured to move relative to, and proximate, the particulate material.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for customizing microwave energy distribution within a chamber to accommodate various load characteristics. Aspects of the present invention customized configurations of ports, deflectors, waveguides, conducting rods, and slots to shape and distribute energy.

Abstract: A processing apparatus such as a heating and/or debulking apparatus that may be used to debulk a plurality of uncured composite layers to form an article such as an aircraft component may include a plurality of interconnected smart susceptor heater blankets. The plurality of smart susceptor heater blankets may be connected in series or in parallel, and may be controlled to uniformly heat the component during formation.

Abstract: A method for non-destructively testing the heating of a determined zone of a part made of a polymer material, comprising: a) taking at least one colorimetric measurement on said determined zone to be tested and obtaining the values ap, bp and Lp of the parameters a, b and L of the CIELAB colorimetric space; b) taking at least one colorimetric measurement on said reference zone of the part and obtaining the values ap/ref, bp/ref and Lp/ref of the parameters a, b and L of the CIELAB colorimetric space; c) calculating the colour difference ?Ep between the colorimetric measurements obtained in steps a) and b); and d) from the value ?Ep, determining the time period during which said zone to be tested of the part has been subjected to a determined heating temperature, by using a reference database.

Abstract: The unit (1) for processing hollow-body plastic blanks (2) includes a chamber (6) wherein the blanks (2) move along a predetermined path. The chamber (6) is defined, on both sides of the path, by two side walls (3, 4) having inner surfaces (5) that face each other. The chamber (6) includes a main section (9) wherein at least one of the walls (3, 4) is provided with a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources (10). The side walls (3, 4) define therebetween, on at least one end of the chamber, an opening (8) for the preforms to pass therethrough. The chamber (6) includes at least one optical confinement section (12) that extends between the main section (9) and the opening (8) and wherein the inner surfaces (5) of the side walls (3, 4) are optically reflective and converge toward the opening (8).

Abstract: A low viscosity polysulfide sealant composition. The composition comprises a curable polysulfide polymer; a crosslinking agent; and a plurality of core-shell particles. The core-shell particles comprise: a core comprising a ferromagnetic material; and a shell comprising silica treated with an organic sulfur containing compound. The shell is capable of bonding with the polysulfide polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for removing a support structure from a 3D printed part, where the 3D printed part along with the support structure is placed in an acid solution and the part is surrounded by an induction heater. The acid solution is recirculated through the acid tank to prevent the acid solution from heating up too much. Small surfaces of the part are heated up by the induction heater before larger pieces are heated so that the acid will remove the smaller pieces first. After enough time, all of the support structure is removed by the acid and the heater to leave the finished 3D printed part with the support structure removed.

Abstract: There is provided a manufacturing method of the three-dimensional shaped object, the method being capable of suitably reducing the local raised portion which can occur during the light beam irradiation under the condition of the divided sub-irradiation paths. The manufacturing method of the present invention is performed by repetition of a powder-layer forming and a solidified-layer forming, wherein an irradiation path of the light beam is divided into a plurality of sub-irradiation paths including a short sub-irradiation path with its length being shorter than a predetermined length and a long sub-irradiation path with its length being the predetermined length or longer, and wherein an irradiation mode of the light beam is changed depending on the lengths of the sub-irradiation paths.

Abstract: Methods of stabilizing the molecular weight of polymer stents scaffolds after E-beam sterilization are disclosed. The molecular weight of the polymer of the irradiated scaffolds is stabilized through exposure to gas containing oxygen.

Abstract: A joining process is proposed for connecting a first component to a second component, whereby in a first process the first component and the second component and an adhesive material arranged between the first and the second component are prepared, whereby in a second process the first and the second components are pressed together and whereby in a third process the adhesive material is hardened and further whereby spacing means are added to the adhesive material and these are at least partially resorbed in the third process by the adhesive material.

Abstract: A textile comprising a diacetylene compound which is capable of changing color when irradiated with light energy. Methods of imparting color to textiles comprising irradiating the textile with light energy are also provided.

Abstract: Solid-state deformation processing of crosslinked high molecular weight polymers such as UHMWPE, for example by extrusion below the melt transition, produces materials with a combination of high tensile strength and high oxidative stability. The materials are especially suitable for use as bearing components in artificial hip and other implants. Treated bulk materials are anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted crosslinked UHMWPE.

