An additive manufacturing (AM) system including a platform including a mold die mounted on the platform, the mold die having a surface shape corresponding to a mold cavity used for thermoforming a thermoplastic sheet, and an AM assembly configured to perform an AM method on the thermoplastic sheet having been thermoformed with the mold die. A method for performing AM on a thermoplastic sheet comprises the steps of thermoforming a thermoplastic sheet using a mold die, and performing an AM method on the thermoformed thermoplastic sheet in the mold die as a substrate.

An additive manufacturing (AM) system including a platform including a mold die mounted on the platform, the mold die having a surface shape corresponding to a mold cavity used for thermoforming a thermoplastic sheet, and an AM assembly configured to perform an AM method on the thermoplastic sheet having been thermoformed with the mold die. A method for performing AM on a thermoplastic sheet comprises the steps of thermoforming a thermoplastic sheet using a mold die, and performing an AM method on the thermoformed thermoplastic sheet in the mold die as a substrate.

A molding device of an inbuilt component fixing section of a fuel tank includes: a projection member that projects out at a placement face onto which a resin sheet that will form a tank configuration member is disposed in a molten state, and that molds a hollow bulge section in the resin sheet; an elastic body that covers the projection member, and that expands and applies pressure to the bulge section from the inside due to a non-compressible fluid being supplied into a sealed space formed between the elastic body and the projection member; a fluid supply device that supplies the fluid into the sealed space in a state in which the bulge section has penetrated through a fixing hole provided in an inbuilt component; and a fixing member that fixes a location of the elastic body corresponding to a leading end portion to the leading end portion.

A molding device of an inbuilt component fixing section of a fuel tank includes: a projection member that projects out at a placement face onto which a resin sheet that will form a tank configuration member is disposed in a molten state, and that molds a hollow bulge section in the resin sheet; an elastic body that covers the projection member, and that expands and applies pressure to the bulge section from the inside due to a non-compressible fluid being supplied into a sealed space formed between the elastic body and the projection member; a fluid supply device that supplies the fluid into the sealed space in a state in which the bulge section has penetrated through a fixing hole provided in an inbuilt component; and a fixing member that fixes a location of the elastic body corresponding to a leading end portion to the leading end portion.

Packing tray for protecting fragile and perishable food items, such as pears, which allows fruit items of varying dimensions and weights to be held securely in each pocket, and which allows a plurality of stacked trays and fruit to be packaged in boxes (e.g., standard carton sizes). The tray is a plastic foam sheet having a top wall and a plurality of recessed cell pockets, each cell pocket having a relatively thinner cell sidewall with expandable (accordion-like) flutes, and a relatively thicker bottom wall also with expandable flutes. This construction allows the cell bottoms in adjacent pockets and in adjacent trays of the stack to move relative to one another to accommodate various sizes and weights of fruit while still protecting the fruit from damage.

Packing tray for protecting fragile and perishable food items, such as pears, which allows fruit items of varying dimensions and weights to be held securely in each pocket, and which allows a plurality of stacked trays and fruit to be packaged in boxes (e.g., standard carton sizes). The tray is a plastic foam sheet having a top wall and a plurality of recessed cell pockets, each cell pocket having a relatively thinner cell sidewall with expandable (accordion-like) flutes, and a relatively thicker bottom wall also with expandable flutes. This construction allows the cell bottoms in adjacent pockets and in adjacent trays of the stack to move relative to one another to accommodate various sizes and weights of fruit while still protecting the fruit from damage.

Method for preforming a plastic semi-finished product, wherein: at least one anti-adhesive membrane is positioned facing a wall of a preforming mould; the plastic semi-finished product is positioned facing the anti-adhesive membrane so that the anti-adhesive membrane is positioned between the semi-finished product and the wall; pressure is applied to press the semi-finished product against the wall of the preforming mould, in order to give a shape to the semi-finished product; pressure is removed and the preformed part is ejected from the wall; and the preformed part is removed from the mould.

Method for preforming a plastic semi-finished product, wherein: at least one anti-adhesive membrane is positioned facing a wall of a preforming mould; the plastic semi-finished product is positioned facing the anti-adhesive membrane so that the anti-adhesive membrane is positioned between the semi-finished product and the wall; pressure is applied to press the semi-finished product against the wall of the preforming mould, in order to give a shape to the semi-finished product; pressure is removed and the preformed part is ejected from the wall; and the preformed part is removed from the mould.

An article of luggage is provided for comprising a first layer of hard shell and a second layer of hard shell material with one or more ornamental substrate disposed between at least the first layer of hard shell material and at least the second layer of hard shell material. A section of hard shell material may be formed by pressing and/or heating at least the first layer of hard shell material, the second layer of hard shell material, and the ornamental substrate together.

A method of thermoforming a rigid film construction. The method comprises: applying a rigid film construction to a mold; and heating the rigid film construction until it conforms to the mold. The rigid film construction includes a rigid polymeric film layer; a light-modifying film layer; and a shielding film layer. The shielding film comprises polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA); and the shielding film layer contacts the surface of the mold.