Abstract: A continuous manufacturing method is provided by extruding a composite optical fiber from two polymeric solutions containing two different monomers having different refractive indices, and then allowing the monomers to diffuse in a diffusion region such that the two monomers are diffused into each other before the optical fiber is hardened.

Abstract: New plastic articles are disclosed and claimed having flame retardant properties which contain a core of a plastic polymeric material (thermoplastic, thermoset, rigid foam or semi-flexible foam polymeric material) which is coated with a protective, flame retardant layer comprising a mixture of a thermoplastic polymeric material and a flame retardant, char-forming, intumescent system. The new articles are suitable for the manufacture of e.g. rods, beams, pipes, hoses, non-tubular profiles and panels which are useful in various industries such as the building, automotive and mining industries.

Abstract: A heat-resistant roll for copying machine use which comprises a metallic roll having a surface which has been coated with a varnish containing polybenzimidazole as a major resin component, followed by curing, wherein the coating is conducted by means of rotational coating with application of pressure.

Abstract: A stiff fabric comprises a woven synthetic fabric coated with a latex compound aerated to provide a weight upon application to the fabric of between 0.63-0.89 gms./ml. The compound is pressed into the fabric by a knife blade having a rounded convex lower edge whereby the compound applied to one side of the fabric passes into the interstices but remains substantially clear of the face side. The compound is cured on the fabric in an oven at approximately 149.degree. C. for 45-60 seconds.

Abstract: A plurality of simultaneously applied coating fluids is coated on a substrate by moving the substrate along a path through a coating station. A plurality of flowing layers of coating fluid is formed in face-to-face contact with each other to form a composite layer. This composite layer flows at a speed that is sufficiently high to form a continuous flowing composite layer jet to the substrate surface for the coating width regardless of the direction of flow of the fluid jet.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming a coating from a flocculating coating composition containing pigment particles dispersed in a solution of a film forming binder dissolved in a fugitive liquid carrier, maintaining the coating composition in average shear conditions of at least about 10 reciprocal seconds while transporting the coating composition through an inlet of an extrusion die, through a manifold of the die, through an extrusion slot of the extrusion die and onto a substrate to form a coating layer on the substrate, and rapidly removing the fugitive liquid from the coating while maintaining the coating composition in the coating layer in an undisturbed condition until the coating solidifies.

Abstract: Molded fibrous workpieces of various cross sectional configurations are coated with a polymeric latex foam coating material to encapsulate fibers and dust within the exterior surfaces of the workpieces. The foam coating is applied by passing the workpieces through a coating chamber filled with the polymeric foam so that the workpieces are totally immersed in the foam coating as the workpieces pass through the chamber. Openings for introducing the workpieces into and discharging the workpieces from the chamber have a configuration complementary to the transverse configuration of the workpieces. The foam coating is introduced into the chamber both above and below the path of the workpieces through the coating chamber to assure that the coating chamber remains fully charged with the foam coating. Brushes or wiper blades spread the foam coating over the exterior surfaces of the workpieces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating asbestos to minimize the formation of airborne particulate of asbestos by applying to the asbestos an aqueous composition containing certain water-dispersible polymers. The method is especially useful when used in conjunction with the removal of asbestos from asbestos-coated objects.

Abstract: A cross flow knife coater includes a coating station through which a surface passes and a trough which extends transversely across the desired width of the coating. The trough has an opening through which coating fluid exits onto the surface without using a slot, and first and second transverse ends. The coating fluid is fed directly into the trough at a first transverse end, and is moved from the first transverse end of the trough, across the trough, and toward the second transverse end to cause the coating fluid to flow across the width of the trough while coating fluid exits the opening. The coater creates a spiral flow of coating fluid across the width of the trough which carries debris, bubbles, and other undesirables across the trough to a second traverse end where they can be vented. The perpendicular distance between the trough opening and the surface, and likewise between the knife and the surface, can be adjusted.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for manufacturing a composite base fabric intended for the reinforcement of a waistband which is elastic in the direction of the warp, characterized in that it comprises the steps of using a warp knitting machine with weft inserts to produce a composite base fabric comprising a warp knit fabric, a fabric substrate inserted in the warp knit fabric, elastic yarns which undergo a tensional elastic deformation during the knitting, weft yarns; thermofixing the composite base fabric thus obtained; depositing a film forming coating comprising a cross-linkable resin on the face of the fabric substrate in contact with the elastic yarns and the weft yarns; drying and cross-linking the film forming coating; submitting the composite base fabric to a relaxation treatment

