Abstract: A custom mouthguard may be formed from a multiple layer assembly including an ethylene vinyl acetate/thermoplastic polyurethane layer, an ethylene vinyl acetate layer and an intervening impact shield and elastomeric framework. The elastomeric framework may include one or more posterior occlusal pads. The custom mouthguard may be molded to a positive mold of an individual's upper teeth and gums.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining precured stringers to at least one structural component of an aircraft or spacecraft. A vacuum arrangement required for the joining is produced in two parts. In a first step, each precured stringer is covered in advance by a covering vacuum film. The stringers prepared in this manner are arranged on the structural component. Vacuum film strips are subsequently arranged in each case on adjacent stringers and over an intermediate space between the adjacent stringers. With the use of a vacuum sealing means, the vacuum film strips and the covering vacuum films 8 form a continuous vacuum arrangement. The stringers are subsequently joined under pressurization to the structural component with the use of this vacuum arrangement.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for forming a three-dimensional image and, more particularly, for making three-dimensional digital image transfer thermoformed objects on, e.g., generic molds. The method includes manipulating digital images of a subject into a single image; printing the single image onto a media; and thermoforming the media with the single image using a generic mold. The system comprises a computer infrastructure operable to: receive images of a subject; display the images; stitch together the images to form a single image; adjust portions of the images or single image to compensate for deformation during thermoforming of the single image; register the single image with points on a mold; and print the single image.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum mold having a reverse solid pattern, which enables an insert sheet to be vacuum-formed, and a solid pattern to be transferred to the insert sheet. The vacuum mold having the reverse solid pattern includes: a lower mold; and a solid pattern disposed on the surface of the lower mold. The insert sheet disposed above the lower mold is adsorbed to the surface of the lower mold by vacuum pressure in order to transfer a pattern of the solid pattern to the insert sheet.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube-reinforced composites are produced by incorporating up to 0.7% by weight of carbon nanotubes into a liquid polymeric material a polymeric material. The viscosity of the carbon nanotube-containing liquid polymeric is sufficiently low that it can be used in vacuum infusion and pultrusion processes to produce large articles such as wind turbine blades.

Abstract: A holding tool 2 for use in producing of laminated glass includes a frame 3, a bag member 4 and a supporting member 6b for suspending the bag member 4 from the frame 3. The bag member 4 is made of a film with flexibility and airtightness, is provided with a sealable opening and has evacuating ports 7a and 7b in the vicinity of an periphery of a flat shape thereof having the periphery sealed. The frame 3 has a first frame member 3w and a second frame member 3y opposing each other and disposed outside the periphery of the bag member 4, and the bag member 4 is suspended by the supporting member 6b movably against the frame 3 on a holding face formed at least by the first frame member 3w and the second frame member 3y inside an area formed by connecting ends of these frame members.

Abstract: A method for producing a foamed article including a supporting element, a foam layer, and an upholstery cover applied on said foam layer, comprising the steps of forming said upholstery cover by stitching together a plurality of lengths of upholstery cover, positioning the sewn upholstery cover on a convex positioning surface of a positioning member withholding the sewn upholstery cover on said positioning member by means of a first suction system, setting said positioning member with the sewn upholstery cover withheld thereon by suction in a bottom die of a foaming die, deactivating said first suction system and withholding the upholstery cover on a concave positioning surface of said bottom die by means of a second suction system, extracting said positioning member from said bottom die leaving said upholstery cover positioned and withheld by suction on said concave positioning surface, positioning a rigid supporting element on a plunger of said foaming die and closing the plunger on said bottom die so as to

Abstract: A method and part forming apparatus configured for forming an aircraft stringer. The part forming apparatus may comprise a forming tool, a rigid plate, and a hollow bladder. The forming tool may comprise a material trough, a bladder extension trough laterally aligned with and open to the material trough, and a recessed pocket extending from either side of the bladder extension trough and adjacent to the material trough. The method comprises placing composite material into the material trough, placing the bladder onto the composite material and through the bladder extension trough, placing the rigid plate into the recessed pocket and over the bladder, and then placing skin laminate over the bladder and the composite material. Once each of these components is in place, the forming tool may be vacuum bagged and the composite material and skin laminate may be co-cured to form the stringer.

