Abstract: An automated fiber-placement method comprises delivering a first quantity of pulsed energy to first discrete portions of at least one fiber-reinforced tape strip, and delivering a second quantity of pulsed energy to second discrete portions of at least the one fiber-reinforced tape strip, alternating with the first discrete portions. The first quantity of pulsed energy heats the first discrete portions to a first temperature. The second quantity of pulsed energy heats the second discrete portions to a second temperature. The automated fiber-placement method further comprises laying down at least the one fiber-reinforced tape strip against a substrate along a virtual curvilinear path, such that (i) at least the one fiber-reinforced tape strip is centered on the virtual curvilinear path, and (ii) the first discrete portions are transformed into discrete tape-regions, geometrically different from the first discrete portions.

Abstract: The member joining device includes: a tubular unit including a tubular assembly that is fixed, a flange portion whose position in a first central axis direction is fixed with respect to the tubular assembly; a shaft unit that includes a shaft assembly inserted into the tubular assembly in a linearly movable manner, and a protrusion portion whose position in a second central axis direction is fixed with respect to the shaft assembly, wherein the protrusion portion is positioned radially outside the first central axis of the tubular assembly, the protrusion portion faces the flange portion in the central axis direction; a rubber member arranged radially outside the tubular assembly, between the protrusion portion and the flange portion in the central axis direction; and a motion mechanism that moves the shaft unit in the central axis direction with respect to the tubular unit.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a liquid supply component in which a liquid supply path is formed between a first constituent component and a second constituent component that are joined with molten resin. The method includes a first step of preparing these constituent components, a second step of causing the constituent components to face each other and forming an orifice portion and a reservoir portion between a mold and a surface of either of the constituent components, and a third step of pouring the molten resin between the constituent components so that it flows into the reservoir portion through the orifice portion.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a board for a stringed instrument that is used as a top plate or a back plate of an acoustic stringed instrument such as a violin, where the board has a purfling, includes forming, for instance, a groove with a depth that is 20% or more and less than 60% of a thickness of the board for a stringed instrument, filling the groove with a resin in which, for instance, colored particles having a diameter of 3 ?m or more and less than 70 ?m are dispersed and which has a degree of elongation of 20% or more, removing the resin that has flowed out of the groove, and curing the resin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating composite parts. One embodiment is a method that includes selecting a caul plate having a body and a trough disposed at a side of the body which defines a channel that hangs beneath the body, the caul plate further having an opening disposed between the trough and the lower surface to form a fluid pathway for resin within the channel to exit into a preform. The method also includes placing the caul plate atop a preform of dry fiber and aligning the channel with a periphery of the preform, placing resin into the trough, and impregnating the preform with resin from the trough.

Abstract: An automated fiber-placement method comprises delivering a first quantity of pulsed energy to first portions of at least one fiber-reinforced tape strip, and delivering a second quantity of pulsed energy to second portions of at least the one fiber-reinforced tape strip, alternating with the first portions. Each one of the second portions at least partially overlaps two adjacent ones of the first portions such that overlapping regions of the first portions and the second portions have a higher temperature than non-overlapping regions of the first portions and the second portions. The automated fiber-placement method further comprises laying down at least the one fiber-reinforced tape strip against a substrate along a virtual curvilinear path, such that (i) at least the one fiber-reinforced tape strip is centered on the virtual curvilinear path, and (ii) the overlapping regions are transformed into discrete tape-regions, geometrically different from the overlapping regions.

Abstract: A vacuum suction pad capable of making it more difficult to separate a substrate when the substrate is held by vacuum suction, the vacuum suction pad 8 including: a pad main body 37 having a lower surface adhered to a stage 5 of a substrate holder 2; and a plurality of circular arc-shaped substrate holding convexities 38, provided on a top surface of the pad main body 37, for holding a substrate W attracted by vacuum suction to the top surface of the pad main body 37, wherein the substrate holding convexities 38 are arranged concentrically with the circular pad main body 37, and width W1 in a radial direction of the substrate holding convexity 38 located on a radially outer side among the plurality of substrate holding convexities 38 is narrower than width W2 in the radial direction of the substrate holding convexity 38 on a radially inner side.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection mold (4) for manufacturing a rotary part made of a composite material having outer flanges, comprising a mandrel (2) on which a fiber reinforcement is intended to be held (9) and including a central wall (6) the profile of which matches that of the part to be manufactured and two side plates (8), molding wedges (12) for bearing against a non-covered surface of the fiber reinforcement, and two outer bells (14) for covering the molding wedges and the plates of the mandrel with sealing O-rings (24) being inserted between the bells and the plates of the mandrel, the bells each being provided with an attachment flange (20) for bearing against one another with at least one sealing O-ring (26) inserted therebetween, the attachment flanges of the bells being clamped against one another.

