A method for preparation of a mold (10) intended to form a slab from a mixture of agglomerate comprising the steps of depositing over the mold surfaces a sheet (15) of PVA-based plastic material so as to form with it a surface for subsequent contact with the mixture introduced into the mold for forming the slab, whereby in at least some areas a layer (14) of a fluid agent containing PVA in a solution is interposed between the sheet (15) and the mold surfaces. A plant for carrying out the method and a method for production of a slab are also described.

A method for preparation of a mold (10) intended to form a slab from a mixture of agglomerate comprising the steps of depositing over the mold surfaces a sheet (15) of PVA-based plastic material so as to form with it a surface for subsequent contact with the mixture introduced into the mold for forming the slab, whereby in at least some areas a layer (14) of a fluid agent containing PVA in a solution is interposed between the sheet (15) and the mold surfaces. A plant for carrying out the method and a method for production of a slab are also described.

A polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid ester represented by the general formula [C.sub.nF.sub.2n+1(CH.sub.2CF.sub.2).sub.a(CF.sub.2CF.sub.2).sub.b(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.cO].sub.mP(O)(OH).sub.3m [I] n: 1 to 6, a: 1 to 4, b: 1 to 3, c: 1 to 3, m: 1 to 3) or a salt thereof. The polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid ester represented by the general formula [I] is produced by subjecting a polyfluoroalkyl alcohol represented by the general formula C.sub.nF.sub.2n+1(CH.sub.2CF.sub.2).sub.a(CF.sub.2CF.sub.2).sub.b(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.cOH [II] (n: 1 to 6, a: 1 to 4, b: 1 to 3, c: 1 to 3) to a dehydration condensation reaction with phosphoric acid. The polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid ester can be easily synthesized without passing through dialkyl ester as in the case of phosphonic acid, and used for a mold-releasing agent comprising the same or a salt thereof as an active ingredient.

A problem exists of prohibitively high costs associated with molds for small run, legacy, or prototype injection molded parts. Further, the lead time on molds is currently on the order of about two weeks. A mold is provided that is formed from three-dimensional printing. The mold includes a series of air and/or water cooling channels to limit thermal stresses to the mold. Additionally, a series of coatings is added to the surface of a 3D printed mold to extend the lifetime of the mold and increase the performance of the mold. The coatings perform a function other than to define a shape of an injection cavity, such as improving thermal conductivity, providing a thermal barrier between the injection material and the mold body, or improving the detachment of the final mold product from the mold body.

A problem exists of prohibitively high costs associated with molds for small run, legacy, or prototype injection molded parts. Further, the lead time on molds is currently on the order of about two weeks. A mold is provided that is formed from three-dimensional printing. The mold includes a series of air and/or water cooling channels to limit thermal stresses to the mold. Additionally, a series of coatings is added to the surface of a 3D printed mold to extend the lifetime of the mold and increase the performance of the mold. The coatings perform a function other than to define a shape of an injection cavity, such as improving thermal conductivity, providing a thermal barrier between the injection material and the mold body, or improving the detachment of the final mold product from the mold body.

This application relates to an anti-stiction flexible mold comprising a layer of an anti-stiction silicon dioxide deposited onto a flexible substrate. There is also provided a method for fabricating an anti-stiction flexible mold comprising the steps of a) depositing a layer of silicon dioxide on a flexible substrate; and b) interacting the layer of silicon dioxide with an anti-stiction agent to form the anti-stiction flexible mold. The resulting anti-stiction flexible mold may have superior anti-stick properties and may enable easy separation of mold and substrates after imprinting.

This application relates to an anti-stiction flexible mold comprising a layer of an anti-stiction silicon dioxide deposited onto a flexible substrate. There is also provided a method for fabricating an anti-stiction flexible mold comprising the steps of a) depositing a layer of silicon dioxide on a flexible substrate; and b) interacting the layer of silicon dioxide with an anti-stiction agent to form the anti-stiction flexible mold. The resulting anti-stiction flexible mold may have superior anti-stick properties and may enable easy separation of mold and substrates after imprinting.

A tool and its method of use direct a flow of liquid resin through a preform. The tool has a tool surface with a channel recessed into the tool surface to a bottom surface of the channel. A plate is positioned on the tool surface covering over the channel with the plate being supported by the tool in the channel spaced above the bottom surface of the channel and with the top surface of the plate positioned coplanar with the tool surface of the tool. A preform is positioned on the tool surface with the preform covering over the plate. A flow of liquid resin is supplied to the tool surface and a pressure differential communicating with the tool surface draws the flow of liquid resin into the channel, through the channel and through a plurality of perforations through the plate and into the preform.

A tool and its method of use direct a flow of liquid resin through a preform. The tool has a tool surface with a channel recessed into the tool surface to a bottom surface of the channel. A plate is positioned on the tool surface covering over the channel with the plate being supported by the tool in the channel spaced above the bottom surface of the channel and with the top surface of the plate positioned coplanar with the tool surface of the tool. A preform is positioned on the tool surface with the preform covering over the plate. A flow of liquid resin is supplied to the tool surface and a pressure differential communicating with the tool surface draws the flow of liquid resin into the channel, through the channel and through a plurality of perforations through the plate and into the preform.

According to one embodiment, a coagulant comprising calcium nitrate and an antimicrobial agent is disclosed. The coagulant may be used in the molding process to releasably bond the substrate material to the mold and to bond to the antimicrobial to the substrate material.