Abstract: A method is provided for molding a composite part defined by using a preform comprising a shape memory polymer (SMP) binder. A bound preform comprising the SMP binder in a permanent shape and defined by a simplified geometry provided to a mold. The bound preform is heated above a transformation temperature of the SMP binder and deformed into a shaped preform defined by the temporary shape of the SMP binder. In a molding sequence, the shaped preform is constrained in its temporary shape by the mold while resin is introduced to the mold and cured to produce a final part. The shape of the cured part defines the temporary shape of the SMP binder. The bound preform may be generally configured as a mat or be defined by a substantially flat surface such that the preform may be used as a preform to mold a variety of differing part configurations.

Abstract: Sealable, thermoformable, heat-shrinkable multi-layer film having a symmetrical construction around a two-ply inner layer, and having a heat shrinkability in machine direction and in cross direction of in each case at least 20% at 93° C., the heat-shrinkability being substantially unaffected by thermoforming, and use thereof with specially equipped packaging machines.

Abstract: An industrial-scale high throughput wafer bonding apparatus includes a wafer bonder chamber extending along a main axis and comprising a plurality of chamber zones, a plurality of heater/isolator plates, a guide rod system extending along the main axis, a pair of parallel track rods extending along the main axis, and first pressure means. The chamber zones are separated from each other and thermally isolated from each other by the heater/isolator plates. The heater/isolator plates are oriented perpendicular to the main axis, are movably supported and guided by the guide rod system and are configured to move along the direction of the main axis. Each of the chamber zones is dimensioned to accommodate an aligned wafer pair and the wafer pairs are configured to be supported by the parallel track rods. The first pressure means is configured to apply a first force perpendicular to a first end heater/isolator plate.

Abstract: Method for producing a large size mirror from a thin film, involving (a) the attachment of a thin film to a suction chamber, the edge of which has the required geometry of the mirror, and (b) the production of a controllable partial vacuum in the suction chamber so that the thin film takes on the required geometry of the mirror. The method is characterized in that the region of the mirror having the required geometry is enlarged by preshaping the thin film, prior to the attachment thereof to the suction chamber, by controlled tensioning in a closed pressurization chamber comprising two circular discs with a common axis and a thin film which is attached to the edges of the discs and the lateral sides of which are conjoined so as to form a conical surface, and by additionally tensioning the thin film by means of a mechanism for moving the discs apart along the common axis thereof.

Abstract: A curved composite aircraft frame comprises a multi-ply composite laminate having a generally Z-shaped cross section. At least certain of the laminate plies include unidirectional reinforcing fibers that are substantially tangent at substantially all points along the curvature of the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle deck board 1 is molded in such a manner that a lower die 21 and an upper die 22 are clamped together in a state where foamed resins 13 and reinforcements 20 are interposed between a back surface side sheet material 16 and a front surface side sheet material 15, whereby the back surface side sheet material 16 and the front surface side sheet material 15 are welded to each other to thereby form a laminated member 26 with height-increasing bridge members included therein, compressed air is injected into an inside of the laminated member 26 with the height-increasing bridge members included therein, which is formed by welding the back surface side sheet material 16 and the front surface side sheet 15, while individually vacuum-sucking the back surface side sheet material 16 and the front surface side sheet material 15 to the lower die 21 and the upper die 22, and the laminated member 26 concerned is subjected to blow molding.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a molded foam which is lightweight and excellent in strength. According to the invention, a method for manufacturing a molded foam from a foamed parison includes: an extruding step of extruding a resin blend containing a foaming agent and a thermoplastic resin to form a foamed parison; an attaching step of closely attaching facing portions of an inner wall surface of the foamed parison to each other to form a foamed parison laminated body; a mold clamping step of sealing and mold clamping the foamed parison laminated body by clamping the foamed parison laminated body by split mold blocks; and a sucking step of sucking air between the split mold blocks to reduce a pressure between the split mold blocks, after the attaching step and the mold clamping step.

Abstract: A flexible compaction sheet is used to compact uncured composite plies onto the surface of a ply layup. The compaction sheet includes a peripheral seal that seals the perimeter of the sheet to the surface of the part layup and forms a vacuum chamber over the plies which is evacuated through the sheet to apply compaction pressure to the plies.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing root of megawatt wind-turbine blade includes the following steps: (1) manufacturing an independent female mould, and arranging a positioning stop-ring on the female mould; (2) clinging on one side of the positioning stop-ring, a plurality of glass fabrics and macroporous glass fabrics are laid on the curved surface of the female mould; (3) after laying the glass fabrics, sealing the female mould using a vacuum bag, and vacuumizing the female mould after a curved supporting board is arranged on the vacuum bag; (4) after laying a plurality of glass fabrics in the blade mould, slinging the prefabricated part and the curved supporting board to arrange them in the blade mould; (5) sealing the blade mould using another vacuum bag, vacuumizing the blade mould, thereafter infusing resin into the blade mould, after curing the root of the blade is finally formed.

