A sulfonated water-dispersible thermoplastic copolymer material for use as a support material in an additive manufacturing process is made by a method comprising providing a selected thermoplastic copolymer having an acid or an anhydride group; esterifying the acid group of the selected thermoplastic copolymer with a hydroxyl-functionalized sulfonate salt, or amidizing the acid group of the selected thermoplastic copolymer with an amine sulfonate salt, or imidizing the anhydride group of the selected thermoplastic copolymer with an amine sulfonate salt. The esterification, the amidization or the imidization results in a sulfonated water thermoplastic dispersible copolymer having a glass transition temperature suitable to provide an effective support during the additive manufacturing process and wherein the sulfonated water-dispersible thermoplastic copolymer will disperse in tap water in less than 1 hour.

A method of forming a part includes locating an insert at an angle within a mold cavity, sending a quantity of molten resin through the mold cavity to form a first melt front, and sending another quantity of molten resin through the mold cavity to form a second melt front such that the first melt front meets the second melt front at a weld line and each front flows along opposite sides of the insert. The mold cavity can define opposed internal surfaces and the insert can be disposed at an angle between the internal surfaces at the weld line. Also, one end of the insert can be fixedly located to one of the opposed internal surfaces and another end of the insert can float within the mold cavity.

The invention is related to contact lenses that not only comprise the much desired water gradient structural configurations, but also have a minimized uptakes of polycationic antimicrobials and a long-lasting surface hydrophilicity and wettability even after going through a 30-days lens care regime. Because of the water gradient structural configuration and a relatively-thick, extremely-soft and water-rich hydrogel surface layer, a contact lens of the invention can provide superior wearing comfort. Further, a contact lens of the invention is compatible with multipurpose lens care solutions present in the market and can endure the harsh lens care handling conditions (e.g., digital rubbings, accidental inversion of contact lenses, etc.) encountered in a daily lens care regime. As such, they are suitable to be used as weekly- or monthly-disposable water gradient contact lenses.

A method and apparatus for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects are disclosed. Two or more materials are extruded simultaneously as a composite, with at least one material in liquid form and at least one material in a solid continuous strand completely encased within the liquid material. A means of curing the liquid material after extrusion hardens the composite. A part is constructed using a series of extruded composite paths. The strand material within the composite contains specific chemical, mechanical, or electrical characteristics that instill the object with enhanced capabilities not possible with only one material.

The present invention provides a thermosetting material, which contains the following components (A) to (C) and which, when measured with a rotational viscometer at a constant shear rate (JIS K7117-2:1999), exhibits a viscosity at 25 C. and 10 s.sup.1 of 5 Pa.Math.s or more and 200 Pa.Math.s or less and, when measured with a rotational viscometer at a constant shear rate in the same manner as above, exhibits a viscosity at 25 C. and a shear rate of 100 s.sup.1 of 0.3 Pa.Math.s or more and 50 Pa.Math.s or less. (A): a (meth) acrylate compound in which a substituted or unsubstituted alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 6 or more carbon atoms is ester-bonded, and which, when measured with a rotational viscometer at a constant shear rate in the same manner as above, exhibits a viscosity of 5 to 300 mPa.Math.s as a viscosity measured at 25 C. and 10 to 100 s.sup.1; (B): spherical silica; and (C): a black pigment.

The present invention is related to a foam fabric comprised of foam particles, a foaming agent, an antibacterial agent, a filler and a glue and methods of making it. The foaming agent is comprised eg of azodicarbonamide, triazinyl triazine, ethanolamine and aluminum potassium sulfate; the antibacterial agent is comprised eg of 2,4,4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether and ethylene oxide; the filler is chosen eg from titanium dioxide, iron oxide, mica powder and combinations thereof; and the glue is comprised of eg a rosin resin and an epoxy composite resin, wherein the epoxy composite resin is comprised of an epoxy resin, a terpene resin, aluminum oxide, polybutene and an emulsifier and a solvent.

Various embodiments provide a method of additively manufacturing a part including depositing a layer of a powder on a working surface, depositing a binder solution on the layer of the powder at first locations, and depositing a sintering aid solution on the layer of the powder at second locations. The sintering aid solution comprises a sintering aid in a solvent. In various embodiments, the sintering aid enables an increased brown strength as compared to parts containing unbound powder. The method enables binders that provide high green strength to be used at the edges of the part, while also balancing a shortened debind time with an increased brown strength. Embodiments in which binder solution is deposited according to a predetermined pattern at second locations are also described.

The present invention relates to polymer compositions comprising at least one basic additive, and processes comprising at least one process step to obtain the polymer composition or articles comprising the polymer composition. The polymer composition generally displays an enhanced biodegradability.

An adhesive member includes: a first pin portion to be inserted into a first hole formed in a first adherend member; a second pin portion which is to be inserted into a second hole formed in a second adherend member to be adhered to the first adherend member, and is formed coaxially with the first pin portion; and a flange portion which is formed using an adhesive, and is mounted to a side surface of the first pin portion or a side surface of the second pin portion in a flange shape.

A device (e.g., an article of athletic gear) comprising a post-molded expandable component, which is a part of the device that is configured to be expanded or has been expanded after being molded. This may allow the post-molded expandable component to have enhanced characteristics (e.g., be more shock-absorbent, lighter, etc.), to be cost-effectively manufactured (e.g., by using less material and/or making it in various sizes), and/or to be customized for a user (e.g., by custom-fitting it to the user).