Abstract: To fabricate a composite item from a layup of composite material, the layup is degassed, debulked, and cured. To degas the layup, an envelope pressure within an envelope that includes the layup is reduced, a chamber pressure within a chamber that includes the envelope is reduced, and the layup is heated. To debulk the layup, the chamber pressure is increased relative to the envelope pressure so that the envelope exerts a compressive force upon the layup in response to the relatively higher chamber pressure as compared to the envelope pressure. To cure the layup, the layup is exposed to radiation.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a micro-retarder and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The system for manufacturing a micro-retarder includes a carrying device, a heating device and a movement control device. The carrying device is used for carrying a polymolecule film. The polymolecule film is selected from a polymolecule film having an arrangement direction. The heating device is used for providing a heating source. The energy formed in the central area of the heating source is smaller than that in the peripheral area of the heating source. The movement control device is used for controlling the heating source and the polymolecule film to relatively move along a first direction, so that the adjusted heating source heats at least one partial area of the polymolecule film along the first direction and resumes the partial area of the polymolecule film to be non-directional.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a micro-retarder and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The system for manufacturing a micro-retarder includes a carrying device, a heating device and a movement control device. The carrying device is used for carrying a polymolecule film. The polymolecule film is selected from a polymolecule film having an arrangement direction. The heating device is used for providing a heating source. The energy formed in the central area of the heating source is smaller than that in the peripheral area of the heating source. The movement control device is used for controlling the heating source and the polymolecule film to relatively move along a first direction, so that the adjusted heating source heats at least one partial area of the polymolecule film along the first direction and resumes the partial area of the polymolecule film to be non-directional.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of heating a preform (50) of thermoplastic material prior to blow molding the same to form a container, with the preform (50) being held at a threaded region (58) during heating thereof. A neck portion (48) of the preform (50) close to the threaded region (58) is temporarily heated more strongly as compared to other regions. The invention further relates to a tempering device for heating such a preform (50), including at least one radiation and/or heat source acting on the preform (50) and defining several impact regions on the preform (50) with different heating intensities each. The preform (50) has associated therewith at least one reflector (52) disposed in the threaded (58) and/or neck region (48) for deflecting radiation proportions piercing the neck region (48) and for heating the neck region (48) on an inside of the preform (50).

Abstract: The process of producing a dual damascene structure used for the interconnect architecture of semiconductor chips. More specifically the use of imprint lithography to fabricate dual damascene structures in a dielectric and the fabrication of dual damascene structured molds.

Abstract: A device (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layer-wise solidification of a building material at positions in the respective layers that correspond to the object is provided. The device has a machine frame (2, 3, 4, 5) and support legs (51) that are mounted at the machine frame and by which the device (1) is supported on a substrate. The support legs (51) are arranged such that a three-point support of the device (1) at the substrate is given and at least two support legs (51) are mounted at the machine frame such that they are adjustable in height.

Abstract: A processing method for transferring a relief pattern of a mold to a resist includes the steps of compressing the mold having the relief pattern against the resist on a substrate, irradiating an exposure light onto the resist through the mold, vibrating the mold and the substrate relative to each other during the irradiating step, and releasing the mold from the resist.

Abstract: There is provided an optical modeling apparatus that forms a model of a desired shape by sequentially forming hardened layers by irradiating a light-curable resin with light. The apparatus includes a first light source that emits a light beam for plotting on the resin, a scanning device that scans the light beam from the first light source over the resin, a second light source that emits light that irradiates one fixed region of the resin at a time, and a spatial light modulator that spatially modulates the light from the second light source to blanket-expose a specified region of the resin. The light beam from the scanning device and the light from the spatial light modulator form each hardened layer.

