Thermoplastic forming tools and assemblages are provided for forming thermoplastic components. In particular, thermoplastic forming tools and assemblages are provided for forming thermoplastic components having precision micro-scale features and reproducible macro-scale dimensions. The thermoplastic forming assemblages can include at least a bottom tool and a top tool having a rigid tool body and an elastomer layer conformally coating at least a portion of both rigid tool bodies. The bottom and top tool can be so dimensioned that, when in the closed position, they define a cavity forming the thermoplastic component. The rigid tool bodies provide the reproducible macro-scale dimensions in the thermoplastic component, while the elastomer layers form and release the precision micro-scale features in the thermoplastic component when formed. Tool-forming structures are also provided for making thermoplastic forming tools and assemblages, as well as methods of making the thermoplastic forming tools, and methods of use for forming thermoplastic components.

According to some aspects, a method is provided of casting an object from a mold, the method comprising obtaining a mold comprising a hollow shell of rigid material, the material comprising a thermoset polymer having a plurality of pores formed therein, providing a metal and/or ceramic slurry into an interior of the mold, exposing at least part of the mold to a low pressure environment so that a net flow of gas is produced from the interior of the mold into the low pressure environment. According to some aspects, a method of forming a porous mold is provided. According to some aspects, a photocurable liquid composition is provided, comprising a liquid photopolymer resin, particles of a solid material, in an amount between 30% and 60% by volume of the composition, and a water-soluble liquid.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide molds made by additive manufacturing coupled with electrodeposition. Such methods comprise subjected a workpiece to one or more deposition process(es), such as electrodeposition, that provide a coating that possesses desirable chemical, physical, and/or mechanical properties. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise forming at least one workpiece for the mold by, for example, an additive manufacturing process such as three-dimensional printing (3D printing). Additionally, the present disclosure provides methods for the use of a mold for molding polymerizable, settable, thermoplastic, or thermoset materials.

Embodiments of the invention relate to injection mold components, assemblies, and molding system that include superhard materials. Such injection mold components, assemblies, and systems may decrease wear of certain injection mold components, which may result in improved productivity of the injection mold and molding systems that utilize such components.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide molds made by additive manufacturing coupled with electrodeposition. Such methods comprise subjected a workpiece to one or more deposition process(es), such as electrodeposition, that provide a coating that possesses desirable chemical, physical, and/or mechanical properties. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise forming at least one workpiece for the mold by, for example, an additive manufacturing process such as three-dimensional printing (3D printing). Additionally, the present disclosure provides methods for the use of a mold for molding polymerizable, settable, thermoplastic, or thermoset materials.

In order to produce molded foam parts from foam systems, such as soft, semi-hard and integral foam, foaming molds are typically used, which are produced from different base materials, depending on the intended purpose and required output or service life. Molds for producing molded foam parts are produced from steel or aluminum. A negative or undesirable property during the production of molded foam parts is that the foam adheres to the foaming molds and can often only be removed mechanically. In order to prevent this, the disclosure proposes a mold insert for a molded part mold, comprising a cavity, wherein the mold insert can be arranged on the molded part mold such that a volume-reduced cavity is formed in the arranged state and the mold insert contributes to creating the shape of the material.

A mold for casting a polymeric aircraft window panel includes a first mold half (12) having a first mold surface (24), and a second mold half (14) having a second mold surface (50). The first mold surface (24) and/or the second mold surface (50) have a shape conforming to a final shape for the major surfaces of the aircraft window panel. The first mold half (12) and/or the second mold half (14) can be formed of rolled, hydroformed, or stamped metal.

A mold (1) for machines for production of lipsticks or similar bar-shaped cosmetic products is formed with two coaxial layers (5, 6) of different chemically linked silicones, of which an inner layer (5) of smaller thickness in hard silicone and an outer layer (6) of greater thickness in soft silicone.