A continuous forming apparatus for molding foam material into foam products that includes a first endless belt and a second endless belt that cooperates with the first endless belt to mold the foam material. The continuous forming apparatus may also include a first plurality of cleats and a second plurality of cleats opposed to the first plurality of cleats that support the first endless belt and the second endless belt respectively. The first plurality of cleats may include a three-dimensional abutment surface that provides transverse and lateral support to the first endless belt. Additionally, the continuous forming apparatus may include a first frame disposed to support the first plurality of cleats, a second frame disposed to support the second plurality of cleats, and a drive mechanism for imparting motion to the first endless belt, the second endless belt, the first plurality of cleats, and the second plurality of cleats.

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 continuous forming apparatus for molding foam material into foam products that includes a first endless belt and a second endless belt that cooperates with the first endless belt to mold the foam material. The continuous forming apparatus may also include a first plurality of cleats and a second plurality of cleats opposed to the first plurality of cleats that support the first endless belt and the second endless belt respectively. The first plurality of cleats may include a three-dimensional abutment surface that provides transverse and lateral support to the first endless belt. Additionally, the continuous forming apparatus may include a first frame disposed to support the first plurality of cleats, a second frame disposed to support the second plurality of cleats, and a drive mechanism for imparting motion to the first endless belt, the second endless belt, the first plurality of cleats, and the second plurality of cleats.

An improved sealant packaging and method for use with sealing joints and cracks in pavement and parking lots is provided. Liquid sealant material is poured by volume into a container draped with a sheet. Container is cooled so that the sealant becomes a solid block, with the sheet adhered to the sides of the sealant block such that the sheet forms a container for the sealant. The sheet also acts a release liner for easily removing the sealant block from the container. Two or more contained blocks are stacked together, forming a package of two or more blocks self-sealed by sheets. When the package is placed in a melting kettle, heat migrates through the spaces between the individual sealant blocks and allows the smaller sealant blocks to melt quickly and evenly. Sheet and film melt with sealant material and are incorporated therein to form the final sealant product.

A PVB film for HUD, a forming mold and a forming method thereof are presented. The accuracy error of HUD imaging achieved by the PVB film for HUD is 0.1 mrad. The forming mold includes an upper mold and a lower mold, the two of which can form an enclosed mold cavity when clamped together, wherein protective films are disposed on inner surfaces of the upper mold and the lower mold, respectively, for supporting PVB material and preventing the PVB material from bonding with the upper mold and the lower mold, and wherein shapes of the protective films match shapes of the upper mold and the lower mold.

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 layer-by layer method for additive manufacturing that includes: photocuring a first volume of resin to form a layer of a build at an upper surface of a separation membrane laminated over a build window; injecting a fluid into an interstitial region between the separation membrane and the build window; retracting the build from the build window; evacuating the fluid from the interstitial region; and photocuring a second volume of liquid resin to form a subsequent layer of the build between an upper surface of a separation membrane and the previous layer of the build.

Textured hardcoat films are disclosed for preferable use in film insert moulding. Texture in the hardcoat film is created through the use of a textured protective overlayer, which can impart texture to the curable coating of the hardcoat film. This process preferably avoids the need to alter the composition of the curable coating to allow for texture and preferably produces a hardcoat film with a matte and reduced-glare finish. An apparatus and a method embodying the invention are disclosed.

A layer-by layer method for additive manufacturing that includes: photocuring a first volume of resin to form a layer of a build at an upper surface of a separation membrane laminated over a build window; injecting a fluid into an interstitial region between the separation membrane and the build window; retracting the build from the build window; evacuating the fluid from the interstitial region; and photocuring a second volume of liquid resin to form a subsequent layer of the build between an upper surface of a separation membrane and the previous layer of the build.

Systems and methods for supporting an object to be printed in an additive manufacturing process are disclosed. Support structures (202, 302, 402, 502, 602) are prefabricated and positioned in the build area of a 3D printing device prior to printing the 3D object. When the object has been printed, the support is removed and can be reused to print another object by repositioning the support structure in the building area of the additive manufacturing device.