Abstract: A printing system for creating a three-dimensional object. The printing system includes a plurality of printheads including a first printhead configured to print a first material and a second printhead configured to print a second material. The system includes one or more curing mechanisms for curing the printed materials. The system includes at least one object incorporation device configured to incorporate a non-printed object into the three-dimensional object when partially complete. At least one printhead is configured to print one or more electrical connections to the incorporated object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the generative production of a shaped body (27) of material (5, 55) solidifiable under the effect of electromagnetic radiation, in particular a green compact for dental restoration, by means of a multiplicity of exposure steps (1001, 1002, 1003, 1004), characterized in that a new layer of material (5, 55) solidifiable under the effect of electromagnetic radiation, having a layer thickness which is less than or equal to half the penetration depth of the electromagnetic radiation into the solidifiable material (5, 55), is provided before an exposure step (1001, 1002, 1003, 1004), the layer provided is exposed in the exposure step (1001, 1002, 1003, 1004) only in a subregion (2001, 3001) of the shaped body layer to be formed, and a layer provided before a preceding exposure step, on which the new layer has been provided, being solidified together with the new layer in the exposed subregion (2001, 3001), and the exposed subregion (2001, 3001) is varied between the exp

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed a system for curing a resin in a composite structure having one or more interconnected cure volumes, the cure volumes having one or more heatable surface zones. The system comprises a mould comprising a mould base portion adapted to support the composite structure and a mould closure portion adapted to overlie the mould base portion in sealable relation to define a mould chamber containing the composite structure within. The system further comprises a plurality of heating units each selectively positionable about the mould. The heating units transmit heat to the mould by radiation, and the mould heats the one or more surface zones of the cure volumes.

Abstract: Provided is a solid rocket motor (SRM) insulation, wherein carbon nano fibers (CNF) are blended into a polyurethane matrix so as to disperse the CNF in the polymer. The so blended material is then extruded, injection molded or sprayed on or into the desired shape. Such SRM insulation has reduced ablation over prior art insulations, resulting in reduction in weight of the insulation needed in such rockets, permitting increase of payload therein.

Abstract: A nano-imprint mold and a method of manufacturing the same are provided, which can be used for replicating a nano-scaled structure to a polymer layer. The nano-imprint mold comprises: a substrate; a pattern portion having a prominence and depression pattern formed on the substrate; a hard layer formed of a material with a hardness higher than the pattern portion on a surface of the pattern portion; and a separation layer formed on a surface of the hard layer. In the nano-imprint mold of the present invention, an original pattern can be uniformly replicated even on a substrate with an irregular surface. Further, the pattern can be prevented from being damaged by pressure and being contaminated by synthetic resin, resulting in better accuracy and durability of the pattern.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a rigid temporary support used for supporting inorganic substrates during processing includes providing an inorganic substrate comprising a first surface to be processed and a second surface opposite to the first surface. Next, applying a liquid layer to the second surface of the inorganic substrate and then curing the applied liquid layer and thereby forming a rigid temporary support attached to the second surface of the inorganic substrate. Next, processing the first surface of the inorganic substrate while supporting the inorganic substrate upon the rigid temporary support. The curing includes first exposing the applied liquid layer to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and then performing a post exposure bake (PEB) at a temperature sufficient to complete the curing of the applied liquid layer and to promote outgassing of substances.

