Abstract: A molding device may comprise a mold, a plate, and a ring. The mold may comprise: a lower surface; an upper surface parallel to the lower surface; a hole defined in a part of the upper surface; and a through hole extending from a bottom surface of the hole to the lower surface of the mold. The plate may comprise a surface with a gas outlet defined therein. The ring may be arranged between the lower surface of the mold and the surface of the plate and connecting the mold and the plate. The ring may surround the through hole exposed on the lower surface of the mold and the gas outlet exposed on the surface of the plate. In a region where the ring is not arranged, a space may be defined between the lower surface of the mold and the surface of the plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cutting geometry running in the circumferential direction, in particular for producing a locking ring, in a shell of a closure cap for a container, comprising the steps of providing the closure cap and transporting the closure cap by means of a transport device along a transport path. The closure cap is fed to a machining section of the transport path, in which machining section a stationary cutter having a cutting blade extending along a cutting section is arranged, and a cutting process is carried out in the machining section by rolling of the shell on the cutting blade of the stationary cutter to produce the cutting geometry.

Abstract: A pressure forming machine is provided. In one embodiment, the pressure forming machine integrates a heater in its pressure chamber, so the heater and pressure chamber are movable together with respect to a base of the pressure forming machine. The pressure chamber and base can contain locking mechanisms to create a seal between the pressure chamber and a plastic sheet used for forming. The base can also contain a separable air compressor component, so the air compressor can be physically distanced to reduce the noise experienced by a user. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A station for heating thermoplastic sheet-like blanks for a thermoforming line includes a heating carousel which can rotate continuously about a central axis and which has a number of heating heads radially spaced apart from the central axis. Each heating head is adapted to receive at least one respective thermoplastic sheet-like blank at a first peripheral region which is outside the carousel, to retain the at least one blank during the rotation of the carousel while supplying heat to it, and to release the at least one blank to a second peripheral region which is outside the carousel and is angularly spaced apart from the first region.

Abstract: A carrier film set configured to apply a number of stiffener assemblies to a layup mandrel, the carrier film set comprising: a number of alignment features configured to align the carrier film set relative to the layup mandrel; and a number of indexing features configured to index the number of stiffener assemblies onto the carrier film set.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade body, the method comprising the steps of: providing a mould (40) having a mould surface (43) for forming a first blade body having a first length, the mould having a mould root end and a mould tip end (42); placing a removable insert (50) on the mould surface towards the mould tip end to form a modified mould surface for forming a second blade body having a second length which is less than the first length; and forming the second blade body on the modified mould surface.

Abstract: A mold tool is provided that includes plural mold sub-volumes configured to receive a sealant, a mold channel in fluid communication with the mold sub-volumes, a sealant injection port in fluid communication with the mold channel, vacuum application ports in fluid communication with the mold sub-volumes, and an air control system. The air control system is operably coupled to the mold sub-volumes and the mold channel, and is configured to apply a vacuum to the mold sub-volumes via the vacuum application ports.

Abstract: A tensioning system that can be used with a heater blanket and a vacuum bag for heating a workpiece can include a tensioner including at least one flexible rod. The tensioner can further include an end cap positioned on one or both ends of the flexible rod. The tensioner can be inserted through one or more sleeves attached to the vacuum bag, and each end of the flexible rod can be positioned within a pocket and thereby attached to the vacuum bag. In one implementation, the flexible rod can be rotated relative to the one or more end caps to decrease or increase a length of the tensioner, and the length of the tensioner is thereby adjustable. The tension applied to the vacuum bag can mitigate sealing of a seal of the vacuum bag with a layup mandrel.

Abstract: An aligner fabrication system combines design data and material to form a plurality of dental molds with which a plurality of aligners are formed. The aligner fabrication system includes a build assembly that defines a build surface on which the dental molds are formed. The build assembly is constructed of a plurality of individual build platforms that are removably coupled together. Each individual build platform is associated with an identification entity. The dental molds are formed on the build surface. One dental mold is formed on one individual build platform. The design data associated with the one dental mold is linkable to the identification entity on the one individual build platform.