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for coloring optical fibres, each fibre being drawn through an upper nozzle in a coloring tool into a color chamber, into which colorant is introduced, and further through a lower nozzle out of the color chamber. The colored fibre is passed onward through a quartz tube of a UV lamp curing the colorant. To reduce costs and to increase the production rate, the coloring tools are arranged close to each other in pairs in at least two different planes, and the fibres to be colored are drawn simultaneously through the coloring tools and further simultaneously through the quartz tube of the UV lamp common to the fibres to be colored.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is fabricated from a light curable liquid resin by repeating the following process to superimpose a plurality of cured resin layers. The process utilizes a vessel containing a volume of the liquid resin and a vertically movable platform. In the process, the platform is immersed in the liquid resin in the vessel to dispose an overlay surface of an immediately previously cured layer sufficiently below the liquid level of the liquid resin. The platform is then raised such that the overlay surface is slightly higher than the liquid level of the liquid resin in the vessel, while keeping the liquid resin on the overlay surface connected with the surrounding liquid resin in the vessel by the effect of surface tension acting on the liquid resin. An excess amount of the liquid resin on the overlay surface is removed to form a liquid resin layer having a desired thickness.

Abstract: A six-sided fibrous batting is coated with a nonwoven polymeric material by passing the batt sequentially through three coating stations. Four sides of the batt are coated in the first two stations and, after the batt is turned 90.degree., the final two sides are coated, completely encapsulating the batt in fibrous nonwoven coating.

Abstract: Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object to provide support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support, or the like, for supporting an object surface from a second surface.

Abstract: Paper coating formulations comprising sulfated oleic acid as a lubricant additive thereto are disclosed and are characterized by improved healing properties which permit coating at higher solids levels over formulations containing prior art lubricants when applied to the paper with a blade coater.

Abstract: A resinoid dicing blade having approximately a 20% by volume porosity structure is coated and impregnated with Teflon.RTM. by a process which impregnates the resinoid blade with Teflon.RTM. to about 0.3 to 0.5% by weight. The Teflon.RTM. impregnated dicing blades not only reduces nozzle chipping when bonded silicon wafers are separated into a plurality of individual printhead die, but blade life is significantly increased.

Abstract: Enamelled wire is produced using almost solvent-free fusible resins. Molten resin is pumped from a supply reservoir against the direction of movement of the wire with part of the resin coating the wire. The raw wire is preheated to a temperature near the melting temperature of the molten resin. Excess resin is returned to the supply reservoir after the resin coating the wire has been calibrated to a predetermined circumferential dimension. The resin coating the wire is then hardened. The coating apparatus includes a raw wire guide, a demineralized water bath, an annealing furnace having a protective steam atmostphere, a cooling water bath, a wire preheater, an enameling stove, a heated resin reservoir, a resin applicator and a winding-on machine. The resin coating is applied under closed system conditions, thereby substantially reducing emissions.

