An electronically-controlled method is provided for manufacturing a ceramic matrix composite structure with a desired shape. The electronically-controlled method comprises picking a first ceramic matrix composite ply that is sandwiched between a first bottom backing film and a first top backing film, and peeling away the first bottom backing film from the first ceramic matrix composite ply. The electronically-controlled method also comprises placing the first ceramic matrix composite ply on a tool surface with the first top backing film facing away from the tool surface, and positioning a vacuum membrane against the first ceramic matrix composite ply that is on the tool surface to provide a vacuum-tight seal against the first ceramic matrix composite ply. The electronically-controlled method further comprises drawing a vacuum to pull the vacuum membrane against the first ceramic matrix composite ply and thereby to form the first ceramic matrix composite ply to shape of the tool surface, and releasing the vacuum. The electronically-controlled method also comprises after the vacuum is released, peeling away the first top backing film from the first ceramic matrix composite ply and thereby to provide the ceramic matrix composite structure with the desired shape.

A demolding kit for concrete products to be molded and demolded. The demolding kit comprises a deformable mold having two rigid spines, a longitudinal mold volume extending transversally to the spines for molding a product, and a resting face opposed to the mold volume; and a bed having a non-matching shape relative to the resting face of the deformable mold. Clearance between the resting face and the bed about at least one of the spines is present when the resting face rests on the bed without exterior force applied thereon. The deformable mold is configured to have the resting face at least partially adopting the shape of the bed when exterior face is applied on the spines, thereby at least partially releasing the product from the mold volume.

Method for manufacturing automatically slabs of conglomerate stone and/or ceramic material with a veined effect from a base mix (M), which method comprises a step of a) depositing a layer of base mix (M) inside a temporary support (S), (b) automatically forming on the layer of base mix (M) at least one plurality of grooves (F) of predetermined width, c) automatically distributing at least one dye inside the grooves (F) and d) compacting the layer of base mix (F). The at least one dye consists of a colouring mix (C1, C2) comprising at least one binder. The invention also relates to a robot island (1) for forming veining in a layer of base mix (M) for the manufacture of slabs and an apparatus for manufacturing slabs with a veined effect.

A method for producing engineered stone slabs includes depositing a plurality of fragments of composite material into a pile on a surface, which is supported by a supporting structure, and depositing colorant in a predefined region onto at least part of side walls of at least some of the plurality of fragments of the composite material. The method then includes using a press roller to press, flatten and stretch the plurality of fragments of the composite material into a slab, after depositing the colorant.

System for manufacturing ceramic articles, in particular ceramic slabs or tiles, comprising: a compaction device; a conveyor assembly to transport powder material along a given path from an input station to an output station; a digital feeding assembly to feed powder material to the conveyor assembly at the input station so as to generate a layer of powder material, with feeding devices each comprising a plurality of distribution elements along its transverse output mouth, as well as corresponding actuators; a detection unit to detect the height or thickness of the powder material; and a height correction unit, located upstream of the detection unit and of the compaction device, operable to modify the height or thickness of the layer of powder material crosswise to said moving direction, depending on the data detected by said detection unit, so as to make it more uniform.

A method for producing engineered stone slabs includes depositing fragments onto a surface and using a height limiting device to disrupt the fragments so a height of the fragments at the highest point from the supporting structure is substantially the same height as the height limiting device from the supporting structure. The method then includes using a digital printing device, in a first digital printing step, to print an image onto at least part of a top and side walls of at least some of the fragments, and then depositing additional composite material onto at least some of the fragments. The method further includes using a digital printing device, in an additional digital printing step, to print an image onto at least part of the additional damp composite material, and then using a press roller to press, flatten and stretch the fragments into a slab.

The present invention relates to an electrostatic chuck heater having a bipolar structure, the electrostatic chuck heater comprising: a heater body having an internal electrode and an external electrode for selectively performing any one of an RF grounding function and an electrostatic chuck function according to a semiconductor process mode; and a heater support mounted below the heater body so as to support the heater body.

The present disclosure is directed to a construction element produced by additive manufacturing, an additive manufacturing system for producing the construction element and a method for manufacturing the construction element. The construction element includes an outer layer. The outer layer is configured to define or form an enclosure. The construction element further includes an inner matrix. The inner matrix is formed within the enclosure. The outer layer and the inner matrix are formed integrally, by depositing successive layers using an additive manufacturing system. The inner matrix is defined by a first layup and a second layup. The first layup is laid along a first direction and across the enclosure. The second layup is laid juxtaposing the first layup. The first layup and the second layup define a plurality of air pockets in the inner matrix. Further, a filler material is infused into at least some air pockets of the plurality of air pockets.

The present disclosure is directed to a construction element produced by additive manufacturing, an additive manufacturing system for producing the construction element and a method for manufacturing the construction element. The construction element includes an outer layer. The outer layer is configured to define or form an enclosure. The construction element further includes an inner matrix. The inner matrix is formed within the enclosure. The outer layer and the inner matrix are formed integrally, by depositing successive layers using an additive manufacturing system. The inner matrix is defined by a first layup and a second layup. The first layup is laid along a first direction and across the enclosure. The second layup is laid juxtaposing the first layup. The first layup and the second layup define a plurality of air pockets in the inner matrix. Further, a filler material is infused into at least some air pockets of the plurality of air pockets.

The present disclosure is directed to a construction element produced by additive manufacturing, an additive manufacturing system for producing the construction element and a method for manufacturing the construction element. The construction element includes an outer layer. The outer layer is configured to define or form an enclosure. The construction element further includes an inner matrix. The inner matrix is formed within the enclosure. The outer layer and the inner matrix are formed integrally, by depositing successive layers using an additive manufacturing system. The inner matrix is defined by a first layup and a second layup. The first layup is laid along a first direction and across the enclosure. The second layup is laid juxtaposing the first layup. The first layup and the second layup define a plurality of air pockets in the inner matrix. Further, a filler material is infused into at least some air pockets of the plurality of air pockets.