Abstract: A chuck table holds under suction a front side of a wafer which includes a device region including a plurality of devices, each having a plurality of electrode bumps, formed in a plurality of areas demarcated in a grid pattern, and an outer peripheral extra region surrounding the device region. The chuck table includes a holding surface for facing the electrode bumps and holding under suction the device region of the wafer, and an outer peripheral extra region support surrounding the holding surface and including an elastic member projecting beyond the holding surface for supporting the outer peripheral extra region of the wafer. The outer peripheral extra region support projects from the holding surface by a distance corresponding to the height of the electrode bumps.

Abstract: A method of molding a charge (12) during the manufacture of a composite part. The method comprises: placing the charge and a diaphragm (4) on a male tool, the charge having a first part (12a) which is positioned above a top of the male tool (2) and a second part (12b, 12c) which projects to one side of the maletool; and progressively deforming the second part of the charge against a side of the male tool by applying a pressure difference across the diaphragm and stretching the diaphragm over the male tool as the pressure difference is applied. The diaphragm has a tensile modulus in the plane of the diaphragm which is greater than 5 MPa. Optionally a support membrane may be positioned on a opposite sides of the charge. In the case where a support membrane is used, then the diaphragm has a stiffness in the planeof the diaphragm which is higher than the stiffness of the support membrane in the plane of the support membrane.

Abstract: A device for moving plate-shaped objects from a removal point, in which the objects are oriented substantially perpendicularly, to a delivery point, in which the objects are oriented substantially horizontally, includes a removal gripper moveable to and fro between the removal and the delivery points by a drive and which is rotated during the movement. The removal gripper is arranged on a lever so as to rotate with respect to the lever, which is pivoted to and fro by a drive. The removal gripper is connected to a shaft mounted rotatably in the lever and on which a wheel is fastened. An elongate, flexible element is placed over the wheel and fixed immovably in the direction of the longitudinal extension thereof. During pivoting of the lever, the wheel rolls on the elongate element. The movement of the gripper is thus superimposed with a rotational movement of the removal gripper.

Abstract: Engineered crosslinked thermoplastic particles are useful for interlaminar toughening of pre-pregs and composite materials.

Abstract: A method for producing a fiber composite component, in particular for aerospace, includes the following method steps: introducing an elastic core sleeve into a prestressing mechanism; expanding the core sleeve that is introduced, for elastic prestressing of the same, by activating the prestressing mechanism; introducing a core body through an opening of the expanded core sleeve; releasing the core sleeve by deactivating the prestressing mechanism, for the snug enclosing of the core body by the core sleeve and thus for the forming of the molding core (14); and at least partly laying at least one semifinished fiber product on the molding core that is formed, for the shaping of the fiber composite component to be produced.

Abstract: A decorative sheet for insert molding prepared by laminating at least a surface protective layer on a support that includes an ABS resin, wherein the support has a flexural modulus of 1500 to 3000 MPa, and a thickness of 100 to 500 ?m; the surface protective layer is obtained by cross-linking and curing an ionizing radiation curable resin composition; and the ionizing radiation curable resin composition has a tensile modulus of more than 100 MPa to less than 1000 MPa and a static frictional coefficient of 1.0 or less on a surface. The decorative sheet for insert molding includes at least a picture layer, a low glossy picture ink layer provided partially and the surface protective layer in this order on the support. The surface protective layer has a thickness of 1 to 30 ?m.

Abstract: A chuck table holds a workpiece having a warp. The chuck table includes a suction holding member having a suction holding surface for holding the workpiece under suction, and an annular seal member provided around the outer circumference of the suction holding member for supporting a peripheral portion of the workpiece. The annular seal member is formed from an elastic member. The upper surface of the annular seal member is set higher in level than the suction holding surface according to the warp of the workpiece. In holding the workpiece on the chuck table under suction, vacuum leaking from the gap between the workpiece and the suction holding surface due to the warp of the workpiece is applied to the space defined by the workpiece and the annular seal member, thereby elastically deforming the annular seal member to flatten the upper surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: An improved thermoplastic material for orthoses and prostheses. This material comprises at least one resin layer of polymeric resin, optionally reinforced with multiple layers or internal fibers, designed to be compatible with vacuum thermoforming, with thickness between 3/64 inches and ¾ inches. The material additionally comprises at least one and optionally two extremely thin cap layers with thickness between 2/1000 and 12/1000 inches, at least one of which is intended for improved compatibility with human skin, and the other of which can be configured for various cosmetic or UV protection purposes. Methods of producing this material, and various orthotic and prosthetic devices using this material, are also taught.