Abstract: In a coating method of extruding a coating liquid through a slit of an extrusion-type coating head to coat a running web, at a starting or restarting of the coating, the coating liquid is extruded through the slit of the coating head while the coating head is away from the web, and then the coating is started while a slightly large clearance is kept between the coating head and the web at the upstream side of the coating head, thereafter changing the coating state or arrangement to a steady coating state. Therefore, occurrence of a thicker portion of the coating film on the web at the start of the coating can be prevented. Further, at the end or interruption of the coating, the coating state or arrangement of the coating head is changed from the steady coating state to a state wherein a slightly large clearance is kept between the coating head and the web at the upstream side, and the coating head is moved away from the web to end the coating.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for coating magnetic dispersion coatings on a continuously moving web substrate wherein regions of high shear are provided both before and after a magnetic dispersion application region. The coating apparatus comprises a die unit having a magnetic dispersion inlet and outlet, a concave lip extending arcuately from the outlet of the die unit, and a cylindrical backing roller adjacent the die unit, the die unit having an internal region of high shear, the concave lip and the cylindrical backing roller sharing a substantially common axis and forming a region of high shear in the form of a narrow gap. A coat hanger distribution chamber or cavity is also provided within the die unit between the magnetic dispersion inlet and the magnetic dispersion outlet. To even out pressure differences, a healing slot or cavity and/or a rotating bar within a cylindrical distribution chamber may be provided downstream of the coat hanger distribution chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing a magnetic recording medium while minimizing electrostatic charge buildup on the medium during production. The method comprises applying a liquid material over a surface of a moving web to form a continuous wet coating thereon and smoothing the wet coating with a flexible blade having two major surfaces. The flexible smoothing blade comprises a conductive layer and is positioned so that a portion of one major surface is in contact with the wet coating so that electrostatic charge on the coated web is continuously dissipated.

Abstract: A wet gravure coating of fine magnetizable particles can be smoothed by a rectangular piece of flexible film that is secured at one end in flat jaws of a clamp to leave its opposite end free to drag against the coating, thus causing the flexible film to form an arc between its secured end and the convergence of the flexible film with the wet coating. The jaws also secure a flat plate which has a straight edge that deflects the arcuate portion of the flexible film toward the coating along a line extending transversely across the full width of the flexible film. The plate can be repositioned during the smoothing to adjust the radius of curvature of the arc in order to correct any defects that may appear in the smoothed coating. When the backing web is wide and is advanced at economically high speeds, the free end of the flexible film can be tensioned so that its trailing edge becomes bowed and in contact with the coating over its full width.

Abstract: There is provided a coating head 10 having a structure in which a plurality of blocks 2, 3, 4, . . . capable of being moved up and down to adjust the relative height positions thereof are connected between an upstream pass roller 11 and a downstream pass roller 12 and in which at least two coating composition discharge slots are disposed between the connected blocks 2, 3, 4, . . . By the coating head 10, a multi-coating layer is formed on a running flexible support 1 laid between the upstream pass roller 11 and the downstream pass roller 12.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for treating a porous web (especially fabric) to produce a novel silicone polymer internally coated web. In the process, a starting curable liquid silicone polymer is coated under pressure upon one surface of the web, and the web is then subjected to localized shear forces sufficient to move the silicone polymer composition into interior portions of the web and to distribute the silicone polymer composition generally uniformly therwithin in such planar region. Excess silicone polymer composition is wiped away from a web surface. Thereafter, the resulting web is heated or irradiated to cure the silicone polymer. Preferably a web is preliminarily impregnated with a fluorochemical. Webs procuded by this process are breathable, waterproof or highly water repellent, and flexible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for generating a cylindrical composite preform. A tubular sleeve of cloth is maintained upon a mandrel which is passed through an injection chamber into which a thermosetting resin is injected. A small cavity within the resin injection chamber meters the resin into the cloth to assure complete and total impregnation thereof. The mandrel exits the resin injection chamber and enters an oven where the resin and fabric composite is B-staged. Subsequently, the composite sleeve is cut into appropriate lengths and removed from the mandrel for further processing for development of an end product.

Abstract: A coating method and coating apparatus with which a thin film having a uniform thickness free from stripe or step unevenness of a coating composition is formed at a high speed. An extrusion-type coating head is provided which has a front edge and at least one back edge, the front edge being disposed on the upstream side in the direction of movement of a support, the back edge being disposed on the downstream side in the direction of movement of the support, and the back edge having a top end which is set back stepwise from the front edge in the direction away from the support. Coating is performed under the conditions that the pressure P.sub.c of the coating composition at a point of application of the coating composition onto the support is in a range of 0.ltoreq.P.sub.c .ltoreq.0.25 kgw/cm.sup.2, while liquid sealing is obtained with a composition mainly containing an organic solvent applied in advance to a coating surface of the support. The ratio of t.sub.1 /t.sub.0 satisfies the relation 0.2.ltoreq.t.

