1. A plasticizing device includes a barrel including a resin material supply port portion and a fiber supply port portion which is formed on a distal side from the resin material supply port portion; and a screw that comprises a shaft body and a flight, and is received in the barrel. The barrel is disposed with a posture in which its axial line intersects a gravitational direction. A maximum length of an opening in the barrel of the fiber supply port portion along an axial direction of the barrel is 1 time or more and 2 times or less as much as a pitch of the flight disposed in a portion of the screw which faces the opening in the barrel of the fiber supply port portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial line of the barrel.

Systems and methods are provided for mixing parts of a thermoset resin during impregnation of a composite preform. One embodiment is a method that includes positioning a composite preform at a forming tool, flowing a first part of the thermoset resin into a mixing chamber at the forming tool, flowing a second part of the thermoset resin that is chemically distinct from the first part of the thermoset resin into the mixing chamber, mixing the first part and the second part to form the thermoset resin within the mixing chamber, and infusing the thermoset resin from the mixing chamber into the preform.

A novel method for making decorative structures, specifically for use as writing instruments composed of a novel material composition that scatters and reflects light to exhibit a particular visual effect, i.e. a glitter effect. The composition is made of one or a combination of a number of different resins combined with a mica dust and/or a diamond dust. The resin is an organic compound and in composed partially or entirely from epoxide, polyester and/or polyurethane. Other additives can be added to the resin to enhance the visual effect including ground glass and dyes or pigments.

Systems and methods are provided for mixing parts of a thermoset resin during impregnation of a composite preform. One embodiment is a method that includes positioning a composite preform at a forming tool, flowing a first part of the thermoset resin into a mixing chamber at the forming tool, flowing a second part of the thermoset resin that is chemically distinct from the first part of the thermoset resin into the mixing chamber, mixing the first part and the second part to form the thermoset resin within the mixing chamber, and infusing the thermoset resin from the mixing chamber into the preform.

A melting device includes a container capable of melting a material supplied in a free-flowing state and storing the material in a liquid state. The container includes a first storage section for storing the material in the free-flowing state, a second storage section for storing the material in the liquid state, and a dividing section provided between the first storage section and the second storage section and configured to hold back the material, when the material is in a non-molten or free-flowing state and to allow passage of the material from the first storage section into the second storage section, when the material is in a molten or liquid state.

A hotend assembly for an additive manufacturing device. The hotend assembly comprises a heated chamber, a number of inlets configured to feed filament into the heated chamber, and an exit orifice from the heated chamber. An actuated rod extends into the heated chamber and is rotated by a motor, wherein the actuated rod is configured to impart mechanical energy to the filament inside the heated chamber prior to extrusion through the exit orifice.

The invention describes an advanced mixing and metering technology with online analytics for a supply of formulated liquid thermosetting resins into an open or closed mold. The application addresses where a precise control of the composition of formulated components is required. Composite structures used in primary and secondary structural aerospace applications manufactured in Infusion or RTM processes are possible examples.

The invention relates to a resin infusion process wherein a curable flowing fluid resin composition is supplied to form a curable matrix around a fibrous reinforcement material, wherein the curable flowing fluid resin composition comprises a resin component (1) and an activator component (2), and at least one property of the curable flowing fluid resin composition is monitored prior to supply.

A novel method for making decorative structures, specifically for use as writing instruments composed of a novel material composition that scatters and reflects light to exhibit a particular visual effect, i.e. a glitter effect. The composition is made of one or a combination of a number of different resins combined with a mica dust and/or a diamond dust. The resin is an organic compound and in composed partially or entirely from epoxide, polyester and/or polyurethane. Other additives can be added to the resin to enhance the visual effect including ground glass and dyes or pigments.

A system and method to dispense, mix, and inject liquids and force them into a vented investment pattern mold cavity comprises a source of raw materials in fluid communication with an injection unit for metering and delivering the raw materials. A mixing and injection head receives and mixes the metered raw materials. A movable molding cart upon which an investment pattern mold is mounted is disposed adjacent the injection unit and proximate the mixing and injection head. The movable molding cart includes a fill cup that may be engaged by the mixing and injection head. A displaceable gating tray provides fluid communication with the fill cup and a sprue aligned with an investment port on a lower portion of the investment pattern mold. The system also includes a digital computer control by which the injection process may be controlled.