Abstract: A micro-lens array fabrication apparatus includes a first roller, a second roller, a molding member, and a cooling member. The first roller and the second roller revolve cooperatively to position portions of a substrate on the molding member while maintaining a tension on the substrate. The molding member includes a shaft and two caps connected to opposites ends of the shaft. The shaft defines a through hole and rows of molding holes in a lateral surface thereof, and forms heaters in the though hole. The heaters heat up the substrate till molten, and the air is driven to blow the molten substrate into the molding holes and form a row of micro-lens structures on the currently positioned portion of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of making a composite material article includes, in an exemplary embodiment, providing a pre-impregnated preform formed from a plurality of reinforcing fibers and a polymer matrix, positioning the preform on a flat base plate, positioning a pressure bladder on top of the preform, and positioning a bridge tool above the pressure bladder. The bridge tool includes a top plate and at least one support member. The support members are coupled to the base plate with the top plate spaced above the pressure bladder. The method also includes enclosing the preform and bridge tool inside a vacuum bag by sealingly attaching the vacuum bag to the base plate, drawing a vacuum in the vacuum bag to remove air and volatiles from the preform, and then applying pressure to the preform by inflating the pressure bladder to consolidate the preform.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a manufacturing method for a PDP which allows even high-definition and ultra-high-definition PDPs to demonstrate an excellent image display capability at improved luminous efficiency, by suppressing variation of a discharge gas composition, and by eliminating an impurity gas in a discharge space effectively. To achieve the aim, deterioration of an absorbent material 39 composed of copper ion-exchanged ZSM-5-type zeolite is prevented, by performing both sealing and evacuation steps for the front substrate 2 and back substrate 9 in a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere. This maintains properties of the absorbent material 39 for absorbing the impurity gas without degradation, even if the absorbent material 39 absorbs a Xe gas in a discharge gas introducing step.

Abstract: A holding tool 2 for use in producing of laminated glass includes a frame 3, a bag member 4 and a supporting member 6b for suspending the bag member 4 from the frame 3. The bag member 4 is made of a film with flexibility and airtightness, is provided with a sealable opening and has evacuating ports 7a and 7b in the vicinity of an periphery of a flat shape thereof having the periphery sealed. The frame 3 has a first frame member 3w and a second frame member 3y opposing each other and disposed outside the periphery of the bag member 4, and the bag member 4 is suspended by the supporting member 6b movably against the frame 3 on a holding face formed at least by the first frame member 3w and the second frame member 3y inside an area formed by connecting ends of these frame members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorated injection molded article having an embossed pattern comprising a surface layer comprising an acryl resin film, a printing layer provided on an inside of the surface layer, an adhesive layer provided on an inside of the printing layer and an injected resin layer, wherein a concavo-convex pattern is provided on the surface of the surface layer at a front face part and a side face part of the injection molded article by emboss processing and further to a method for producing the same, and the present invention provides a decorated injection molded article having an embossed pattern, in which a concavo-convex pattern is easily formed on the surface and which is imparted with a steric design property having a higher grade feeling.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to form a sheet of polymeric material have first and second mold halves which clamp together on a polymeric sheet. A vacuum mechanism draws the sheet into an interior space. The vacuum mechanism has a plurality of controllable vacuum ports positioned about the interior space to direct the vacuum at specific portions of the sheet. Also, the sensing mechanism determines the draw depth of the sheet.

Abstract: A thermoforming device using a hot plate heating includes a frame a hot plate; a decompression unit connected to the frame; a decompression unit which is connected to a hot plate; a unit which is connected to the hot plate and opens a heating surface side to an atmosphere or pressures the heating surface side; an adsorption and heating control unit which performs the adsorption and heating operation of the sheet by the hot plate; a decompression control unit which performs a decompression operation in the concave portion; and a molding operation control unit which concurrently performs the adsorption and heating operation and the decompression operation, stops the adsorption and heating operation of the sheet after a predetermined time from the start of the operation, and opens a portion between the hot plate and the sheet to the atmosphere or pressures the portion.