Abstract: A monolithic airflow testing mold suitable for mating with a workpiece includes a platform portion formed from a first material having a first hardness. The mold further includes a workpiece mating portion surrounding by the platform portion. The mating portion includes a support region abutting the platform portion and formed from a second material having a second hardness, and a sealing surface positioned above the support region and formed from a third material having a third hardness. The sealing surface is configured to mate with and extend into a hollow portion of the workpiece. The first hardness is different from at least one of the second and third hardnesses.

Abstract: A method for improving surface accuracy of an optical component comprises: positioning a first surface of the optical component against a reference surface of a reference member; urging together the reference member and the optical component; adhering a second surface of the optical component to a first surface of a support member; and separating the reference member from the optical component while leaving the optical component adhered to the support member. Urging together the reference member and the optical component substantially conforms the surface accuracy of the first surface of the optical component to the surface accuracy of the reference surface of the reference member. Adhering the optical component to the support member and then separating the reference member from the optical component leaves the surface accuracy of the first surface of the optical component substantially in conformance with the surface accuracy of the first surface of the reference member.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to forming shaped thermoplastic articles having smooth peripheries. Many thermoplastic articles have sharp edges formed upon molding or cutting the article from a feedstock sheet. Such sharp edges can damage thin plastic films or flesh which they contact, and smoothing the edges is desirable. Described herein are methods of forming a smooth periphery for such sharp-edged articles by rolling over the sharp edge. The smoothing operation is performed by forming a deflectable flange including a bend region separated from the potentially sharp peripheral edge by a spacer, deflecting a portion of the deflectable flange, and softening at least one bent portion of the deflectable flange to yield a smooth periphery upon cooling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising transporting a conduit and a template through a guide tube; the template being disposed on an outer surface of the conduit between the conduit and the guide tube; and transferring a texture from the template to the conduit as the conduit and the template are transported through the guide tube. Disclosed herein too is an apparatus comprising a guide tube; the guide tube being operative to facilitate a transfer of a pattern from a template to a conduit; a first feed spool and a first take-up spool for feeding the conduit through the guide tube and for taking up the conduit after it has travelled through the guide tube respectively; and a second feed spool and a second take-up spool for feeding the template through the guide tube and for taking up the template after it has travelled through the guide tube respectively.

Abstract: A tailgate on a vehicle and a method of forming a tailgate for a vehicle includes a tailgate frame, a tailgate liner secured to the tailgate frame and a tailgate liner insert fixedly secured to the tailgate liner. The tailgate liner is formed of a first material and the tailgate liner insert is formed of a second material that is different from the first material. The tailgate liner insert is adapted to be accommodated within an insert aperture defined in the tailgate liner. The tailgate liner insert having an integrally molded feature.

Abstract: An arrangement for reinforcing a fiber composite component for the aviation and aerospace industry, in which a reinforcing element having a receiving region and a pressure element adapted to the receiving region geometry are provided. The pressure element is inserted into the reinforcing element receiving region. The reinforcing element and the inserted pressure element are fastened relative to one another in a reproducible manner by a reversible fastening device. The fastening device includes a first fastening portion mounted on the pressure element and a second fastening portion which can be mounted on the reinforcing element. The reinforcing element, together with the pressure element fastened thereto, is then applied in a reproducible manner to the fiber composite component cured to connect the reinforcing element to the fiber composite component. The reversible fastening device and the pressure element are then removed from the reinforced fiber composite component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cover sheet supply apparatus having variable clamps for a thermoforming machine. The apparatus includes a support frame (100); longitudinal guides (200) which are disposed in the support frame and each of which includes a longitudinal rail (210) and a longitudinal fixed unit (220); lateral guides (300) which are disposed in the support frame on opposite sides of the longitudinal guides, and each of which includes a lateral rail (310) and a lateral fixed unit (320); longitudinal movable clamps (230) which are installed on each longitudinal rail and are connected to each other by a longitudinal link (400); lateral movable clamps (330) which are installed on each lateral rail and are connected to each other by a lateral link (500); a lateral moving means (600) which moves the longitudinal guides in the lateral direction; and a longitudinal moving means (700) which moves the lateral guides in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus of preparing a molded article, and more particularly to a method and apparatus of automated molding using male molds and thermoplastic sheets in which the thermoplastic sheets are systematically draped across the mold contour.

