Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of shaping a cured thermosetting resin substrate, and more particularly to a method of shaping a cured thermosetting resin using electromagnetic radiation, said method comprises providing a cured thermosetting resin substrate; providing a confined temperature controlling environment; placing the cured thermosetting resin substrate in the confined temperature controlling environment; providing a source of electromagnetic radiation; irradiating the cured thermosetting resin substrate in the confined temperature controlling environment; and shaping the irradiated thermosetting resin substrate.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a thermoplastic part from a blank part having a first moulding member and a second moulding member which are configured to cooperate together. A first heating body configured to heat the first moulding member and conductively heat the blank part. Two thermal insulation members are configured to cooperatively define a closed cavity in which at least the moulding members and the first heating body are arranged. A casing defining an internal volume in which at least the moulding members, the first heating body and the thermal insulation members are arranged, and a suction member is configured to lower the internal pressure in the internal volume to compress the preform part between the moulding members.

Abstract: A printing head assembly for 3D printing and methods of using the same are provided. The printing head incorporates a backing means that can be shaped and positioned by use of an attractive force. This creates the possibility of embodiments in which the head can move in three dimensions, without the need to print each successive layer on the layer below. Methods of ensuring the security and integrity of the 3D printing process are also provided.

Abstract: According to one implementation, a preform shaping apparatus includes at least one mold and at least one pin. The at least one mold is a mold for placing and shaping a laminated body of fiber sheets which is a material of a fiber reinforced plastic. The at least one pin prevents the fiber sheets from being misaligned by stinging the laminated body of the fiber sheets with the at least one pin. Further, according to one implementation, a preform shaping method for producing a preform includes: placing a laminated body of fiber sheets, which is a material of a fiber reinforced plastic, on at least one mold; shaping the laminated body of the fiber sheets; and preventing the fiber sheets from being misaligned by stinging the laminated body of the fiber sheets with at least one pin.

Abstract: A method for producing a fiber-reinforced plastic outer skin component for a vehicle includes the following steps: a) providing a semifinished fiber product which includes at least one fiber layer with predetermined fiber orientation; b) applying an uncured plastic matrix in the form of an epoxy resin-based or polyurethane-based matrix system to the semifinished fiber product; c) placing the semifinished fiber product provided with plastic matrix into a mold; and d) pressing the semifinished fiber product in the mold in order to shape and cure the semifinished fiber product to form a fiber-reinforced plastic component. A shrinkage-reducing additive in the form of filler particles is admixed with the uncured plastic matrix and the uncured plastic matrix is applied to the surface of the semifinished fiber product that in the finished component faces the visible side of the component.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an aeronautical sandwich panel with a honeycomb core and results in a core sealed to prevent infused resin from entering into the honeycomb core open cells while improving its mechanical properties, especially for curved or highly curved panels. In further embodiments, the invention proposes the automation of this process.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing a component of a rotor blade in that a vacuum film (16) is placed on a positive mould (1), layers (17) are laid on the positive mold (1), a negative mould (3) is pivoted over the occupied positive mold (1), the vacuum film (16) is then sealed from the negative mould (3), a vacuum is then drawn against the negative mold (3), and the negative mould (3) together with the layers (17) is then pivoted back.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an enclosure for a utility meter is provided, wherein at least two of a main cover part, an exterior terminal cover part, and an interior terminal cover part are at least partly formed jointly as a cover assembly in an injection moulding device. Further provided is a utility meter with an enclosure manufactured by the method.