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 and a dry fibre layer of the multilaminar panel forming the second major surface; iii.

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 forming a wind turbine component, the method including forming a segment (10, 12) by impregnating a portion (18, 20) of a fiber reinforcement (50) with a thermoset resin (60) up to a boundary (56), curing the thermoset resin, and leaving unimpregnated fiber reinforcement (22) extending from the boundary. The component may then be assembled by impregnating and joining the unimpregnated fiber reinforcement of two such segments.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a foam having a Poisson's ratio which varies across at least a region of the foam in a gradient distribution involves the steps of: a) providing a housing defining an internal space having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture; b) providing an open-cell foam of a size and shape configured to fit inside the internal space of the housing; c) positioning the foam inside the internal space of the housing; d) establishing a flow of air through the foam via the inlet and outlet apertures; e) heating the foam to a predetermined temperature whilst maintaining the flow of air through the foam; and f) subsequently cooling the foam whilst continuing to maintain the flow of air through the foam. A foam of such a type is also presented.

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 fiber composite component is made by infiltrating and curing at least one textile component preform that is placed on a molding tool surface and covered with an air-tight covering and on which pressure is exerted, in at least one stage of production, by evacuating a vacuum chamber between the molding tool surface and the air-tight covering. The air-tight covering is formed from a resin film.

Abstract: Method embodiments for producing a fiber-reinforced epoxy composite comprise providing a mold defining a shape for a composite, applying a fiber reinforcement over the mold, covering the mold and fiber reinforcement thereon in a vacuum enclosure, performing a vacuum on the vacuum enclosure to produce a pressure gradient, insulating at least a portion of the vacuum enclosure with thermal insulation, infusing the fiber reinforcement with a reactive mixture of uncured epoxy resin and curing agent under vacuum conditions, wherein the reactive mixture of uncured epoxy resin and curing agent generates exothermic heat, and producing the fiber-reinforced epoxy composite having a glass transition temperature of at least about 100° C.

Abstract: Provided is an actuator simultaneously having better deformation response characteristics and larger generative force. The actuator includes a pair of opposing electrodes and an intermediate layer disposed therebetween. The intermediate layer contains at least an electrolyte and includes at least a polymer fiber layer. The polymer fiber layer includes a plurality of polymer fibers crossing each other and intertwined three-dimensionally. The polymer fiber layer has fused portions at intersections of the polymer fibers.

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 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: Methods for nanoimprint lithography using a deformable mold. Generally, the method includes a deformable mold fixed firmly onto a hollow mold holder around its full periphery is attached to top inner surface of the chamber and positioned underneath the transparent section. The central area of the mold is freely accessible from underneath through the opening of the mold holder. At beginning of the imprinting, the substrate with a layer of resist is positioned underneath the mold at a predetermined gap between them and a substrate is moved up to contact with the mold either under vacuum or under atmosphere. After consolidating the resist, the substrate is separated from the mold by either direct pull-down enabled by stage movement or deforming the mold enabled by differential pressure between the mold mini-chamber and the bulk volume of the chamber, or mixing of both.

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.

Abstract: A label applicator that includes an applicator housing having a flow chamber and a suction side. The suction side has one or more openings that allow air to pass therethrough. The label applicator also includes first and second air flow generators that are fluidly coupled with the flow chamber. The first and second air flow generators are configured to generate first and second air flows, respectively, through the flow chamber. The label applicator also includes a valve mechanism that is positioned in the flow chamber to direct the first and second air flows through the flow chamber of the applicator housing. The valve mechanism includes a diverter valve and an electric actuator. The actuator is configured to move the diverter valve within the flow chamber to different positions during a label application operation.