Abstract: Recyclable containers such as corrugated or folding boxes are made from a coated paper or kraft grade sheet including a plastic coating thereon. Aqueous acrylic resin containing compositions can be applied in excess on the paper or kraft grade sheet and the unwanted coating metered and removed by directing a jet of air at the coating. After solidification of the coating, the coated paper or kraft sheets can be incorporated as components of corrugated or folding boxes. Recovery of the unwanted coating permits recycling of the coating component. Corrugated and folding boxes including the components can be recycled by conventional repulping processes. A process of manufacture of the coated sheets is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of selectively applying a coating to either the upper or lower surface of a bilevel substrate. The method includes the steps of applying a layer of photoresist over the substrate and moving a doctor blade across the substrate, thereby removing the photoresist from the upper surface while leaving it on the lower surface. The photoresist is then hardened by drying and/or curing. The photoresist is then used to facilitate removal of the coating from either the upper or lower surface of the bilevel substrate.

Abstract: A method of applying a thin coating to the lower surface of a bilevel substrate includes the following steps: A liquid coating, such as a material useful as an alignment layer, is applied over a bilevel substrate, such as an LCD panel. The bilevel substrate may have flat-topped ribs or other protrusions so long as the tops of the protrusions are coplanar. Next, a leveling device, such as a doctor blade, is moved across the upper surface of the bilevel substrate so that the liquid coating is removed from the upper surface but remains on the lower surface. Finally, the liquid coating is hardened and shrunk, e.g., by drying or curing, resulting in a highly uniform hardened coating, such as an alignment layer, on the lower surface of the bilevel substrate.

Abstract: The process for manufacturing strings according to the invention is of the type comprising a step in which a thread is produced from fibres, a step in which the thread is impregnated with a resin, a step in which the impregnated thread is coated with a synthetic material to provide it with a sheath, a step in which the synthetic material is caused to be completely cross-linked, and a step in which the thickness of the sheath is adjusted. It is characterized by use of discontinuous fibres that are subjected to textile operations of intersecting and drawing-twisting. The process according to the invention makes it possible to produce strings designed to be subjected to tensile stress, in particular strings for rackets and musical instruments.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing ultra-fine particles and an apparatus therefor. A particle carrier is moved in a chamber which is decompresed and charged with inert gas. An evaporable material is heated so as to deposit evaporated ultra-fine particles onto a part of the moving particle carrier. The deposited ultra-fine particles are collected from the part of the moving particle carrier while evaporated ultra-fine particles deposit onto another part of the moving particle carrier.

Abstract: A method of applying at least one liquid to a surface of a carrier includes providing an extrusion-type application head having a slot with an outlet portion and a back edge portion, pushing the outlet portion of the slot toward the surface of the carrier, continuously conveying the carrier along a surface of the back edge portion of the head, and thereafter applying a liquid undercoating in excess to the carrier surface in advance upstream of the head relative to a conveyance direction of the carrier so as to form a liquid undercoating layer on the carrier surface. The liquid is continuously jetted from the slot so that the liquid is applied to the liquid undercoating. As a result, air does not form between the liquid undercoating and the subsequent liquid applied, and the applied liquid has a uniform thickness despite the application speed of the liquid (e.g., conveyance speed of the carrier) being great.

Abstract: A stamp pad and the method for producing the stamp pad are disclosed. The stamp pad has a piece of porous padding member padded in a case. The porous padding member has a plurality of regions provided respectively with stamping ink of different colors. The method for producing a stamp pad includes compressing a piece of porous padding member by means of a hot pressing plate; preparing high concentration stamping ink of different colors; diluting the high concentration stamping ink with a diluent; depressing a die with a plurality of partitions on the porous padding member in order to form different regions on the porous padding member; adding the diluted stamping ink of different colors into the regions of the porous padding member; vacuum drying the porous padding member to remove the diluent in the porous padding member; and removing the die.

Abstract: A coating apparatus and process for coating selected surface areas of extruded substrates with decorative or functional coatings by passing the extruded substrates emerging from the extrusion die through a coating block. The coating block contains a coating cavity die conforming to the selected surfaces to be coated wherein liquid coating is supplied to the coating cavity die in a manner to selectively coat the selected surfaces on the extruded substrate.