Abstract: A printing head assembly for 3D printing and methods of using the same are provided. The printing head incorporates a backing means that can be shaped and positioned by use of an attractive force. This creates the possibility of embodiments in which the head can move in three dimensions, without the need to print each successive layer on the layer below. Methods of ensuring the security and integrity of the 3D printing process are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for producing panels such as for use in a vehicle, boat, aircraft or other transport structure or mechanical structure using a 3-D-printed tooling shell are disclosed. A 3-D printer may be used to produce a tooling shell containing Invar and/or some other material for use in molding the panels. A channel may be formed in a 3-D printed tooling shell for enabling resin infusion, vacuum generation or heat transfer. Alternatively, or in addition to, one or more hollow sections may be formed within the 3-D printed tooling shell for reducing a weight of the shell. The panel may be molded using the 3-D printed tooling shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of propagation plugs, primarily small blocks of sphagnum for the growing of cuttings and seed plants, and of the type consisting of a cylindrical block having an envelope of paper or a similar material and an associated filling of sphagnum or a corresponding substrate material. The paper is an air permeable composite sheet material comprising a) a biodegradable nonwoven sheet material; and b) a hot melt adhesive comprising at least 50% w/w of one or more biodegradable bioplastics. The hot melt adhesive is supplied to at least a part of a face of the biodegradable nonwoven sheet material.

Abstract: A die setting apparatus for a ceramic core is provided. The die setting apparatus includes a first setter abuttable with a first side of the ceramic core and a second setter abuttable with a second side of the ceramic core opposite the first side. At least one of the first and second setters includes two or more pieces respectively arranged to form one or more gaps. Each of the one or more gaps is oriented to thermally adjust in correspondence with thermal changes of the ceramic core during a firing process thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a core layer for an information carrying card, resulting information carrying card, and methods of making the same. A core layer for an information carrying card comprises at least one thermoplastic layer having at least one cavity, an inlay layer, and, and a crosslinked polymer composition. At least one portion of the inlayer layer is disposed inside the at least one cavity of the at least one thermoplastic layer. The crosslinked polymer composition is disposed over the at least one thermoplastic layer and contacting the inlayer layer.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and may include forming a ply stack comprising a plurality of uncured composite plies, wherein one or more uncured composite ply of the plurality of uncured composite plies comprises a plurality of perforations that extend, at least partially, through a thickness of the one or more uncured composite ply; and compacting the ply stack to form a composite structure. The plurality of perforations may provide paths for volatiles to be removed through the thickness of the one or more uncured composite ply of the ply stack during the compacting. Volatiles may also be removed through edges of the ply stack during the compacting. In some instances, all uncured composite plies of the ply stack may include a plurality of perforations that extend, at least partially, through the thickness of each uncured composite ply.

Abstract: An automated method for producing a fibrous preform on a tool surface. Such fibrous preform is configured to receive liquid resin via resin infusion. A disposable layer containing a small amount of radiation absorbing material is placed onto the tool surface prior to the automated placement of the first ply of dry fibrous material. Particles of a polymeric or resinous binder are applied on an exposed surface of the disposable layer to enhance adhesion of the first ply. The dry fibrous material may be in the form of elongated, narrow-width fiber tapes or broader fabrics that can be deposited onto the tool surface by an automated placement method. The disposable layer may be in the form of a flexible polymeric film, a release film, a peel ply or a polymer-coated glass cloth.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mold unit and a receive unit which clamp a laminated iron core body from both sides in a lamination direction, the laminated iron core body including a plurality of laminated iron core pieces and a resin hole pierced in the lamination direction, a plunger which extrudes a resin of an inside of a resin pool part formed in the mold unit, and a cull plate arranged between the laminated iron core body and the mold unit. The cull plate includes a close contact part with the resin on a side opposed to the plunger, the close contact part including a projection projected to a side of the plunger beyond a groove bottom of a runner formed in the cull plate, or a recess recessed to a side of the laminated iron core body beyond the groove bottom of the runner.

Abstract: There is described an electronic device comprising a durable display screen, and a shatterproof or plastic display lens adjacent to the durable display screen.

Abstract: Mold filling machine for producing and filling containers made from preforms, comprising a mold filling station with a mold for receiving a preform, wherein the mold has an opening, such that an opening region of the preform in the mold is accessible, the mold filling station having a treatment unit with at least two treatment subunits, which are arranged movably in the treatment unit in such a way that the treatment subunits can be positioned alternately over the opening and the treatment unit has a sealing element, which can be positioned over the opening of the mold in such a way as to form a gastight space, which includes the interior space of the preform and/or container and the treatment subunits.