Abstract: An economical, low-effort method and device for producing annular, rotationally symmetrical workpieces, rings or cores for dies of metal and/or ceramic powder or for pressing powder or massive forming of workpieces or components of metal with different qualities. A beam core or shaft-shaped element having at least one beam core is clamped into a rotatable clamping device and rotated. The beam core is made of temperature-resistant material and has at least one segment with an outer diameter corresponding to or smaller than the inner diameter of the workpieces. Metal and/or ceramic powder is fused onto the jacket surface of the beam core at a defined distance from the clamping fixture by a laser and applied in layers until a final wall thickness of the workpiece blank. After cooling, the beam core is partially or completely removed from the blank which is machined on inner and/or outer sides to final dimensions.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for transferring a relief pattern on a mold to a resist on a substrate through a compression of the mold against the resist, includes a supplier for supplying the resist between the substrate and the mold, and an illumination optical system for illuminating ultraviolet light onto the resist via the mold so as to cure the resist.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming ultrafine particles, including: a light source generating a laser beam to be irradiated at an organic substance; at least one microflow channel capable of passing therethrough a suspension containing the organic substance; and a flow device for allowing the suspension containing the organic substance to continuously or intermittently pass through the microflow channel, the organic substance present in the microflow channel being irradiated with the laser beam at least once within a predetermined period, thereby forming ultrafine particles of the organic substance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stretchable filament of silicone elastomer (10) comprising the steps of extruding a length of uncured silicone elastomer (10) and curing the uncured silicone elastomer (10) or allowing the uncured silicone elastomer (10) to cure to form a solid filament.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method and an apparatus for an optical sheet placed in a backlight assembly. The optical sheet produced by the manufacturing method and apparatus has pluralities of first microstructures on the surface of the optical sheet. The optical sheet is mainly made of cured photo resin, for instance: ultraviolet glue. The optical sheet has higher performance and lower cost. Furthermore, the manufacturing method and the apparatus can produce the optical sheet more efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique capable of manufacturing a resin stamper at a low cost. A method of manufacturing a plate-shaped resin stamper includes: pressing a resin composite base material against a mother stamper having a pattern formed on the surface thereof by compression molding to transfer the pattern of the mother stamper to the composite base material; and punching the composite base material. In the manufacturing method, the resin composite base material includes at least one curing resin. In addition, during the compression molding, a portion of the composite base material is cured by active energy beams or heat, the pattern is transferred to the composite base material, and the composite base material is punched, thereby manufacturing the resin stamper.

Abstract: An industrial fabric such as an endless belt or sleeve for use in the production of nonwovens, and a method of making thereof are disclosed. The fabric includes a plurality of through voids, where each of the voids has a first opening associated with a top surface of the fabric and a first raised edge circumferentially adjacent to the first opening. The voids may each further include a second opening associated with a bottom surface of the fabric and a second raised edge circumferentially adjacent to the second opening, such that the first opening may have a surface area that is larger than or the same as the second opening.

Abstract: Provided is a dual-side imprinting lithography system that includes a medium supporting unit that supports a medium wherein both surfaces of the medium are coated with a ultraviolet (UV) hardening resin; a first mold supporting unit and a second mold supporting unit that respectively support a first mold and a second mold, disposed respectively above the medium supporting unit and under the medium supporting unit; a vertical moving device that moves vertically at least one of the medium supporting unit, the first mold supporting unit, and the second mold supporting unit; a first UV radiating device that is installed above the first mold supporting unit to radiate UV rays; and a second UV radiating device that is installed under the second mold supporting unit to radiate UV rays.

Abstract: A method and device for heating at least one blank which is used to produce a container, such as a bottle, from a thermoplastic material, particularly PET, by means of blow molding or stretch blow molding. The blank is disposed between two opposing lateral walls which are positioned at a distance from one another. One of the walls supports several radiation sources which are disposed one above the other opposite the body of the blank. The space between the two lateral walls is closed at least partially beyond and close to the base of the blank. At least part of the radiation emitted beyond the base of the blank is reflected in the direction of the body of the blank. In this way, losses due to lost radiation are limited.

Abstract: A system and method (10) for heating objects (O) during a thermal treatment process in a production line (P) is described. The system (10) comprises a transport system (11), a minor arrangement (201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206) comprising a first mirror surface (21, 21?, 21?) and a second minor surface (22, 22?, 22?) arranged at opposite sides, so that the objects (O) may be transported between the minor surfaces (21, 22, 21?, 22?, 21?, 22?) along the production line and a radiation device (30) comprising a number of lasers for generating light (L).