Abstract: A scaffold assembly and related methods of manufacturing and/or using the scaffold for stem cell culture and tissue engineering applications are disclosed which at least partially mimic a native biological environment by providing biochemical, topographical, mechanical and electrical cues by using an electroactive material. The assembly includes at least one layer of substantially aligned, electrospun polymer fiber having an operative connection for individual voltage application. A method of cell tissue engineering and/or stem cell differentiation uses the assembly seeded with a sample of cells suspended in cell culture media, incubates and applies voltage to one or more layers, and thus produces cells and/or a tissue construct.

Abstract: A syringe body/needle assembly and a method for producing such a syringe body/needle assembly are provided that if free of an organic adhesive bond.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a near-net shape erosion shield, a method of forming a shielded article, and a near-net shape erosion shield are provided. The method of fabricating a near-net shape erosion shield includes providing a base, positioning an energy source relative to the base, and depositing at least one wear resistant material over the base with an energy beam from the energy source. The at least one wear resistant material deposited on the base forms the near-net shape erosion shield configured to be positioned on a turbine component. The method of forming a shielded article includes removing the base from the near-net shape erosion shield, and securing the near-net shape erosion shield to a turbine component. The near-net shape erosion shield includes a near-net shape erosion-resistant portion configured to be positioned on a turbine component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for automatically fabricating arbitrary materials and objects from raw components, using a combination of simple chemical, electrical, and mechanical operations. The invention will automatically generate machine control instructions for controlling automated fabrication devices and equipment from simple instructions in natural language. The invention also allows the sharing, remote execution, scheduling, and automatic ingredient ordering for such instructions to allow the creation of new materials and professional object fabrication with little or no human intervention.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, in a method of repairing a defect on a template substrate for imprint lithography using a charged particle beam, a drift correction mark to correct drift of the charged particle beam is formed on the template substrate. The defect on the template substrate is repaired while correcting the drift of the charged particle beam with reference to the drift correction mark. The drift correction mark is removed.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic is expressed by the composition formula 100[(Sr2?xCax)1+y/4Na1?yNb5?2/5zMnzO15]+?SiO2 (in the formula, 0?x<0.3, 0.1<y<0.6, 0<z<0.1 and 1<?<8) and constituted by polycrystal of tungsten bronze structure, wherein the degree of orientation of axis c of the polycrystal is 60% or more in Lotgering factor. The piezoelectric ceramic offers excellent temperature characteristics and supporting high-power driving.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a safety door of an oven having glass therein with a plastic laminate. The safety door retains glass within the door in order to prevent glass from falling or being forced outside of the oven, which may cause injury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacturing of continuously shaped cured silicone articles, particularly extrusions articles and the use of silicone compositions containing a photoactivatable metal catalyst in said process, wherein the curing is initiated by visible or UV-light.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method manufacture three-dimensional objects by selective solidification of a build material applied in layers. In order to improve the manufacturing process and in particular to optimize heat input, a heating element is provided that has at least two functional openings. One of the at least two functional openings serves as a material pass-through and another of the at least two functional openings serving simultaneously as a radiation pass-through.

Abstract: This disclosure provides economical and effective methods and apparatus for repairing scratches and scuffs on refillable bottle surfaces that minimally contaminates the bottle during the refurbishing process. In one aspect, the method comprises the steps of: a) adding at least one fluid into the polymeric packaging material such as a bottle to form at least a partially filled packaging material; and b) applying at least one heat source to an exterior surface of the at least partially filled packaging material to form a repaired polymeric packaging material. Apparatus and recycling systems that incorporate this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A devulcanization apparatus for devulcanizing a plurality of cross-linked elastomer particles. The apparatus includes a first conveyor functioning as a high voltage electrode and a second conveyor functioning as a ground electrode. A generator is operable to apply an alternating electric field between the first and second conveyors. A devulcanization region is provided between the first and second conveyors in which the cross-linked elastomer particles are placed.