Abstract: A vacuum barrier system for curing a composite part may include a bag carrier and a compliant, relatively thin film bladder formed over the bag carrier to function as a vacuum barrier. The bag carrier may be configured complementary to the composite part. The bladder may seal the bag carrier therewithin.

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: An arc blade-shaped processing surface structure of a pad conditioner includes an outer frame, a combining layer and a plurality of polishing particles. The polishing particles are disposed on a surface of the combining layer, and the combining layer has a first region and a second region sequentially arrange from the center to the outside of the combining layer, and the second region has a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions arranged separately from one another and disposed around the external periphery of the first region, and the protrusions arranged in order and separated with an interval apart from each other can be used to provide an appropriate space for extension and rebound for a polished surface material to obtain a definite and uniform polishing effect.

Abstract: An assembly and method for infusing composite material with liquid resin to form a composite part with a smooth outer mold line (OML) surface and a complex inner mold line (IML) surface. The method may include placing a flow media into a deepest tier of a two-tiered recess in a rigid tool, placing a perforated caul sheet into a shallowest tier of the two-tiered recess, and placing uninfused composite material over the perforated caul sheet. Next, the method may include placing an impermeable membrane over the composite material and sealing the impermeable membrane to the rigid tool. Finally, the method may include vacuuming air from a vacuum port of the impermeable membrane to compress the impermeable membrane toward the composite material and the rigid tool, thus pull liquid resin from a resin reservoir, through the flow media, through the perforations of the caul sheet, and throughout the composite material.

Abstract: A molding device for curing of composite components comprising: a molding die, composite material in the molding die, heat application means, sheathing means for the composite material and the molding die and vacuum means for the application of vacuum to the composite material in the molding die. The heat application means comprise at least one heat pipe with a heat exchanger attached to the molding die for thermal conduction to the composite material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for constructing a thin film mirror are provided. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber having edges. Adjacent the vacuum chamber is at least one extender having an edge that is spaced from and extending beyond the adjacent edge of the vacuum chamber in two directions. In this manner, the thin film does not contact the vacuum chamber until force is applied to the thin film, such as by mechanical tensioning mechanisms or application of a partial vacuum.

Abstract: A tool for curing a composite layup comprises a tool body having a surface adapted to support a composite layup thereon. The tool includes an integrated breather for allowing removal of air from the layup during curing.

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: 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: Disclosed herein is a substrate processing system, including: a feeding apparatus which feeds a substrate including a plurality of unit substrates into the substrate processing system; a vacuum molding apparatus which molds the substrate fed by the feeding apparatus; a paste printing apparatus which prints a solder paste on the substrate molded by the vacuum molding apparatus; a mounting apparatus which mounts an electronic device on the substrate on which the solder paste is printed; and a reflow apparatus which performs a reflow on the substrate on which the electronic device is mounted, wherein the vacuum molding apparatus includes a substrate molding control unit which controls the molding of the substrate. Therefore, the warpage (CAW) of the substrate is limitedly formed to improve the warpage (CAW) dispersion of the substrate, thereby improving bonding reliability and a mounting yield between the chip die and the bump of the 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 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: 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 adjustable thermal die assembly is provided. The thermal die assembly includes a thermal forming die and at least one insert. The thermal forming die has at least one die cavity of a select shape. The die further has at least one opening to the at least one die cavity. The at least one insert has at least one internal passage that is conformed to have a shape of the at least one opening to the at least one die cavity of the die. Moreover, the at least one insert is configured and arranged to be selectively coupled to the die with the at least one internal passage of the at least one insert aligning with the at least one opening of the at least one die cavity to selectively increase a depth of a forming cavity of the thermal forming assembly.