Abstract: The object of this invention is to make possible the manufacturing of sheath-core type super microfilaments from sheath-core type filaments such as hollow filaments, optical filaments and conjugate filaments continuously and stably by a simple and convenient means without requiring any apparatus of high-accuracy and high-level, characterized in that original filaments delivered from sheath-core type filament supply means are heated by infrared beams and the heated sheath-core type filaments are drawn at 100 times or more by a tension provided by the own weight or under a tension of 1 MPa or less.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating plastic receptacles includes a transport device which transports the receptacles along a predetermined transport path and at least one heating device for heating the plastic receptacles. The heating device includes at least one radiation source which directs radiation at the plastic receptacles and at least one first reflector element which reflects radiation emitted from the radiation source. The apparatus includes a proportional reflection device which transmits radiation emitted by the radiation source with wavelengths in a first predetermined wavelength range onto the receptacle and reflects radiation with wavelengths in a second predetermined wavelength range onto the radiation source.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for transferring a relief pattern on a mold to a resist on a substrate through a compression of the mold against the resist, and an irradiation of light for exposing the resist onto the resist includes a mold chuck for holding the mold and for compressing the mold against the resist, and a deformation reducing part for reducing a deformation of the mold when the mold chuck applies a compression force to the mold.

Abstract: A system is provided for forming solid ink sticks comprising a molten ink delivery station for introducing molten ink material into a forming tub to form a solid ink stick. The forming tub includes an open top for receiving the molten ink material and a cavity defining a lower portion of a solid ink stick shape. The system includes a top surface conditioning station for altering the top surface of the ink material introduced into the cavity of the forming tub.

Abstract: A fine-structure transfer method in which a fine-featured pattern formed on one of the two surfaces of a stamper is pressed against a coating of a resist on one of the two surfaces of a transfer element so as to transfer the fine-featured pattern to the resist coating, wherein the atmosphere in the space between the stamper and the transfer element is replaced by the vapor of the resist before the stamper is pressed against the transfer element. Also disclosed is a fine-structure transfer apparatus having at least a stamper and a stage on which to place a transfer element having a coating of a resist, further having a device for heating the resist coating to be vaporized or a device for supplying the vapor of the resist into the space between the stamper and the transfer element.

Abstract: A method for removing and modifying a protrusion by using a short pulse laser is provided for modifying a color filter. In a color filter modifying method, a transparent substrate (2) is scanned with a beam in a parallel direction, while irradiating a protrusion (8) generated on the color filters (3-1, 3-2, 3-3) formed on a transparent substrate (2) with a beam collected by a high NA condensing lens (18), and a protrusion (8) is removed or modified.

Abstract: Systems and methods of manufacturing ophthalmic lenses, for example, soft, extended wear silicone hydrogel contact lenses, are provided. The systems generally include a housing having an illuminated chamber, a carrier, for example a tray, movable in the illuminated chamber from an inlet portion to an outlet portion of the housing, and the tray configured to carry a plurality of contact lens molds. Polymerizing light energy is provided, for example, by multiple fluorescent lamps, to the molds at an intensity effective to at least initiate polymerization of a monomer composition located in each of the molds. The light may be illuminated onto two opposing sides of each mold. In some cases, the intensity of the light provided to one side of the mold may be different to the light intensity provided to the opposing side of the mold. In addition, the system may include features that are effective to provide for an instantaneous start and an instantaneous end to the light induced cure of the monomer in the molds.

Abstract: A fabricating method of a color filter array substrate includes the steps of forming a black matrix on a substrate, forming red, green, blue color filters on the substrate on which the black matrix is formed, forming an overcoat layer including a white color filter on the substrate on which the red, green, and blue color filters are formed, aligning a flat panel soft mold to the overcoat layer; and smoothing the overcoat layer using the flat panel soft mold.

Abstract: An improved stereolithography apparatus for forming three-dimensional objects using multiple chambered resin vats and a quick disconnect mounting system to permit concurrent use of multiple photopolymer build materials and easy change over of resin vats is disclosed. The apparatus permits easy change over from multiple chambered vat use to single chamber vat use and vice versa or change over between multiple chambered vats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional molding device for producing a three-dimensional molded object. The three-dimensional molding device comprises a receptacle for retaining a light-curing resin, a light source for irradiating light to cure the light-curing resin retained inside the receptacle, wherein the three-dimensional molded object is produced by curing the light-curing resin, and a flexible three-dimensional molded object holding plate, which adheres to the light-curing resin and holds the three-dimensional molded object when the resin in the receptacle is cured.