Abstract: In a coater for applying a liquid onto a surface of a moving object, the coater includes a front edge surface, a back edge surface and a slit, wherein the back edge surface has an entrance edge from which the coating liquid is introduced into a gap between the back edge surface and the surface of the object and an exit edge from which the extruded coating liquid leaves the gap with the movement of the object. The back edge surface further is arranged in relation to the object so as to satisfy following two formulas; 1.0 mm.ltoreq.L.ltoreq.30 mm and 1.8.ltoreq.h/h.sub.0 .ltoreq.3 where L is a length of a contour of the back edge surface projected on the surface of the object between the entrance edge and the exit edge; h is a gap distance at the entrance edge; and h is a gap distance at the exit edge.

Abstract: An improved pultrusion process for preparing composites comprises combining polymer precursors in a mixer and continuously introducing the resulting mixture, together with reinforcing fibers, into an impregnation chamber maintained under conditions such that the mixture remains in liquid form of low viscosity. The impregnated fibers are continuously withdrawn from the chamber through a die in which polymerization of the precursors takes place to form the desired composite.

Abstract: Method for the manufacture of a self-supporting test field material of very small layer thickness. In a strip of test material (1) comprising an open-pored fibre structure a reagent film mass (6) is embedded from an application side (1a) in such a way that it extensively penetrates into the pores of the carrier material. The reagent film mass (6) is smoothed on the opposite side (1b) by the relative motion of the ribbon and a smoothing tool (4) in such a way that the pores of the composite fibre structure are spanned by the reagent film mass (6). Finally, the carrier material ribbon (10) thus produced is dried essentially free of contact.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for coating of a moving base, such as the face of a back-up roll, paper or board web, or equivalent, with a coating agent. In the method, a blade coater is employed in which a coating blade included in the blade coater and installed in a blade holder is loaded in the area between the blade holder and the tip of the coating blade toward the moving base by means of a loading member. The coating blade forms a substantially small angle in relation to the moving base. The coating quantity applied onto the moving base is regulated by adjusting the blade angle and/or the loading of the coating blade. The coating blade is loaded towards the moving base, in the area between said loading member and the tip of the coating blade.

Abstract: A composition for buffing metal parts comprising from 2% to 12% by weight of a fatty acid or fatty ester, 0.5% to 10% by weight of a nonionic water soluble surfactant, 10% to 50% by weight of an abrasive grit, 40% to 70% by weight of water, a sufficient amount of an alkaline to provide the composition with a pH in the range of 6.5 to 9.0, and 0.3% to 3.0% by weight of an acrylic copolymer which provides a paste-like consistency for the composition. The composition is water washable from the metal part after buffing.

Abstract: A method of making blind fabric utilizing natural or synthetic fibers or fabric as base materials to form an inexpensive fabric used in conjunction with conventional venetian and vertical blinds. The method comprises dipping, compressing, tentering, slitting into desired widths, heating, forming and slitting into desired lengths. Whereas the base material is dipped in a mixed solution of (1) thermoplastic resins, (2) thermosetting resins and (3) polyvinyl formal resin, thereafter, compressing said fabric through roller or the like, then tentering it by a tentering machine, slitting it into different widths, heating it at desired temperature to make the fabric soft in order to obtain a non-brittle, relatively flexible fabric. Finally the fabric will be formed into a curved shape and slit into desired lengths to fit the window size. In addition, the fabric can be treated with ultraviolet stabilizer, fire retardant and dust repellent to achieve desired properties.

Abstract: A method and process for computer-controlled manufacture of three-dimensional objects involves dispensing a layer of liquid, insoluble material onto a platform at predetermined locations, which then hardens. A second media, preferably water soluble, is then sprayed onto this layer to thereby encapsulate the hardened insoluble media. The uppermost surface of this encapsulant is planed, thus removing a portion of the encapsulant to expose the underlying insoluble material for new pattern deposition. After the resulting planing residue is removed, another layer of liquid, insoluble media is dispensed onto the planed surface. The insoluble media can be of any color and may vary from layer to layer, and from location within a layer to location within a layer. These steps are repeated, until the desired three-dimensional object, surrounded by a mold, is completed. At this point, the object is either heated or immersed in a solvent, thereby dissolving the mold and leaving the three-dimensional object intact.

