The present invention relates to a rapid and innovative mechanism for initiating anionic ring-opening polymerization of laurolactam by means of latent initiators on the basis of thermally activatable N-heterocyclic carbene compounds, such as, more particularly, N-heterocyclic carbene-CO.sub.2 compounds and carbene-metal compounds (NHCs). With the new initiation mechanism it is possible accordingly to realize molecular weights (M.sub.w) of from 2000 up to more than 30,000 g/mol, and narrow polydispersities. The polymerizations may be carried out both in bulk and in solution in a suitable solvent. Compounds of this type are thermally latent and on heating initiate a polymerization to polylaurolactam in high yields, up to a quantitative conversion, whereas at room temperature there is no reaction. Polydispersity and molecular weight of the polylaurolactam can be adjusted through the choice of the initiator and of the reaction conditions.

An additively manufactured component with an internal passage; and a multiple of ultrasonic horns additively manufactured within the internal passage. A method of removing conglomerated powder from an internal passage of an additively manufacturing a component, including ultrasonically exciting at least one of a multiple of the ultrasonic horns within an internal passage of an additively manufactured component

Foamed articles including a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric material, methods of making the foamed articles, and methods for manufacturing articles of footwear, apparel, and athletic equipment incorporating such foamed articles are provided. In one aspect, a method for making a foamed article comprises placing an article comprising a foamable material and carbon dioxide in a vessel, maintaining the vessel at a first pressure and first temperature at which the carbon dioxide is a liquid and carbon dioxide is soluble in the foamable material, optionally exposing the infused article to a second temperature and second pressure, and subjecting the article to a third pressure and third temperature at which the infused carbon dioxide phase transitions to a gas, thereby expanding the foamable material into a foamed material and forming the foamed article.

Foamed articles including a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric material, methods of making the foamed articles, and methods for manufacturing articles of footwear, apparel, and athletic equipment incorporating such foamed articles are provided. In one aspect, a method for making a foamed article comprises placing an article comprising a foamable material and carbon dioxide in a vessel, maintaining the vessel at a first pressure and first temperature at which the carbon dioxide is a liquid and carbon dioxide is soluble in the foamable material, optionally exposing the infused article to a second temperature and second pressure, and subjecting the article to a third pressure and third temperature at which the infused carbon dioxide phase transitions to a gas, thereby expanding the foamable material into a foamed material and forming the foamed article.

Foamed articles including a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric material, methods of making the foamed articles, and methods for manufacturing articles of footwear, apparel, and athletic equipment incorporating such foamed articles are provided. In one aspect, a method for making a foamed article comprises placing an article comprising a foamable material and carbon dioxide in a vessel, maintaining the vessel at a first pressure and first temperature at which the carbon dioxide is a liquid and carbon dioxide is soluble in the foamable material, optionally exposing the infused article to a second temperature and second pressure, and subjecting the article to a third pressure and third temperature at which the infused carbon dioxide phase transitions to a gas, thereby expanding the foamable material into a foamed material and forming the foamed article.

An additive manufacturing machine includes a nozzle assembly with a noncircular, rotatable outlet. The nozzle assembly deposits a bead of material having a width that is defined by the angular orientation of the noncircular shaped outlet with respect to the material deposition path direction. The combination of high material deposition rate and fine resolution save time and energy while also producing high-quality parts.

An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a discharging unit that discharges resin powder into a molding tank; a supplying unit that supplies a fiber into the molding tank; and a solidifying unit that solidifies at least part of a resin layer including the fiber and formed in the molding tank.

A method of depowdering objects (e.g., heat exchangers) having small and/or complex internal geometries and manufactured using an additive manufacturing technique performed with a powder material. The method includes applying a pressurized fluid to the objects via a pressurized fluid applicator operatively coupled to the object, thereby removing a portion of unbound powder material on or in the object. The method further includes applying vortex vibration to the object via a vortex vibration source operatively coupled to the object, thereby loosening a portion of the unbound powder material remaining on or in the object, and applying the pressurized fluid to the object via the pressurized fluid application, thereby removing a portion of the loosened, unbound powder material from the object. The latter two applying steps are repeated until a specified amount of the unbound powder material has been removed from the object.

A battery module having a guide frame and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The battery module including a plurality of cylindrical battery cells; a frame assembly configured to receive the cylindrical battery cells; and a module case configured to wrap the cylindrical battery cells and the frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a frame body having first receiving holes therein; and guide portions in the first receiving holes.

An electronic device and battery are disclosed herein. The electronic device includes a housing having a plate, a base member disposed in the housing and disposed substantially parallel to the plate, and the battery disposed in an area of the base member, and configured to supply power to the electronic device. The battery includes an electrode assembly including a first portion and a second portion having different sizes, and a battery case including a receiving space that houses the electrode assembly, and a sealing portion disposed along an outer periphery of the electrode assembly, wherein the first and second portion meet to form a corner, wherein a first curved structure is formed at the corner, and at least a portion of the sealing portion includes a first elongated structure formed based at least on the first curved structure.