Abstract: A contact planarization apparatus includes a lower membrane assembly, an upper membrane assembly, a differential pressure assembly, and a curing or reflowing assembly. The lower membrane assembly supports a substrate to be planarized and biases it toward the upper membrane assembly under the influence of the pressure differential assembly. The upper membrane assembly planarizes the coating on the substrate under the influence of the differential pressure assembly and includes a flexible sheet which is supported above the substrate stage and below the curing or reflowing assembly via a vacuum force applied by the differential pressure assembly. The differential pressure assembly moves the lower and upper membrane assemblies relative to one another to planarize the coating on the substrate entirely through the application of vacuum and pressure forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for pattern formation and an apparatus for pattern formation, the method comprising: applying, between partition lines for pattern formation formed on a surface of a base member, a resin composition for pattern formation having small compatibility or substantially no compatibility with a resin forming the partition lines for pattern formation, in a state in which the surface of the base member with the partition lines for pattern formation formed whereon is placed face down; maintaining the state in which the resin composition for pattern formation is held on the surface of the base member that is placed face down in order to form the resin composition for pattern formation applied between the partition lines for pattern formation into a downward convex shape; and curing the resin composition for pattern formation that is formed into the downward convex shape in order to form a pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transferring structural information into a functional layer, the functional layer being provided on a support layer in a first step. In a second step, energy is transferred locally through the support layer into the functional layer, so as to cause a modification of the physical and/or chemical properties of the functional layer in the region of this zone. The invention furthermore relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Solid imaging apparatus and methods for use are disclosed that reduce the amount of uncured solid imaging build material remaining on a completed build object following the completion of the solid imaging build process. The amount of uncured build material is reduced through the use of either an uncoating web that removes excess build material from the build object during the course of the building process or an ink jet source of build material that uses only as much build material as is necessary for the fabrication of the build part. Also disclosed is an imager assembly for use with such a solid imaging apparatus that incorporates two or more individual imagers in an array and accounts for variations in the intensity and alignment of adjacent imagers. The apparatus can be modified for semi-continuous operation and for integrating into a manufacturing operation, if desired.

Abstract: An optical shaping apparatus includes a light transmissive member, a shaping base, and a movement mechanism. The light transmissive member includes a regulation surface to regulate a liquid level of a photo-curable resin, and causes light used for curing the photo-curable resin to pass therethrough. The shaping base includes a support surface, a first end portion, and a second end portion, the support surface being opposed to the regulation surface and supporting a three-dimensionally shaped object that is formed by laminating the photo-curable resins cured by the light in a stepwise manner, the second end portion being on an opposite side of the first end portion. The movement mechanism moves the shaping base in a direction away from the light transmissive member so that the support surface is gradually moved away from the regulation surface from the first end portion side to the second end portion side.

Abstract: An imprint mold including a substrate of transparent material having a first principal surface having a pattern region and a second principal surface; a first light shielding film provided on the first principal surface, along a periphery of the pattern region; and a second light shielding film provided on the second principal surface, having an opening including an opposite region to the pattern region, a part of the second light shielding film opposite to the first light shielding film. In a cross section perpendicular to the substrate, the maximum incident angle of the light for curing a transfer layer to the second principal surface is less than an angle between a perpendicular line of the second principal surface and a line connecting an end of the second light shielding film on a side of the opening and a farthest end of the first light shielding film from the pattern region.