Abstract: A transparent plastic container which is transparent, allows good design and can be used for an anticounterfeit system that determines authenticity by visual check with the use of polarization property. A transparent plastic sheet of a polystyrene-based resin having a total light transmission of 85% or higher and a haze of 7% or less is subjected to vacuum, pneumatic or vacuum/pneumatic forming at a sheet temperature ranging from a glass transition temperature plus 50 degrees C. to a glass transition temperature plus 130 degrees C., thereby obtaining a transparent plastic container having a planar portion with a strain amount of 150 nm or less.

Abstract: Rotary forming drums that have a unique vacuum distribution and control system imparting a vacuum to the insert trays in a region or zone of the drum in a controlled manner. The rotary drum also has insert trays that are forced outward by the movement of follower cam activation upon a roller cam which in turn forces molded articles from the trays quickly, cleanly and efficiently. Once the product is removed from the insert trays internal and external springs return the insert trays to their original position to repeat the process on a continuous basis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a multilayer film laminate having a first film layer comprising a perfluorinated copolymer resin layer adhered to a polymeric second film layer that has been surface treated with an aminosilane. The multilayer laminate is useful as a photovoltaic module component. Methods for preparing photovoltaic modules that include the multilayer laminate are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a multilayer film laminate having a first layer comprising a perfluorinated copolymer resin layer adhered to a second layer comprising an olefin ester copolymer that has been blended with an organosilane. The multilayer laminate is useful in photovoltaic modules. Methods for preparing photovoltaic modules are also included.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an air-filled cellular structure for use as a resilient cushion. The method includes providing a molding structure including a shelf substantially surrounding a depression, and a platform that fits within the depression and is selectively movable between a plurality of positions relative to the shelf, moving the platform to a preselected position relative to the shelf, wherein the preselected position corresponds to a substantially predetermined amount of air to be contained by the air-filled cellular structure, and using a vacuum device to draw air from within the depression.

Abstract: Disclosed are poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid) resin compositions comprising poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid), such as polylactic acid, and a polyoxymethylene. Also disclosed are articles such as films, sheets and thermoformed containers comprising the compositions.

Abstract: Resin infused composite parts are fabricated using a caul sheet having perforations therein for optimizing the flow of resin through the parts and allowing a simplified tooling and consumable arrangement for complex parts while achieving a smooth, aerodynamic caul-side or bag-side finish.

Abstract: A forming tool (100) for and a method of making a three dimensional composite component using double diaphragm forming. The forming tool (100) comprises a forming side having two or more regions of changing profile and one or more through holes associated with each region, the through holes exit on the forming side and are connectable to one or more vacuum sources such that vacuum can be selectively and discretely applied to each region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a film sticking device that sticks a first film substrate and a second film substrate together on a curved-surface shape. The film sticking device includes a mold having a curved attachment surface formed into a desired curved-surface shape; an attracting and holding unit capable of relatively moving on the curved attachment surface and having plural vacuum chambers on which an attracting surface for attracting and holding the second film substrate is provided; and a suctioning unit capable of separately applying suction processing to the plural vacuum chambers. The suctioning unit starts, as the attracting and holding unit moves, the suction processing of the vacuum chamber corresponding to a position opposing the second film substrate and sequentially stops, as the second film substrate is stuck to the first film substrate, the suction processing of the vacuum chamber corresponding to the stuck second film substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming a circuit board is provided. The method includes forming a circuit board substrate (112) from a circuit board material. The method also includes positioning the circuit board substrate on a rigid structure (114) having a three dimensional contoured surface (300). The method further includes applying heat and applying pressure to the circuit board substrate to at least partially conform the circuit board substrate to the three dimensional contoured surface. If the circuit board substrate (112) is a clad circuit board substrate, then a circuit pattern is formed on the circuit board substrate prior to the steps of applying heat and applying pressure. However, if the circuit board substrate (112) is an unclad circuit board substrate, then a circuit pattern is disposed on the circuit board substrate after the steps of applying heat and applying pressure.