Abstract: A relatively large-sized square substrate for use in the production of a color filter for liquid crystal display, a color image sensor or the like is applied with a coating film of a viscous liquid such as a photosensitive resin. For producing the coating film, the substrate is placed with its surface extending horizontally and the viscous liquid is dropped on the surface in a line along an edge portion of the surface. Then, a squeezee rod is moved along the surface with a predetermined gap maintained between the squeezee rod and the surface, to spread the viscous liquid over at least a part of the surface, whereby a predetermined thickness of the spread viscous liquid is obtained. Thereafter, the substrate is spinned in the plane of the surface thereof to disperse the spread viscous liquid uniformly by centrifugal force over the entire surface of the substrate, whereby a thin coating of the liquid of a uniform thickness is formed on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for treating a porous web (especially fabric) to produce a novel silicone polymer internally coated web. In the process, a starting curable liquid silicone polymer is coated under pressure upon one surface of the web, and the web is then subjected to localized shear forces sufficient to move the silicone polymer composition into interior portions of the web and to distribute the silicone polymer composition generally uniformly therewithin in such planar region. Excess silicone polymer composition is wiped away from a web surface. Thereafter, the resulting web is heated or irradiated to cure the silicone polymer. Preferably a web is preliminarily impregnated with a fluorochemical. Webs produced by this process are breathable, waterproof or highly water repellent, and flexible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of applying a coating to a substrate is provided. A liquid resin is introduced into a first region at a predetermined pressure. The liquid resin is maintained within a first pressure range in the first region. Next, the flow of the resin from the first region to a second region is controlled so as to bring the resin from the first pressure range to a second pressure range, the pressures in the second pressure range being lower than the pressures in the first pressure range. The liquid resin is then applied at a pressure within the second pressure range to the substrate at a third region adjacent the second region.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate with an aqueous coating composition that includes an alkali-swellable associative thickener is disclosed. The associative thickener is produced from a monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer lacking surfactant capacity, a non-ionic urethane monomer, and, optionally, a polyethylenically unsaturated monomer.

Abstract: A method for making optical recording media in which the optically readable information is embossed therein by means of an information master recording which is directly usable as a stamper.

Abstract: A coated roller for transportation and stretching of plastic film web during load unitization, and a process for preparation of the coated roller. A cylindrical metallic roller core is pitted by blasting, then primed, heated and immersed in a room-temperature liquid plastisol comprising vinyl particles dissolved in a plasticizer. The plastisol accumulates on the hot metal to a depth determined by immersion time. After removal, curing and cooling the coated core is machined by lathe to expose a cellular infrastructure and achieve a cylindrical coating coaxial with the core. The coated roller exhibits superior durability, resistance to tackifier additive buildup, and resistance to circumferential web slippage during web stretch between two rollers in a film path from a supply roll to a load being wrapped.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.

Abstract: A mandrel for manufacturing a hollow composite material body. The mandrel is formed by an homogeneous graphite felt block whose fibers are embedded in a pyrolysis carbon matrix. The densification of the arrangement of fibers forming the hollow body is carried out in a neutral atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object to provide support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support or the like for supporting an object surface from a second surface.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a fiber reinforced plastic armored cable, long reinforcing fibers are impregnated with an uncured thermosetting resin and formed into a predetermined shape to obtain a plurality of rod-like members with the thermosetting resin held uncured. Then the uncured rod-like members are passed through a die of a melt extruder, by which the rod-like members are each coated with a thermoplastic resin layer. The coated layers of the rod-like members are immediately cooled to simultaneously form a plurality of fiber reinforced plastic armoring strands with the thermosetting resin held uncured. The armoring strands thus obtained are wound around a cable which is fed while being rotated. The cable having wound thereon the strands is passed through a die portion of a melt extruder, by which the cable is sheathed with a thermoplastic resin layer which is immediately cooled and solidified.