Abstract: Methods for making interior panels are provided. In one example, a method for making an interior panel comprises the steps of heating a fiber reinforced composite blank to form a heated fiber reinforced composite blank. The heated fiber reinforced composite blank is compression molded to shape and cool the heated fiber reinforced composite blank. The heated fiber reinforced composite blank is pierced with a plurality of pins during compression molding to form a shaped, perforated fiber reinforced composite substrate.

Abstract: A bow wave in a composite laminate generated during part consolidation is reduced by transmitting atmospheric pressure loads to a region of the part having low compaction pressure due to bridging of a vacuum bag at an edge of the part.

Abstract: A method is described for producing flame-retardant plastic workpieces, the flame retardant being applied to a material mold and being incorporated into the plastic in a targeted manner via injection molding or extrusion blow-molding.

Abstract: There is disclosed a housing for electronic devices. The housing is assembled from several components (if 2). The components form a continuous closed section gasket channel (4, 9) there between. A suitable fluid is injected into said channel to form a gasket between the components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for producing a hollow porous film, the device comprising a spinning nozzle that discharges/shapes a film-forming resin solution dissolved to at least a hydrophobic polymer to a favorable solvent, a processing vessel that houses a processing gas containing a nonsolvent of the hydrophobic polymer and includes a first opening through which the film-forming resin solution discharged/shaped from the spinning nozzle is introduced, and a second opening from which the film-forming resin solution having come into contact with the gas containing the nonsolvent of the hydrophobic polymer is led, a solidification tank which houses a solidification solution and into which the film-forming resin solution led from the second opening is introduced; and gas elimination means for eliminating the processing gas, which flows out of the first opening, from the vicinity of the spinning nozzle.

Abstract: A method for creating an improved sealing member for use with a vacuum suspension prosthetic device, with the sealing member located along the top edge of a stump socket and made of a pliable material to provide an improved seal between the stump and the socket in order to maintain vacuum levels within the socket and to minimize cutting or tearing of the stump liner.

Abstract: The present invention provides for concentrated aqueous silk fibroin solutions and an all-aqueous mode for preparation of concentrated aqueous fibroin solutions that avoids the use of organic solvents, direct additives, or harsh chemicals. The invention further provides for the use of these solutions in production of materials, e.g., fibers, films, foams, meshes, scaffolds and hydrogels.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an obliquely stretched long film includes an oblique stretching step and a tension application step. In the oblique stretching step, a long film is stretched in an oblique direction with respect to a width direction into a stretched film (F). In the tension application step, while the stretched film (F) is being drawn along a longitudinal direction, a tension in a drawing direction is applied to the stretched film (F). Here, in the tension application step, the tension in the drawing direction of the stretched film (F) is changed in the width direction, and thus the stretched film (F) is drawn.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for creating a viewing screen (3) having an injection overmolded insert (9). Said method includes the steps of: placing an insert (9), to be overmolded, into an injection mold (1); holding the insert (9) by at least one suction nozzle (21) built into the injection mold (1); injecting, into the mold (1), a thermoplastic material for forming a mechanical substrate layer for the viewing screen; and removing the thus-formed viewing screen (3) from the mold.

Abstract: A system for liquid composite moulding includes a first rigid tool part onto which a semi-finished fiber material is positioned, a first vacuum foil arrangeable on the first rigid tool part to provide a first gastight chamber therebetween having a first port, a second vacuum foil and the first vacuum foil providing a second gastight chamber, and granulated material arranged in the second gastight chamber. The semi-finished fiber material is infusible with a matrix material via the first port. A second port is provided at the second gastight chamber for applying a negative pressure thereto. Therein, the granulated material is adapted for forming a second rigid tool part when negative pressure is applied to the second port. I.e. the first vacuum foil, the second vacuum foil and the granulated material function similarly to a vacuum mattress and may be stiffened and collapsed.

Abstract: A breather for vacuum bag processing of a part comprises a sleeve of resilient material placed around the part.

Abstract: A retrofitably-attachable pre-formed shell covers exposed steel areas of existing stamped chrome or painted truck bumpers, providing a unique re-useable decorative/protective plastic shell cover, the edges of which are tucked under the existing trim pieces of the bumper as a main attachment mechanism. The formed shells can be used to cover existing minor damage on the bumper. Light-passing images can be incorporated on the bumper shells, and backlit without changes to the bumper or deviation from the original surface profile of the bumper.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for producing a moulded part from a composite material comprising a mixture of reinforcement fibres (2) and a resin (3), said device (1) comprising: a mould (4) wherein a recess (5) is provided, configured for the arrangement of the fibres (2); a counter-mould (6) which is provided with at least one channel (9) for introducing the resin (3) into the recess (5), and which is intended to rest against the mould (4) in order to close the recess (5); means for positioning and securing the counter-mould (6) on the mould (4); at least one means (7) for depressurising the recess (5) the mould (4) and the counter-mould (6) comprising respective support areas surrounding the recess (5), which comprise two seals delimiting a dosing chamber (22). The invention also concerns a method for producing a moulded part from a composite material implementing the device (1).