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: 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 producing an analysis tape for fluid samples, in particular body fluids, is proposed. The method comprises providing a laminate tape having a laminate carrier tape and at least one diagnostic functional layer, and cutting the laminate tape in such a way that a diagnostic auxiliary label arises; transferring the diagnostic auxiliary label to a vacuum roller; and transferring the diagnostic auxiliary label to a carrier tape. In general, at least one vacuum roller is used for the transfer of the diagnostic auxiliary label to the carrier tape. The cutting of the diagnostic functional layer is effected in such a way that a free end of the diagnostic functional layer is lifted off from the laminate carrier tape by guiding the laminate carrier tape around a cutting edge with a small radius, wherein the diagnostic functional layer is cut at a predetermined distance from the lifted off free end by means of a cutting device.

Abstract: An assembly for vacuum bag molding includes a mold for receiving a workpiece. An edge breather comprising a plurality of braided polymer threads is disposed about a periphery of the workpiece. A vacuum bag film is disposed over the workpiece and the edge breather. A seal seals the vacuum bag film to the mold and a passageway in fluidic communication with the edge breather.

Abstract: A resin vessel including a sealed container (31) having an inlet (36) and an outlet (40) as well as a bottom surface (33) is described. The resin vessel further includes a filter device (60). The filter device (60) includes a housing (61) having a first end (62) and a second end (64). When seen from the first end (62) towards the second end (64), the filter device (60) includes: a first demister layer (66) having a first end (68) and a second end (70) and having a first thickness, a second layer (72) having a first end (74) and a second end (76) and having a second thickness and comprising silica, and a third layer (78) having a first end (80) and a second end (82) and having a third thickness and including activated carbon, the layers (66, 72, 78) of the filter device being arranged within the housing (61).

Abstract: Boeing is actively engaged in the production of lightweight composite airframes for both military and commercial applications. The double bag vacuum infusion process of the present invention provides a low cost, method for producing complex composite assemblies without an autoclave. It also enables the production of highly innovative structures. The quality of the composites produced using such an infusion process are comparable to composites made using prepregs, hand layup or fiber placement, and autoclave curing.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a piece made of composite material including a fiber preform that is embedded in a matrix, includes placing the preform in a first chamber that is delimited by a first semi-sealed wall, i.e., permeable to gas and impermeable to a product that is able to form the matrix, extracting the gases in a second chamber that is delimited by a second gas-tight wall and the first semi-sealed wall so as to obtain the diffusion of the product that is able to form the matrix in the preform, characterized in that it consists in using—as a first semi-sealed wall—at least one plate with a number of pipes of tapered shape that empty on either side of the at least one plate and at least one semi-sealed membrane that is superposed on the at least one plate.

Abstract: An automatic circle forming apparatus adapted for automatically forming OPP (O-phenylphenol) plastic circles includes a lower equipment cabinet, a first base plate, a transmitting module, an automatic separating module, an automatic tearing film module, a sucking waste mechanism, a displacement module, an automatic forming module and an upper equipment cabinet. The upper equipment cabinet is positioned on the first base plate for installing the transmitting module, the automatic separating module, the automatic tearing film module, the sucking waste mechanism, the displacement module and the automatic forming module therein.

Abstract: A vacuum device includes a main body and an adjustment assembly connected to the main body. The main body includes a frame, a loading member, and an elastic film. The loading member and the elastic film are arranged at opposite end surfaces of the frame. A chamber is cooperatively formed by the frame, the loading member, and the elastic film. The adjustment assembly adjusts the inner air pressure of the chamber. The loading member includes an absorption area connecting the chamber to outside the main body. The absorption area changes the air pressure inside the chamber. Also provided is a bonding apparatus using the vacuum device.

