The disclosure provides for a process for manufacturing a tread molding element configured to mold at least a portion of a tire tread, the process comprising the following successive steps of providing a first tread molding element that can be a 3D-printed element made of a plastic composition A; forming a reverse mold of the first tread molding element, wherein the reverse mold is made of a plastic composition B comprising one or more elastomers; heating the reverse mold to a temperature above 50° C. when the first tread molding element is a 3D-printed element made of a plastic composition A; and casting a second tread molding element from the reverse mold to obtain a second tread molding element; wherein the second tread molding element is made from a plastic composition C comprising one or more thermosetting resins.

There is disclosed a tool for manufacturing a composite component, the tool comprising: a skin composed of fibre reinforced plastic and defining a layup surface for the composite component, the skin having a plurality of passageways extending from the layup surface to an opposing surface of the skin; a backing secured to the skin, the backing and the skin defining a cavity therebetween; a support core disposed within the cavity and comprising a gas-permeable material in fluid communication with the passageways; and a conduit extending through the backing such that the conduit is in fluid communication with the gas-permeable material.

The method regards manufacturing devices by replication, wherein each of the devices comprises a device surface. The method comprises producing the devices from a replication material by replication using a replication tool (1), wherein the replication tool (1) comprises a tool material comprising replication sites (4) comprising a replication surface (5) each. Each of the replication surfaces (5) corresponds to a negative of the device surface of a respective one of the devices. The tool material comprises, in addition to the replication sites, one or more mitigating features (7) for reducing asymmetric form errors of the device surfaces. Replication tools (1) and methods for manufacturing these are also described.

A method of fabricating an optical element, comprises fabricating a three-dimensional mold having a relief pattern complementary to a pattern of the optical element to be fabricated, contacting the relief pattern with a solidifiable transmissive material, and solidifying the material thereby forming a transmissive substrate having the pattern thereupon. The method also comprises contacting the transmissive substrate with one or more substances wherein a difference in refractive indices between the substance(s) and the transmissive substrate is less than about 0.1.

A method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced hollow structural component includes introducing a mold core and fibers with a matrix material into a molding tool. A first fiber unit is located between the mold core and the molding tool to at least partially form a component wall. The matrix material is cured to form the hollow structural component and the mold core is flushed out of the hollow structural component to form a component cavity. At least one channel may extend through the mold core so that after the matrix material has cured and the mold core has been flushed out, a reinforcing strut is formed. A related hollow structural component is also disclosed.

Tooling formed from a 3D printed scaffold includes a 3D printed scaffold a casting material hardened within the scaffold; and a forming surface defined by the scaffold. A method forming the tooling includes 3D printing a tooling scaffold, wherein the scaffold defines a void volume and a forming surface, filling the void volume with casting material, and hardening the casting material.

Tooling formed from a 3D printed scaffold includes a 3D printed scaffold a casting material hardened within the scaffold; and a forming surface defined by the scaffold. A method forming the tooling includes 3D printing a tooling scaffold, wherein the scaffold defines a void volume and a forming surface, filling the void volume with casting material, and hardening the casting material.

A method for producing three-dimensional molded parts by means of layering, the moisture content of the build material mixture being able to be regulated.

A portable skull boiler in accordance with embodiments has a boiler basin optimally sized and configured for effective cleaning of cervid heads, with head positioning means, nose submersion means, and three or more adjustable and removable legs. The basin has one or more lids, and an adjustably positionable heat source. The skull boiler may be disassembled with all components securable in the boiler basin for transport and storage. The basin having a non rectilinear shape that conformingly receives and retains cervid heads thereby minimizing the size and volume of the basin facilitating efficient operation using minimal fuel and water, and easy transport.

We disclose a component of an injection molding tool that includes a one piece side of a mold built up by additive manufacturing using a polymer, the side of the mold defining part of an injection cavity. The side of the mold further includes an injection port coupled to the injection cavity and a heating fluid manifold separated from the injection cavity by a heat transfer wall. The heat transfer wall is reinforced against pressure in the injection cavity by a backing of engineered supports. Inlet and outlet ports are coupled to the heating fluid manifold, configured to channel a thermally conductive fluid into and out of the heating fluid manifold. Additional additive manufacturing features and material properties are described. Complementary methods of manufacturing also are disclosed.