Abstract: The invention is a chair or seat in general, comprising at least one hull (P) obtained through injection moulding or injection-compression moulding of the plastic material (P1) in moulds (S) having the shape of said hull (P) to be obtained, and wherein said layer of covering material (M) has been positioned so that it adheres to part of said mould (5) before the injection of the plastic material (P1), so that said layer of covering material (M) is visible and adheres to the surface of said plastic hull (P) or part directly moulded on the covering layer (M).

Abstract: A vacuum bag assembly is used to process the composite part. The vacuum bag assembly includes a stretchable vacuum bag attached to a stretchable breather.

Abstract: A resin laminate manufacturing method includes providing a pair of split mold blocks one of which has a cavity provided with a plurality of protrusions extending toward the other mold block, preparing two molten thermoplastic resin sheets each having an adjusted thickness, feeding the two molten thermoplastic resin sheets between the pair of split mold blocks with a predetermined gap left therebetween, forming a hermetic space between one of the sheets and the cavity of the one mold block opposed to an outer surface of the one sheet, sucking air in the hermetic space from the side of the one mold block, pressing the outer surface of the one sheet against the cavity of the one mold block to shape the one sheet, forming cup-shaped portions, and clamping the pair of mold blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating an organic light emitting display panel is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes i) a first roll around which a film is wound to be continuously drawn, ii) a second roll arranged to face the first roll and around which the film is continuously wound, iii) a plurality of chambers disposed between the first and second rolls and through which the film passes, and in which laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) is performed on a substrate by forming a transfer layer on the film, and iv) a gate unit installed at least one of the chambers and disposed at at least one of a film inlet and a film output of the chambers that are installed, to maintain a substantially vacuum state in the chambers during passing of the film.

Abstract: A pressure maintaining device for a resin injecting system, including a first chamber that can be connected to a pressurizing device and is able to be connected to a vacuum generating device; a second chamber that can be connected to a resin injection network of the injection system by a resin injection pipe and a resin outlet pipe, the first chamber and the second chamber being arranged so that the one is unable to leak into the other; a flexible body able to transmit pressurizing of the first chamber to the second chamber so as to apply pressure to the injection network of the injection system; a perforated rigid plate able to limit the deformation of the flexible body when the vacuum is created in the first chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image formation method comprising, in sequence, an image layer formation step of forming an image layer by discharging at least one radiation curable inkjet colored ink composition onto a recording medium, and a clear layer formation step of forming a clear layer by discharging a radiation curable inkjet clear ink composition onto the image layer, the radiation curable inkjet colored ink composition comprising a monofunctional polymerizable compound in an amount of at least 50 mass % of polymerizable compounds, the radiation curable inkjet clear ink composition comprising a polyfunctional polymerizable compound in an amount of at least 50 mass % of the polymerizable compounds, and in the clear layer formation step the radiation curable inkjet clear ink composition being dispersed above the image layer to thus form a non-continuous clear layer.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing complex, three-dimensional textile structures is disclosed. These textile structures may be large and heavy and difficult to maneuver without damaging them. The method enables various types of joints to be constructed between textile panels plus the application of patches and details onto the surface of these panels. The method minimizes handling and damage to the textile material. The method also reduces the manpower required during the manufacturing process, thus minimizing manufacturing time and cost.

Abstract: A composite fibre component for a rotor blade of a wind power plant having a first surface, shaped in a predefined fashion, on a first side of the composite fibre component. The composite fibre component is developed such that the composite fibre component has a second surface, shaped in a predefined fashion, for connecting to a further component for the rotor blade on at least one partial area of a second side, facing away from the first side, of the composite fibre component. A manufacturing device for manufacturing a composite fibre component for a rotor blade of a wind power plant by using a vacuum infusion method, and to a method for manufacturing a composite fibre component for a rotor blade of a wind power plant by using a vacuum infusion method.