Abstract: An intermediate sealing element and method for unsealing a vacuum membrane from one tool surface and transferring it to another tool surface without damaging the vacuum membrane. The intermediate sealing element forms a continuous path around the periphery of a vacuum membrane and is sealed directly to one or more vacuum membranes and a tool surface using any means known in the art to create an airtight seal between two surfaces. The intermediate sealing element is able to withstand high temperatures and high pressure without altering its structural characteristics. Because of its durability, the intermediate sealing element can be removed from the tool surface without tearing or elongating, subsequently allowing the vacuum membranes to be detached from the tool surface without tearing or elongating.

Abstract: A method is provided for molding a composite part defined by using a preform comprising a shape memory polymer (SMP) binder. A bound preform comprising the SMP binder in a permanent shape and defined by a simplified geometry provided to a mold. The bound preform is heated above a transformation temperature of the SMP binder and deformed into a shaped preform defined by the temporary shape of the SMP binder. In a molding sequence, the shaped preform is constrained in its temporary shape by the mold while resin is introduced to the mold and cured to produce a final part. The shape of the cured part defines the temporary shape of the SMP binder. The bound preform may be generally configured as a mat or be defined by a substantially flat surface such that the preform may be used as a preform to mold a variety of differing part configurations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a molded product that includes a resin coating step of coating molten resin onto a forming mold having a minute uneven portion on the surface thereof, a compressing step of pressing the molten resin using the forming mold to thereby arrange the shape of the molded product, and a solidifying step of cooling and solidifying the molten resin. The resin coating step supplies the molten resin to a resin coating device including a discharge port and, while moving the resin coating device, discharges the molten resin onto the minute uneven portion of the heated forming mold from above to fill the molten resin into the minute uneven portion substantially in the same shape and thickness as those of a final shape of the molded product.

Abstract: A forming tool and method for its use with flat pre-preg composite laminate assemblies which incorporates a mandrel segmented into multiple forming blocks, the forming blocks sized to receive a draped composite laminate assembly with all portions of the composite laminate assembly spaced from a shaping surface on each block. A spline plate engages the shaping surface of the forming blocks to provide a neutral axis for maintaining the entire composite laminate assembly in tension during forming. In the exemplary embodiments, the draped composite laminate assembly is formed to the forming blocks from the flat composite laminate assembly and maintained in contact with the forming blocks using a vacuum bag. The mandrel forming blocks are then displaced to a desired curvature on the spline plate.

Abstract: Material and method for reducing creep in orthotics and prosthetics. Thermoplastic resin plies and fiber veil plies with a substantially porous structure composed of discontinuous fibers held together by small amounts of polymeric binder between the fiber contact points are consolidated under heat and pressure. This causes the resin to flow into the porous voids and the binder to dissociate from the contact points, producing a composite material with an embedded fiber veil remnant that retains the three dimensional structure of the original fiber veil. The various fibers can move freely with respect to one another at melt temperature, while the orientation of the fibers in the fiber veil remnant resists bending in all directions at lower temperatures. This composite material can then be vacuum thermoformed into at least one complex component of an orthotic device or prosthetic device, such as a complex component with a double horizon bend.

Abstract: A method for producing appliance cabinets and the like, particularly a refrigerator cabinet having a double wall, whereby a polymeric sheet made plastic by thermal action is vacuum formed in a mold. The mold comprises a central male portion adapted to form the cavity of the cabinet and an annular female portion adapted to form the double wall of the cabinet, a plug assist device being used in order to drive the sheet in the female portion of the mold.

Abstract: An upper press platen supports an upper mold member slidable vertically within a surrounding upper trim frame. A lower press platen supports a lower trim frame surrounding a lower mold member slidable vertically within the lower trim frame. The lower mold member defines a cavity connected to a vacuum source, and one or two heated sheets of material are positioned between the trim frames and mold members which are then closed to clamp peripheral portions of the sheets between the trim frames. The lower heated sheet is vacuum formed into the cavity and the sheets are fused together with heat and pressure to form a part which is then cooled. The mold members shift downwardly as a unit within the trim frames to shear the peripheral portions of the sheets from the part. The trimmed part and peripheral portions are removed after the trim frames and mold members open.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an elongate stiffening element and a rigid shell structure integrated with at least one elongate stiffening element. The method includes providing a preformed, form-stable reinforcement member, which has a hat profile with two inwardly directed, opposing flange portions, covering the reinforcement member with a curable composite material to form an external hat profile having outwardly directed flanges, and integrating this assembly with either a curable or preformed shell structure of composite material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of forming selected portions of integral sheets of material are disclosed. Unformed portions of the sheets may remain undistorted during the forming process, allowing them to contain text, art work, or other desired information without material risk of the information being degraded or becoming unintelligible during the forming process. This result may be accomplished, moreover, with less trim than usually occurs in conventional forming processes.

