A method is provided, comprising: forming a porous body from an additive manufacturing powder and binder mixture, the porous body including opposing surface portions comprising top and bottom surface portions; placing the porous body on a vacuum table, wherein the vacuum table causes a negative air pressure within the porous body; and applying a tooling gel coat to the top surface portion, wherein the tooling gel coat is drawn into the porous body by the negative air pressure. In another aspect, a RTM tool is provided, comprising: a cavity and a core; wherein the cavity and the define a hollow; wherein the cavity and the core are formed as a porous body, wherein the cavity and core include a forming surface, wherein the cavity and core are each placed upon a vacuum table after which a tooling gel coat is applied to the forming surface.

A novel cutting-edge structure and method and apparatus for manufacturing the cutting-edge structure is provided. The cutting-edge structure is comprised of naturally derived or renewable material at greater than 50% by volume fraction. In one embodiment, the naturally derived material is a cellulose nanostructure such as a cellulose nanocrystal. The cellulose nanocrystal is processed using a base or mold structure to provide a cutting edge of any shape such as linear or circular edge structures. The process includes dual cure steps to produce an optimal cutting-edge structure without shrinkage. The formed cutting-edge structure can be utilized as a razor blade as it is formed with very sharp tip and edge suitable for cutting hair. The base structure can form one or more cutting-edge structures simultaneously.

A novel cutting-edge structure and method and apparatus for manufacturing the cutting-edge structure is provided. The cutting-edge structure is comprised of naturally derived or renewable material at greater than 50% by volume fraction. In one embodiment, the naturally derived material is a cellulose nanostructure such as a cellulose nanocrystal. The cellulose nanocrystal is processed using a base or mold structure to provide a cutting edge of any shape such as linear or circular edge structures. The process includes dual cure steps to produce an optimal cutting-edge structure without shrinkage. The formed cutting-edge structure can be utilized as a razor blade as it is formed with very sharp tip and edge suitable for cutting hair. The base structure can form one or more cutting-edge structures simultaneously.

Various systems and apparatuses for heating molds, including for example tire molds, are disclosed. Heating of molds may be effected via induction heating technology. In one embodiment, a system for heating a tire mold is provided, the system comprising: a tire mold formed from a mold material having a base material relative permeability, wherein the tire mold includes a mold surface for contacting a tire, the mold surface for contacting a tire having a mold surface for contacting a tire relative permeability, wherein the tire mold includes a mold back oriented substantially opposite the mold surface for contacting a tire, and wherein the mold surface for contacting a tire relative permeability is greater than the base material relative permeability.

Systems for depositing coatings onto surfaces of molds and other articles are generally provided. In some embodiments, a system is adapted and arranged to cause gaseous species to flow parallel to a filament array. In some embodiments, a system comprises one or more mold supports that are translatable.

Systems for depositing coatings onto surfaces of molds and other articles are generally provided. In some embodiments, a system is adapted and arranged to cause gaseous species to flow parallel to a filament array. In some embodiments, a system comprises one or more mold supports that are translatable.

A method is for producing a profile segment of a segmented casting-vulcanizing mold for vehicle tires, the molding area of which molds a segment of the tread profile of a tire to be vulcanized, including the steps: creating a rigid model segment having a casing-like tread surface; milling the profile positive of the tread into the casing-like tread surface of the model segment to obtain the master model; creating a flexible impression from the master model; creating a rigid plaster cast from the impression to form a casting core segment; casting all of the annular, placed-together casting core segments with an aluminium-magnesium alloy to obtain a vulcanizing mold, subsequently divided into profile segments. A plasma coating is applied to the tread of the model segment, into which the profile positive of the tread is subsequently milled to obtain the master model. Plasma coating gives the master model a defined roughness.

A method is for producing a profile segment of a segmented casting-vulcanizing mold for vehicle tires, the molding area of which molds a segment of the tread profile of a tire to be vulcanized, including the steps: creating a rigid model segment having a casing-like tread surface; milling the profile positive of the tread into the casing-like tread surface of the model segment to obtain the master model; creating a flexible impression from the master model; creating a rigid plaster cast from the impression to form a casting core segment; casting all of the annular, placed-together casting core segments with an aluminium-magnesium alloy to obtain a vulcanizing mold, subsequently divided into profile segments. A plasma coating is applied to the tread of the model segment, into which the profile positive of the tread is subsequently milled to obtain the master model. Plasma coating gives the master model a defined roughness.

The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of dies for moulds for the production of tiles with three dimensional texture.

A tool for use in forming molded articles, comprising a tool body formed of a ceramic material preferably porous with a porosity of between 40% and 60% and in the form of a foam. The tool body is profiled to define the mold surface(s) of the tool. The outer surface of the tool can be sealed with epoxy sealant to provide the mold surface(s) of the tool. An elastomeric layer can be applied to the surface(s) of the tool body and a resinous material, such as a fiber reinforced material, applied to the elastomeric layer, wherein the elastomeric layer inhibits the movement of resin from the resinous layer into the porous ceramic body, and the resinous layer defines the mold surface.