Abstract: A cooling plate assembly includes (a) a cooling plate having a plate front surface; (b) an air channel extending within a thickness of the cooling plate; (c) a plate bore extending into the cooling plate from the plate front surface for providing fluid communication between the air channel and a cavity of a cooling tube mountable to the cooling plate; and (d) a valve within the plate bore. The valve is movable between a first position in which a first air flow passage extending within the plate bore is open for conducting air from the cavity to the air channel, and a second position in which the first air flow passage is obstructed to reduce air flow between the cavity and the air channel, and in which a second air flow passage extending within the plate bore is open for conducting air from the air channel to the cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the infiltration of fibrous material with resin for the production of a fiber composite component, comprising a mold tool with a cavity enclosed by at least two tool parts, wherein the mold tool is designed for a relative movement of the at least two tool parts, in such a manner that space can be provided inside the cavity, in a first tool position, to hold the fibrous material, and additional space can be provided to accommodate resin, and the size of the cavity can then be reduced by a movement of the mold tool from the first tool position into a second tool position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for curing composite products. One exemplary embodiment is an edge breather for composite manufacturing. The edge breather is formed of a rigid material and includes an elongated body having a top open structure with a cross section that defines an arch. The edge breather also includes hollow passageways within the elongated body that are underneath the top structure and travel along a length of the elongated body. The top open structure defines multiple openings forming an open mesh through which air may enter.

Abstract: End of arm tooling system and a method for manufacture is provided. The end or arm tooling system provides automated material handling, part manipulation, pre-forming and transferring of a pre-impregnated carbon fiber material. A robot is connected to end of arm tooling for automated material handling and transfer operations from at least a lower preform tool system where light compression is applied to a molding press. The end or arm tooling system includes a cured silicone membrane as well as vacuum and air blow off, allowing for robotically preforming, picking up and dropping-off pre-impregnated carbon fiber materials which are notoriously sticky and difficult to handle.

Abstract: End of arm tooling system and a method for manufacture is provided. The end or arm tooling system provides automated material handling, part manipulation, preforming and transferring of a pre-impregnated carbon fiber material. A robot is connected to end of arm tooling for automated material handling and transfer operations from at least a lower preform tool system where light compression is applied to a molding press. The end or arm tooling system includes a cured silicone membrane as well as vacuum and air blow off, allowing for robotically preforming, picking up and dropping-off pre-impregnated carbon fiber materials which are notoriously sticky and difficult to handle.

Abstract: A method of forming a fiber reinforced composite structure having a fiber volume fraction (14) below 50 vol.-% using vacuum bag molding, the method comprising the steps of placing an assembly of fiber laminates (3) on a tool surface (1.1), creating a predetermined maximum difference of pressure (10) between the inside and the outside of an airtight envelope (4), infusing resin into the assembly of fiber laminates (3), reducing the difference of pressure between the inside and the outside of the airtight envelope (4), so that the assembly of fiber laminates (3) expands and the infusion of resin into the assembly of fiber laminates (3) continues thus forming a resin infused assembly of fiber laminates (3), and curing the resin infused assembly of fiber laminates (3).

Abstract: A method for performing resin infusion into a dry reinforcement on a layup mandrel comprises placing resin at a resin zone on the mandrel; bagging the reinforcement and the resin with a bagging film; heating the resin while applying compaction pressure to the bagging film to cause the resin to be infused into the reinforcement; and creating a pressure differential outside of the bagging film over the resin zone to control rate and pressure at which the resin is infused into the reinforcement. As a result, the resin pressure and infusion rate are controlled independently of the compaction pressure on the reinforcement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing three-dimensional models by means of a layering technique, particulate build material being applied to a build space in a layer, and a binder fluid then being selectively applied to the build material, proceeding in layers, and these steps being repeated until the desired model is produced, a controlled air flow being conducted through the applied build material, as well as a device for carrying out the method and thus produced models.

