An apparatus for forming a three-dimensional (3D) object includes a 3D printing head, for fabricating a first portion of the 3D object by forming a plurality of successive layers of a first material. The apparatus also includes a delivery head for fabricating a second portion of the 3D object by dispensing onto the first portion of the 3D object a plurality of layers of a continuous-fiber reinforced second material. Further, the delivery head includes comprising a roller for pressing the continuous-fiber reinforced second material into place during the dispensing thereof. A controller controls the 3D printing head and the delivery head to cooperatively form the 3D object, based on a dataset corresponding to a 3D object model.

The invention relates to a stamp-sealing unit comprising a punch designed as a sonotrode (8), and a die (5), said die (5) having an opening (15) and the punch being able to be moved in and out of the opening (15) in the stamping direction. The invention also relates to an ultrasonic processing device for stamping stamped parts out of a stamping material (2) and for sealing the stamped parts to unprocessed products (21).

A method and apparatus can be used for vacuum skin packaging of a product. The product can be arranged on a support comprising providing a film sheet above said support with said product being arranged between the support and the film sheet. The film sheet can be air tightly fixed to the support. The wall of the support can be perforated to form at least one through hole. At least a portion of air from within the support underneath said film sheet can be removed through the at least one hole. A packaged product is obtainable using the method and apparatus.

A method for producing an optical coupling element made of elastomer includes filling a free-flowing elastomer formulation or its constituents into a mold so as to produce a flat sheet whose thickness is adapted to a thickness of the optical coupling element that is to be produced. The elastomer formulation or its constituents is cured to form an inherently stable elastomer. Individual optical coupling elements are cut out of the flat sheet.

A method and system for assisting in the manufacture of composite parts such as those used for various high-strength assemblies such as aircraft wings, vertical stabilizers, racing car shells, boat hulls, and other parts which are required to have a very high strength to weight ratio. The system uses laser technology to measure the resultant surfaces of a first manufactured composite part. A computer system analyzes and compares the as-built dimensions with the required production specifications. Supplemental composite filler plies are designed including shape and dimensions. These plies are nested together into a single composite sheet and manufactured to minimize wasted material. The plies are then cut out and applied to the first part guided by a laser projection system for locating the plies on the part. The part is then re-cured. The final assembly is then re-measured for compliance with production dimensions.

A method and system for assisting in the manufacture of composite parts such as those used for various high-strength assemblies such as aircraft wings, vertical stabilizers, racing car shells, boat hulls, and other parts which are required to have a very high strength to weight ratio. The system uses laser technology to measure the resultant surfaces of a first manufactured composite part. A computer system analyzes and compares the as-built dimensions with the required production specifications. Supplemental composite filler plies are designed including shape and dimensions. These plies are nested together into a single composite sheet and manufactured to minimize wasted material. The plies are then cut out and applied to the first part guided by a laser projection system for locating the plies on the part. The part is then re-cured. The final assembly is then re-measured for compliance with production dimensions.

The invention relates to a stamp-sealing unit comprising a punch designed as a sonotrode (8), and a die (5), said die (5) having an opening (15) and the punch being able to be moved in and out of the opening (15) in the stamping direction. The invention also relates to an ultrasonic processing device for stamping stamped parts out of a stamping material (2) and for sealing the stamped parts to unprocessed products (21).

A product can be packaged in vacuum skin packaging. The product is arranged on a support. A film sheet is provided above the support with the product being arranged between the support and the film sheet. The film sheet is air-tightly fixed to the support. A wall of the support is perforated to form at least one through hole. At least a portion of air is removed from within the support underneath the film sheet through the at least one hole.

Packaging apparatus (1) comprises a packaging assembly (8) which has a supply unit (300) configured to supply electric energy to a conductive element of a heating head by causing an electric current flow through this conductive element; the conductive element defining a heating surface configured to heat seal one or more parts of said film. The electric conductive element comprising: a supporting substrate (206), at least a conductive structure engaged on the supporting substrate (206), at least one protective layer (208) covering the conductive structure as this latter is engaged between the supporting substrate (206) and the protective layer (208). The conductive element comprising at least one first and one second contacting tabs each integral with said conductive structure; each of said contacting tabs protruding transversally from a prevalent development surface of the conductive structure towards the supporting substrate (206) for defining a terminal contacting end. The heating head (700) comprising a first and second electric terminals respectively engaged with said first and second contacting tabs; each of said electric terminal is configured for stably constraining opposite faces of the respective contacting tab which define the thickness of said tab.

Multifunction end effector apparatus and methods for assembling thermoplastic composite articles are disclosed. An example apparatus for assembling a thermoplastic composite article includes a robot and an end effector coupled to the robot. The end effector includes a cutting head, a vacuum head, and a welding head.