A method of forming an orthodontic aligner from an aligner digital model, the method comprising the steps of: three-dimensionally printing an intermediate structure comprising fused filaments from a biocompatible thermoplastic according to the aligner digital model via fused deposition modelling; coating the intermediate structure with a biocompatible translucent photopolymer; and irradiating the coating with ultraviolet light to cure the coating on the intermediate structure, thereby forming the orthodontic aligner.

A method of forming an orthodontic aligner from an aligner digital model, the method comprising the steps of: (a) three-dimensionally printing an intermediate structure comprising fused filaments from a biocompatible thermoplastic according to the aligner digital model via fused deposition modelling; (b) coating the intermediate structure with a biocompatible translucent photopolymer; and (c) irradiating the coating with ultraviolet light to cure the coating on the intermediate structure, thereby forming the orthodontic aligner.

A shaping apparatus, a shaping method and a shaped object are provided. The shaping apparatus for shaping a shaped object that is stereoscopic and in which at least one part is colored is provided and includes: inkjet heads which are coloring heads that eject a coloring ink; an inkjet head which is a light reflective material head that ejects a white ink to become a light reflective material; and a controller. The shaped object including a region to be colored is shaped as the shaped object. At least a part of the region to be colored is formed by arranging a plurality of color cells set in advance as a unit of coloring. Each of the color cells includes a reflective core formed of the white ink, and an outer peripheral portion formed of the coloring ink.

A die-formed chamfered plastic floor and a preparation method thereof are disclosed. The method includes: mixing raw materials for preparing a plastic floor matrix to obtain a mixed material; subjecting the mixed material to an extrusion, a laminating-embossing treatment, a die forming-chamfering treatment, a coating with an ultraviolet curable paint, a slicing, and a tenoning in sequence, to obtain the die-formed chamfered plastic floor. In the disclosure, a die forming-chamfering treatment is set between a laminating-embossing treatment and a coating with an ultraviolet curable paint, and thereby a chamfer embossing could be formed on the surface of the workpiece through pressing.

The invention generally relates to shape memory films that are tri-functionally crosslinked and that comprise multiple, non-terminal, phenylethynyl moieties. In addition, the present invention relates methods of fabricating such films. Due to the improved properties of such SMPS, the SMP designer can program in to the SMP mechanical property enhancements that make the SMP suitable, among other things, for advanced sensors, high temperature actuators, responder matrix materials and heat responsive packaging.

The invention generally relates to shape memory films that are tri-functionally crosslinked and that comprise multiple, non-terminal, phenylethynyl moieties. In addition, the present invention relates methods of fabricating such films. Due to the improved properties of such SMPs, the SMP designer can program in to the SMP thermomechanical property enhancements that make the SMP suitable, among other things, for advanced sensors, high temperature actuators, responder matrix materials and heat responsive packaging.

The tube is stretchable. The tube is stretched by applying tension in a longitudinal direction. The tube returns to its short state by releasing the above-described tension applied in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of protrusions are formed on an inner surface of the tube. Each of the plurality of protrusions extends in a circumferential direction. The plurality of protrusions are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the tube. A pitch of the protrusions is less than or equal to 1.5 m.

A method for processing phase change material includes providing pieces of phase change material having a transition temperature, the pieces of phase change material being in a solid phase. A medium is provided which is transformable from a liquid state to a solid state, the medium is in the liquid state and at a temperature which is below the transition temperature of the pieces of phase change material. The pieces of phase change material are combined with the medium to form a mixture. The mixture is supplied to a tool which forms a phase change material product. The medium is then transformed to the solid state.

A thermoformable sheet transfer system is provided having at least one frame, and upstream conveyor, a sheet cutter, and a downstream sheet manipulator. The upstream conveyor is configured to deliver a series of shots of formed articles in a thermoformed sheet from an exit end of an article forming station. The sheet cutter is carried by the at least one frame provided proximate the conveyor downstream of the article forming station and is configured to cut a leading edge of the formed articles and sheet sufficiently formed to index within dies of an article trim press. The downstream sheet manipulator is carried by the at least one frame and is configured to transport the leading edge and the sufficiently formed articles and sheet for delivery in sequential shots from downstream an article forming station to upstream an article trim station. A method is also provided.

A thermoforming method includes forming a skin comprising a plurality of plies thermoplastic resin and fiber, securing an edge of the skin to a mandrel, heating, via a heating element, the skin to a forming temperature, moving a thermoforming apparatus with respect to the mandrel, rolling at least one roller of the thermoforming apparatus along the skin in a direction away from the clamped edge of the skin in response to the thermoforming apparatus moving with respect to the mandrel, and in response to the at least one roller of the thermoforming apparatus rolling along the skin, compressing the skin between the at least one roller and the mandrel, consolidating the plurality of plies of material, and bending the skin to conform to a shape of the mandrel. The consolidated and formed skin is then cooled and removed from the mandrel.