Abstract: A device for generative manufacturing of a component, in particular for layered generative manufacturing of a component which is printed on a base plate. The base plate forms a connecting surface for applying and compacting powder in order to manufacture the component, and includes a plurality of sheets, the sheets being formed and arranged next to one other such that the connecting surface of the base plate is formed by lateral surfaces of the sheets.

Abstract: A molding apparatus that adsorbs thermoplastic resin extruded in a sheet form from an extruding machine, onto a cavity of a mold, and shapes the thermoplastic resin into a shape according to the cavity is provided. The molding apparatus may include a frame that is positioned on a periphery of the mold and is movable relative to the mold, wherein a suction part for suctioning the thermoplastic resin is provided in a contact surface of the frame to contact the thermoplastic resin, and the suction part is provided in a linear shape along with a longitudinal direction of the frame positioned on the periphery of the mold.

Abstract: A fixing device for fixating a segment of a wind turbine blade to a mold in which the blade segment is manufactured, wherein the blade segment has a fixating portion. The fixing device comprises: a first portion for removably fixating the blade segment at its fixating portion to the mold; and a second portion for fixating the fixing device to the mold.

Abstract: A wafer-level method of fabricating optoelectronic modules performing a first vacuum injection technique, using a first vacuum injection tool, to surround optoelectronic devices laterally with a transparent overmold region, performing a replication technique to form a respective passive optical element on a top surface of each overmold region, and performing a second vacuum injected technique to form sidewalls laterally surrounding and in contact with sides of each overmold region. The replication technique and the second vacuum injection technique are performed using a combined replication and vacuum injection tool.

Abstract: A laminate preform is disclosed, having a top side and a back side extending between respective edge portions, the laminate preform comprising a plurality of layers of fiber tows extending in a length direction of the laminate pre-form, the fiber tows being at least partly fixed by resin. The laminate pre-form is in between a first and a second prepreg or semi-preg layer including fibers extending in an oblique direction with respect to the length direction, and at least one distribution channel is provided at the back side extending in the length direction. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing such a laminate pre-form.

Abstract: A mold shell for forming a wind turbine blade (20) comprises at least two mold shell sections (401, 402) each having a mold surface with a recessed portion (419, 420) adjoining the connecting edges (407, 408) between the mold shell sections. A bridging sheet (421) is accommodated in the recessed portions (419, 420) of the mold shell sections (401, 402). The bridging sheet (421) fills up the recessed portions.

Abstract: An isotropic fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet wherein a chopped strand prepreg comprising a thermoplastic resin and a reinforcing fiber is layered so that the fiber orientation is random, the prepreg having a fiber volume fraction (Vf) of 20% to 50%, a length in the fiber axis direction of 15 to 45 mm, and a thickness of no greater than 0.13 mm, and the layered material is molded into sheet form by heating and pressing, and a molded plate obtained from the isotropic fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet. Even if the volume fraction of the reinforcing fiber is relatively low, a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet and a molded plate that are excellent in terms of mechanical properties and their uniformity can be obtained.

Abstract: Several sole components and a method of manufacturing those sole components are disclosed. In general, each sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing element extending around a portion of the bladder. The reinforcing element is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some configurations, the reinforcing element is die-cut from a sheet of polymer material, and the reinforcing element may exhibit a layered configuration. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing element may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing element during the molding process.

Abstract: A bonding method includes vacuum bagging a second metal plate atop a first metal plate, with a thermosetting adhesive in a lap joint therebetween covered in turn by a porous peel ply and a porous breather ply; the plates being initially clamped together by applying vacuum through the breather ply; and thermally curing the adhesive, with the breather and peel plies being preselected to capture adhesive seepage from the lap joint and removed with the plies to correspondingly reduce cured adhesive flash.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a culture container include: (a) forming a parison; (b) introducing flowable (e.g. colorimetric) sensor material into the parison; (c) blow molding the parison into a container body; and (d) curing the sensor material so that it attaches to an inner surface of the container body. The methods can also include adding sterile growth media into the container and sealing the container shut with an elastomeric stopper and crimped seal/cap. The process can be aseptic so that autoclaving the container is not required.