Abstract: A method for making a honeycomb composite structure wherein the method allows for fluid flow from cells of a honeycomb core during a cure process. More specifically, the method involves forming one or more vents in a skin of the structure, which are preferably filled with venting wicks, to allow for fluid flow before being sealed by the polymer matrix during a skin bonding process. Additionally, the structure preferably comprises a scrim that allows for fluid flow between multiple cells of the honeycomb core. The honeycomb composite structure produced according to this process comprises, among other things, a sealed venting region that comprises a polymer matrix and fibers that are transverse to the skin.

Abstract: Rotary forming drums that have a unique vacuum distribution and control system imparting a vacuum to the insert trays in a region or zone of the drum in a controlled manner. The rotary drum also has insert trays that are forced outward by the movement of follower cam activation upon a roller cam which in turn forces molded articles from the trays quickly, cleanly and efficiently. Once the product is removed from the insert trays internal and external springs return the insert trays to their original position to repeat the process on a continuous basis.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of conforming a blank onto forming surface sections of a forming tool by drawing a first vacuum against an elastic forming medium for transmitting forming forces from the elastic forming medium to the blank. The elastic forming medium is evacuated with the first vacuum for allowing the elastic forming medium to stretch and conform the blank to the forming surface sections. The elastic forming medium includes at least one void. A second vacuum is applied to the void for achieving a stiffened section of the elastic forming medium corresponding with the location of the void and corresponding with, when the elastic forming medium after the completion lies against the forming tool having the blank in between, a forming surface section of the forming tool where the blank requires a forming force being larger than that of surrounding sections of the elastic forming medium.

Abstract: Making a food serving tray assembly includes molding a serving platter and a receptacle platter. The serving platter includes a disposal opening and serving wells for receiving food items. The receptacle platter and serving platter releasably couple to one another in a serving configuration and a transport configuration. An improvement includes the serving platter having an outer peripheral wall having a first height and dividing walls defining and separating the serving wells, each of the dividing walls being approximately equal to the first height. The peripheral wall of the receptacle platter has a third height and a bottom of the receptacle platter defines a plurality of dividers having a fourth height substantially less than the third height. When the serving platter is received within the receptacle platter, each of the dividers aligns with and engages a respective dividing wall such that two wells are isolated and sealed off from one another.

Abstract: A molding process and apparatus suitable for use in molding processes, including rapid prototyping processes and short run production processes. The molding process and apparatus entail the use of a reconfigurable screen tool having a housing defining a manifold cavity and a plurality of substantially parallel pins, each having a head protruding from the housing and a shank protruding into the housing. The heads of the pins define a screen surface through which air is able to flow, for example, through gaps between adjacent heads or through internal passages within the pins. The process further includes axially moving the pins to configure the screen surface, preventing further axial movement of the pins relative to each other, and then drawing a vacuum within the manifold cavity and creating a vacuum at the screen surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing high-melting-tension heat-resistant transparent or opaque sheets, boards, and molds from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The method is characterized in that a mixture of: (1) PET polyester whose melt flow rate (MFR) is 45-130 g/10 minutes (a); (2) coupling agent master batch (f) comprising coupling agent (d) and substrate (e), wherein coupling agent (d) is a mixture of compounds containing 2 epoxy groups (b) and compounds containing 3 or more epoxy groups (c); and (3) catalyst master batch (i) comprising coupling reaction catalyst (g) and substrate (h); is melted in a reaction-extruder to give PET polyester whose MFR is 40 g/10 minutes or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system to manufacture composite material parts comprising a supporting mandrel having at least one compacting zone configured to contain at least one composite material element to be compacted by applying a certain degree of vacuum. The system comprises also at least one compacting equipment comprising a frame having a plurality of interconnected arms along a predetermined perimeter, at least one vacuum bag attached to a side of the frame along its perimeter and configured to compact the element, at least one porous material attached to the vacuum bag along the frame's perimeter and configured to adhere in a removable way to the compacting zone and to impede the air influx during the compacting of element. The invention also relates to a compacting equipment and to a method to manufacture composite material parts.