Abstract: A vacuum lamination system and a vacuum lamination method are provided in which, when a laminate film and laminate base items are laminated and an excessive portion of the laminate film is cut from the laminated item having the laminate film laminated thereon, a high precision lamination is enabled and the cutting process including a conveying device for cutting the excessive portion of the laminate film can be simplified. In the vacuum lamination system, a laminate film and laminate base items that are conveyed on the carrier film are laminated by the batch type vacuum laminating device, and the laminate film is cut from the laminated item having the laminate film laminated thereon.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a composite item from a layup may comprise a debulking device, a vacuum generator and a curing device. The debulking device may include a vacuum chamber, an envelope and a heater. The vacuum chamber may have a chamber pressure. The envelope may be contained within the vacuum chamber and may have an envelope pressure. The layup may be received within the envelope. The heater may heat the layup. The vacuum generator may be in fluid connection with the debulking device. The curing device may cure the layup.

Abstract: A heat brake for heating and softening a thermoplastic sheet for bending is disclosed. The heat brake has a split work piece support table having two edges defining a slot between adjacent portions of the table. A first plenum is provided below the split work support table. During operation, the first plenum has a negative pressure. Air is drawn into the first plenum through the slot when a work piece does not span the slot. When a work piece spans the slot, the flow of air into the first plenum is reduced. The heat brake has a tube heater with an outlet nozzle positioned in the first plenum. A portion of the tube heater is positioned in a second plenum which is pressurized during heating. Air is moved from the second plenum through the heater tube and is directed against a work piece supported on the table.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system can be used to fuse different layers of material together for forming an article of footwear. The system includes a base portion, an intermediate member and an upper member. The intermediate member includes a flexible membrane. The intermediate member can be sealed with the base portion and a vacuum can be provided to pull the flexible membrane over layers of material placed on the base portion. The upper member can be sealed against the intermediate member so that external pressure can be applied to the flexible membrane. The intermediate member and the upper member can be moved independently.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semi-finished blank for a varifocal liquid crystal lens includes coating the front of a first substrate and/or the rear of a second substrate with an adhesive agent, leaving an adhesive agent-free region that surrounds a liquid crystal holder; after said coating operation, reducing the pressure inside a sealed vessel that holds the first substrate and the second substrate, with respect to atmospheric pressure; affixing the second substrate over the front of the first substrate in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation; performing a standby operation including continuing the affixed state between the first substrate and the second substrate for a specific length of time in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation after the substrates have been affixed; and after said standby operation, restoring the pressure of the sealed vessel.

Abstract: A pressure differential can be applied across a mold sheet and a semiconductor (e.g. silicon) wafer (e.g. for solar cell) is formed thereon. Relaxation of the pressure differential can allow release of the wafer. The mold sheet may be cooler than the melt. Heat is extracted through the thickness of the forming wafer. The temperature of the solidifying body is substantially uniform across its width, resulting in low stresses and dislocation density and higher crystallographic quality. The mold sheet can allow flow of gas through it. The melt can be introduced to the sheet by: full area contact with the top of a melt; traversing a partial area contact of melt with the mold sheet, whether horizontal or vertical, or in between; and by dipping the mold into a melt. The grain size can be controlled by many means.

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: A production method of three-dimensional pattern is disclosed. First, an adhesive layer is applied on a three-dimensional workpiece. Next, a film is vacuum adsorbed on the adhesive layer so that the film is impressed onto the adhesive layer to form the three-dimensional pattern on the adhesive layer. Finally, the adhesive layer is cured by implementing a plurality of heat treatments thereon. A workpiece of three-dimensional pattern and a production device of three-dimensional pattern are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for producing a composite material part designed to be in contact with aerodynamic flows, in particular a portion of the fuselage, whereby the device includes at least one mold (32), elements (34, 36, 38) for compressing the part that is to be produced, as well as a system for drainage of the gases emanating from the part that is to be produced that includes at least one plate (42), characterized in that the at least one plate (42) includes a number of openings (44) whose shapes and/or arrangement limit the degradation of the aerodynamic characteristics of the part that is to be produced.