Abstract: A method of forming a fiber reinforced composite structure having a fiber volume fraction (14) below 50 vol.-% using vacuum bag molding, the method comprising the steps of placing an assembly of fiber laminates (3) on a tool surface (1.1), creating a predetermined maximum difference of pressure (10) between the inside and the outside of an airtight envelope (4), infusing resin into the assembly of fiber laminates (3), reducing the difference of pressure between the inside and the outside of the airtight envelope (4), so that the assembly of fiber laminates (3) expands and the infusion of resin into the assembly of fiber laminates (3) continues thus forming a resin infused assembly of fiber laminates (3), and curing the resin infused assembly of fiber laminates (3).

Abstract: A method for fabricating a repair laminate for a composite part having an exposed surface includes applying a bonding material to the exposed surface and forming an uncured ply stack assembly on the bonding material. The uncured ply stack assembly is formed by forming and compacting a series of uncured ply stacks. The ply stack assembly and bonding material are then cured.

Abstract: A method of press moulding a moulding material to form a moulded part of fibre-reinforced resin matrix composite material, the method comprising the steps of: i. providing a mould tool having a lower mould part and an upper mould part, the upper mould part having a first moulding surface for moulding a first moulded surface of the moulded part and the lower mould part having a second moulding surface for moulding a second moulded surface of the moulded part; ii. providing a multilaminar panel of moulding material comprising at least one layer of fibres and at least one layer of resin, the multilaminar panel having first and second opposite major surfaces, a surface resin layer of the multilaminar panel being at or adjacent to the first major surface; iii. locating the moulding material in the mould tool; iv. closing the mould tool to define a substantially closed mould cavity containing the moulding material, the closing step including the sub-steps of: a.

Abstract: A method of press moulding a moulding material to form a moulded part of fibre-reinforced resin matrix composite material, the method comprising the steps of: i. providing a mould tool having a lower mould part and an upper mould part, the upper mould part having a first moulding surface for moulding a first moulded surface of the moulded part and the lower mould part having a second moulding surface for moulding a second moulded surface of the moulded part; ii. providing a multilaminar panel of moulding material comprising at least one layer of fibres and at least one layer of resin, the multilaminar panel having first and second opposite major surfaces; iii. locating the moulding material in the mould tool; iv. progressively closing the mould tool to define a substantially closed mould cavity containing the moulding material, the closing step including: a. a preliminary closing phase to achieve mutual engagement between the lower and upper mould parts, b.

Abstract: A method of molding a wind turbine blade in a mold is provided. The method includes applying a film to an inside surface of a mold, assembling component layers for the wind turbine blade on the film, performing curing to harden the component layers, and subsequently removing the cured wind turbine blade from the mold. Also provided is a film suitable for use in a wind turbine blade molding process and a mold suitable for molding a wind turbine blade.

Abstract: A socket to interface a lower limb which has undergone amputation and a modular element, includes a proximal portion allowing the lower limb that has undergone amputation to be inserted; a distal portion allowing the modular element to be fastened; an internal deformable layer made of silicone rubber, designed to be in contact with the lower limb that has undergone amputation; an external deformable layer made of silicone rubber; a structure made of rigid material arranged between the internal layer and the external layer, comprising at least two posts, each post extending substantially axially from a base on the distal side towards an end on the proximal side, the ends of the various posts being not linked, so as to separate from or approach each other due to the effect of deformation of the internal layer and of the external layer.