Abstract: There is provided an optical modeling apparatus that forms a model of a desired shape by sequentially forming hardened layers by irradiating a light curable resin with light. The apparatus includes a first light source that emits a light beam for plotting on the resin, a scanning device that scans the light beam from the first light source over the resin, a second light source that emits light that irradiates one fixed region of the resin at a time, a spatial light modulator that spatially modulates the light from the second light source and blanket-exposes a specified region of the resin, and an exposure position adjuster that moves, in at least one direction, the light from the spatial light modulator. The light beam from the scanning device and the light from the spatial light modulator form each hardened layer.

Abstract: In a mold for use in the production of a silica crucible, a mold cover corresponding to a small-diameter thinned portion of an upper part of the silica crucible is detachably disposed on a mold substrate corresponding to a main body of the silica crucible, and the mold cover has a barrier function against arc heating, and an inner diameter of the mold cover is smaller than that of the mold substrate but larger than that of the silica crucible.

Abstract: A laser scanning optical system converts a plurality of beams emitted from the laser diode (LD) into parallel light using a collimator lens, shapes the parallel light using an aperture, and executes exposure of a plurality of lines simultaneously on a photoreceptor drum. To cause a necessary emitting point interval d determined uniquely from the magnification of the optical system to coincide with an emitting point interval of the LD used, the LD is rotated by an angle ? against the main optical axis plane thereof. In this case, a converting device that converts the aspect ratio of a profile of the light beam emitted from the LD is provided. A conversion characteristic of the converting device is adjusted such that the characteristic is matched with a condition within a predetermined region following a characteristic of the optical system.

Abstract: A process for establishing manufacturing parameters includes computer simulating a manufacture of a laser-sintered part based on a set of manufacturing parameters, calculating a set of physical properties of the simulated manufacture, and modifying the set of manufacturing parameters based on the calculated set in order to obtain a desired set of physical properties.

Abstract: Electromagnetic waves radiated when a formed polyester film 18 is longitudinally drawn while one surface of the front and rear surfaces of the polyester film 18 is being heated by a radiant heater 30, are composed of such a wavelength band that a thermal energy of 20% or more and 50% or less of the total thermal energy radiated onto the one surface of the polyester film 18 can transmit from the one surface to the other surface. Thereby, even in the case where the film is longitudinally drawn while one surface of the film is being heated in the longitudinal drawing step, a curl is not easily generated in the film.

Abstract: The present invention includes a template for patterning liquids disposed on a substrate. The template includes a body having opposed first and second surfaces with one surface having at least one recess and the other surface having a patterning region. In one embodiment, the template may be mounted to a fluid chamber having an inlet and a throughway. The template may be connected to the throughway and the inlet is connected to a fluid source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is present for manufacturing parts. A powder material is comprised of a polymer that is semi-crystalline. The powder material has an overlap between a melting temperature range and a crystallization temperature range. The powder material also has a size particular distribution that is substantially a Gaussian distribution, a particle shape that is substantially spherical, and a desired melt flow rate that is less than a temperature at which the powder material begins to chemically break down. The powder material is selected to form a selected powder material. A part is manufactured using an energy delivery system and the selected powder material.

Abstract: An imprint lithography template may be used to form an imprinted layer in a light curable liquid disposed on a substrate. During use, the template may be disposed within a template holder. The template holder may include a body with an opening configured to receive the template, a support plate, and an actuator system coupled to the body. The actuator system may be configured to alter a physical dimension of the template during use.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing three-dimensional objects (3) layer by layer using a powdery material (5) which can be solidified by irradiating it with a high-energy beam.

Abstract: There is provided a laser beam processing method in which generation of foreign substances from cut can be suppressed and contamination of a surface of a work can be decreased when performing the processing method using a laser beam on the work made of a polymer material, and a laser processed product. Further, the present invention is to provide a laser beam processing apparatus that is used in the laser beam processing method. The present invention relates to a laser beam processing method for processing the work made of a polymer material using a laser beam, wherein the work is irradiated with a laser beam in a state that the optical axis of the laser beam is tilted in the advancing direction of processing by a prescribed angle with respect to the vertical direction of the work.