The prediction model includes the steps of calculating a surface area S.sub.1 of a control mold, measuring the force F.sub.1 for demolding from the control mold, determining first and second test specimens with respective surface areas S.sub.0, S.sub.0, measuring the force F.sub.0 for demolding from the first test specimen, measuring the force F.sub.0 for demolding from the second test specimen, calculating the ratio of S.sub.0 and S.sub.0 so as to define a test specimen surface area ratio R.sub.se, calculating the ratio of the force F.sub.0 for demolding from the first test specimen and F.sub.0 for demolding from the second test specimen so as to define a force ratio R.sub.fe, measuring the molding surface area S.sub.m of a mold to be measured and calculating the force F.sub.m for demolding from the mold to be measured such that F.sub.m=F.sub.1S.sub.m/S.sub.1R.sub.fe/R.sub.se.

In a method for machining a workpiece (1), the workpiece (1) is secured to a carrier element (2) by at least one connecting element (4) or is produced by a generative production method. In an embedding step, the workpiece (1) is introduced into a casting mould surrounding the workpiece (1) and a curing carrier material (16) surrounding the workpiece (1) is introduced into the casting mould, such that the workpiece (1) is embedded and fixed in the carrier material (16). In an exposure step, the carrier material (2) is separated from the workpiece (1) and the workpiece (1) is exposed from a side facing the carrier element (2), in order, in a subsequent second machining step, for it to be possible to machine the workpiece (1) partially embedded in the carrier material (16). The workpiece (1) can be produced by a generative production method on the carrier element (2), wherein at least one connecting element (4) that joins the workpiece (1) to the carrier element (2) is produced at the same time. Arranged on the carrier element (2) are protruding positioning elements (6), which, when the workpiece (1) is introduced into the casting mould (10), come into engagement with matching recesses in the casting mould, in order to define a position of the carrier element (2) with the workpiece (1) secured thereto relative to the casting mould and to allow subsequent referencing of the workpiece (1).

A continuous reinforced cold water pipe (CWP) for an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system is formed from a sequential series of molded pipe sections, which are formed from a series of rigid frame sections and a curable material to form the continuous reinforced CWP. Each molded pipe section is formed by moving a rigid frame section into a mold, enclosing at least a portion of the rigid frame section in the curable material, and curing the curable material. As each molded pipe section is moved out of the mold, the next sequential rigid frame section, which is connected to the previous rigid frame section, is moved into the mold. The cycle is repeated as many times as required to form the continuous reinforced CWP having a desired length.

Systems and methods for casting solid propellants include a mandrel for forming geometric features in a perforation of a propellant grain. In various embodiments, the mandrel includes a frangible portion that is removed from the propellant grain after the propellant grain has cured around the mandrel. A second portion of the mandrel may be left behind in the propellant grain. The mandrel may include a support structured disposed in the through hole of the mandrel. The support structure may include a plurality of longitudinal channels for directed exhaust gasses through the mandrel upon ignition of the propellant grain.

Systems and methods for casting solid propellants include a mandrel for forming geometric features in a perforation of a propellant grain. In various embodiments, the mandrel includes a frangible portion that is removed from the propellant grain after the propellant grain has cured around the mandrel. A second portion of the mandrel may be left behind in the propellant grain. The mandrel may include a support structured disposed in the through hole of the mandrel. The support structure may include a plurality of longitudinal channels for directed exhaust gasses through the mandrel upon ignition of the propellant grain.

A microneedle comprising a shaft has a proximal end and a distal end and, optionally, a capillary space within said shaft, said capillary space (i) connecting said proximal and distal ends or (ii) extending from the distal end of the shaft and connecting with one or more external openings positioned between the proximal end and distal end or (iii) performing the functions of both (i) and (ii). The microneedle includes a polymer mixture that includes (a) polycarbonate, (b) polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer and (c) mold release agent.

A microneedle comprising a shaft has a proximal end and a distal end and, optionally, a capillary space within said shaft, said capillary space (i) connecting said proximal and distal ends or (ii) extending from the distal end of the shaft and connecting with one or more external openings positioned between the proximal end and distal end or (iii) performing the functions of both (i) and (ii). The microneedle includes a polymer mixture that includes (a) polycarbonate, (b) polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer and (c) mold release agent.

A machine for disassembling a lens mold assembly including a first mold part, a second mold part, and a molded-lens sandwiched therebetween. The machine includes a centering unit to center the lens mold assembly. The machine includes a disassembling module having a mold engagement mechanism to engage the first and second mold parts to clamp and move the lens mold assembly. The disassembling module includes a molded-lens holder mechanism having at least two clamping members to clamp the molded-lens of the lens mold assembly. The machine includes an alignment guidance module to detect relative positions between the molded lens of the lens mold assembly and the molded-lens holder mechanism to align the molded lens for clamping by the molded-lens holder mechanism. The mold engagement mechanism is configured to hold the first and second mold parts individually and to separate the first and second mold parts from the molded lens.

A machine for disassembling a lens mold assembly including a first mold part, a second mold part, and a molded-lens sandwiched therebetween. The machine includes a centering unit to center the lens mold assembly. The machine includes a disassembling module having a mold engagement mechanism to engage the first and second mold parts to clamp and move the lens mold assembly. The disassembling module includes a molded-lens holder mechanism having at least two clamping members to clamp the molded-lens of the lens mold assembly. The machine includes an alignment guidance module to detect relative positions between the molded lens of the lens mold assembly and the molded-lens holder mechanism to align the molded lens for clamping by the molded-lens holder mechanism. The mold engagement mechanism is configured to hold the first and second mold parts individually and to separate the first and second mold parts from the molded lens.

A method of molding an article includes positioning a dissolvable insert within a mold, filling the mold with material to form an article within the mold and about the dissolvable insert, and at least partially dissolving the dissolvable insert from within the article. The dissolvable insert forms internal features of the article and includes a porous core.