Abstract: Method for producing a wind turbine rotor blade part with a prefabricated main spar cap, comprising the following steps: providing a mold having a blade-root end and with a blade-tip end, inserting at least one outer root reinforcement layer (28) made of a fibrous material into the mold, arranging the prefabricated main spar cap on the at least one outer root reinforcement layer, arranging, in the mold, at least one inner root reinforcement layer made of a fibrous material on the main spar cap, closing the mold, extracting the air from the mold through at least one extraction channel arranged at a lateral distance from the main spar cap, feeding a liquid plastics material through a first sprue channel which has a plurality of outlet openings below the main spar cap, feeding a liquid plastics material through a second sprue channel which has a plurality of outlet openings above the main spar cap.

Abstract: A cover for an air conditioning device for a railway vehicle is a cover for an air conditioning device for a vehicle, which covers an air-conditioner main body. The cover includes a core made of a foamed material having heat insulating property, and a surface member made of a fiber reinforced plastic, which covers entire surfaces of the core. The core is deformed into a curved shape by elastic deformation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component having first and second layers, the first and/or second layers including one or more depressions provided on a surface of the respective layer. The method including: arranging the first and second layers so that they face one another and with the depressions on inner facing surfaces of the layers; diffusion bonding the first and second layers together about their edges; applying a first differential pressure across each of the first and second layers to evacuate an inner space defined by the layers, thereby forming one or more depressions on an outer facing surface of the first or second layer; and applying a second differential pressure across each of the first and second layers to expand the inner space defined by the layers.

Abstract: Novel structural materials composed of industrial hemp fiber with recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) as well as methods for the production of the same are disclosed. The material's mechanical strength outperforms that of conventional lumber and could compete with glass fiber reinforced composites, particularly in tensile strength. In addition, this material offers many other significant advantages including insect free, high moisture resistance, no harmful chemical treatments, and no rapid corrosion in water environments.

Abstract: A vacuum forming apparatus includes a die set including an upper die and a lower die. The upper die is configured to move in a horizontal direction from a normal position at which the upper die is initially set. The lower die includes a suction channel through which a vacuum is applied to a cover. The lower die is opposite the upper die that is at the normal position. The upper die is configured to move from the normal position to a space lateral to the lower die so as not to face the lower die after the die set is opened, and return to the normal position before the die set is closed. The lower die is configured to move downward during opening of the die set and upward during closing thereof. The die set is configured to form the base member with the cover into a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite articles such as laminate ballistic protection and structural reinforcements. The method involves placing a composite assembly in a sealable membrane system, e.g. a vacuum bag and placing the vacuum bag in a pressure vessel to apply heat and pressure to the composite assembly, thereby manufacturing a composite article. The apparatus comprises: a pressure vessel; a source of processing liquid to apply isostatic pressure to the vacuum bag; processing liquid heating, cooling, pressurizing and circulating means; and a control system to control the heating, cooling and pressurizing means. The sealable membrane system may preferably comprise: a sealable membrane to separate the composite article from the processing liquid and maintain the composite article below atmospheric pressure; and a membrane to cushion the composite article and resist adhesion of the article to other membranes. The processing liquid is preferably silicone oil.

Abstract: An improved liner for a container in which gases, liquids, or powders are stored. The liner is a multi-layer structure made in a roto molding machine. The liner includes a first outer layer made of metallocene polyethylene, an intermediate gas and liquid impermeable layer, and one or more inner layers made of thermoplastic material compatible with the material stored inside the container. During the molding process, the three layers are made sequentially with the second and third layers being bonded and fused to the adjacent layer to form a uniform composite layer. The outer layer is made of metallocene polyethylene that has superior rigidity and relatively low coefficient of expansion properties making the liner less susceptible to cracking and useful as a layup structure for molding a structure around it. Once the liner is fabricated, the liner may be a build up structure to manufacturer a container or tank around the liner using either blow molding or roto molding processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for placing fiber-reinforced, pre-impregnated, planar semi-finished products on a placement tool for the manufacture of a non-crimp fabric, wherein a placement film is clamped on the placement tool for purposes of holding the non-crimp fabric, and by means of evacuation and/or the application of pressure is fixed in position on the placement tool and/or can be released from the latter. Also disclosed is a placement tool for the execution of such a method.