Abstract: A molding method includes drawing cross-section elements of a three-dimensional object as a molding target on a drawing surface of a drawing stand with a liquid whose curing is precipitated by receiving activation energy as cross-section patterns; applying the activation energy to the liquid configuring the cross-section patterns in a state in which the cross-section patterns is pinched between the drawing stand and a molding stand; and detaching the cross-section patterns after being applied with the activation energy from the drawing stand and transferring the cross-section patterns to the molding stand side, wherein the drawing surface has a liquid repellent area that is an area representing liquid repellency for the liquid and a lyophilic area that is independently formed in an island shape within the liquid repellent area and is an area representing lyophillicity stronger than that of the liquid repellent area for the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers comprising absorption pigments, which are distinguished by the fact that they have high absorption in the near IR region, and to the use thereof, in particular in thermoforming and in IR light welding.

Abstract: A method for making a fiber board includes the steps of, providing a fiber sheet and positioning the fiber sheet in a mold, providing at least one plastic sheet and locating the plastic sheet on a surface of the fiber sheet. Heating and melting the plastic sheet to make the molten plastic penetrate into the fiber sheet, and hot pressing the fiber sheet and the molten plastic to form the fiber board. A fiber board made by the method is also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for fabricating various regenerated silk geometries using temperature control. In addition to temperature control, mechanical processing can be used to enhance properties of the fabricated article. The present disclosure also provides silk foam and paper-like materials molded using freezer processing.

Abstract: A modified fluorocarbon resin composition and a modified molded product of fluorocarbon resin composition having an excellent abrasion resistivity and low friction property under high pressure, are provided. The modified fluorocarbon resin composition comprises a blend of fluorocarbon resin and aromatic engineering plastic, which is modified by irradiation of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Method of making a droplet-generating device. In the method, a first droplet-generating device may be produced. The first droplet-generating device may include a molded portion created at least in part with a mold and also may include a plurality of droplet generators each formed at least in part by the molded portion. A set of droplets may be generated with each of one or more of the droplet generators. A property of at least one set of generated droplets may be determined. The mold may be modified based on the property. A second droplet-generating device may be produced that includes a molded portion created at least in part with the modified mold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for strongly enhancing vortex pinning by conformal crystal arrays. The conformal crystal array is constructed by a conformal transformation of a hexagonal lattice, producing a non-uniform structure with a gradient where the local six-fold coordination of the pinning sites is preserved, and with an arching effect. The conformal pinning arrays produce significantly enhanced vortex pinning over a much wider range of field than that found for other vortex pinning geometries with an equivalent number of vortex pinning sites, such as random, square, and triangular.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an electroforming mold, a first photoresist layer is formed on an upper surface of a bottom conductive film of a substrate, and the first photoresist layer is divided into a first soluble portion and a first insoluble portion. A conductive material is thermally deposited on an upper surface of the first photoresist layer within a predetermined temperature range, to thereby form an intermediate conductive film. An intermediate conductive film is patterned. A second photoresist layer is formed on an exposed upper surface of the first photoresist layer after the intermediate conductive film is removed, and on an upper surface of the intermediate conductive film remaining after patterning. The second photoresist layer is divided into a second soluble portion and a second insoluble portion. Next, the first and second photoresist layers are developed, and the first and second soluble portions are removed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for using and manufacturing microstructure arrays are described.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of carbon fiber from fiber precursor, wherein the fiber precursor is subjected to a magnetic field of at least 3 Tesla during a carbonization process. The carbonization process is generally conducted at a temperature of at least 400° C. and less than 2200° C., wherein, in particular embodiments, the carbonization process includes a low temperature carbonization step conducted at a temperature of at least or above 400° C. or 500° C. and less than or up to 1000° C., 1100° C., or 1200° C., followed by a high temperature carbonization step conducted at a temperature of at least or above 1200° C. In particular embodiments, particularly in the case of a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber precursor, the resulting carbon fiber may possess a minimum tensile strength of at least 600 ksi, a tensile modulus of at least 30 Msi, and an ultimate elongation of at least 1.5%.

Abstract: Lithography system, sensor and method for measuring properties of a massive amount of charged particle beams of a charged particle beam system, in particular a direct write lithography system, in which the charged particle beams are converted into light beams by using a converter element, using an array of light sensitive detectors such as diodes, CCD or CMOS devices, located in line with said converter element, for detecting said light beams, electronically reading out resulting signals from said detectors after exposure thereof by said light beams, utilizing said signals for determining values for one or more beam properties, thereby using an automated electronic calculator, and electronically adapting the charged particle system so as to correct for out of specification range values for all or a number of said charged particle beams, each for one or more properties, based on said calculated property values.