A system for producing at least one particle foam molding includes at least one automatic molding machine, which comprises at least one mold device. The automatic molding machine(s) comprises at least one interface for coupling a functional module which can be functionally assigned to the automatic molding machine(s) in order to form an individually configured automatic molding machine functional module arrangement. The system also includes at least one functional module which can be individually assigned to the automatic molding machine(s) to form an individually configured automatic molding machine functional module arrangement, wherein the functional module(s) comprises at least one interface for coupling to the automatic molding machine(s). Additionally, the system includes a central data processing device(s) which, on the basis of the configuration of the individually configured functional module arrangement, is configured to generate operating information which regulates and/or controls the operation of at least one functional module.

A system for producing at least one particle foam molding includes at least one automatic molding machine, which comprises at least one mold device. The automatic molding machine(s) comprises at least one interface for coupling a functional module which can be functionally assigned to the automatic molding machine(s) in order to form an individually configured automatic molding machine functional module arrangement. The system also includes at least one functional module which can be individually assigned to the automatic molding machine(s) to form an individually configured automatic molding machine functional module arrangement, wherein the functional module(s) comprises at least one interface for coupling to the automatic molding machine(s). Additionally, the system includes a central data processing device(s) which, on the basis of the configuration of the individually configured functional module arrangement, is configured to generate operating information which regulates and/or controls the operation of at least one functional module.

A structure comprising: (i) a fiber and resin matrix material layer at least partially forming a hollow section of the structure; and (ii) a foamable material layer in direct planar contact with the fiber and resin matrix material layer, the foamable material layer at least partially filling the hollow section.

A structure comprising: (i) a fiber and resin matrix material layer at least partially forming a hollow section of the structure; and (ii) a foamable material layer in direct planar contact with the fiber and resin matrix material layer, the foamable material layer at least partially filling the hollow section.

An expansion device, including: an installation unit in which a thermally expandable sheet is disposed; an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the thermally expandable sheet placed on the installation unit with light; and a control unit configured to perform processes described below, wherein after an expansion process to expand the thermally expandable sheet by irradiating the thermally expandable sheet placed on the installation unit with light by the irradiation unit, a cooling process to cool the thermally expandable sheet by a predetermined cooling unit while maintaining the state in which the thermally expandable sheet is placed on the installation unit.

An expansion device, including: an installation unit in which a thermally expandable sheet is disposed; an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the thermally expandable sheet placed on the installation unit with light; and a control unit configured to perform processes described below, wherein after an expansion process to expand the thermally expandable sheet by irradiating the thermally expandable sheet placed on the installation unit with light by the irradiation unit, a cooling process to cool the thermally expandable sheet by a predetermined cooling unit while maintaining the state in which the thermally expandable sheet is placed on the installation unit.

A molding method includes providing a molding device, wherein the molding device includes a mold cavity, a feeding port in communication with the mold cavity, and a junction point in connection with the mold cavity; engaging an outlet of an injector to the feeding port; injecting a molding material including a blowing agent into the mold cavity from the feeding port by the injector; and injecting a gas into the mold cavity through the junction point to increase a pressure inside the mold cavity to a predetermined pressure for maintaining the blowing agent in a supercritical state.

A molding method includes providing a molding device, wherein the molding device includes a mold cavity, a feeding port in communication with the mold cavity, and a junction point in connection with the mold cavity; engaging an outlet of an injector to the feeding port; injecting a molding material including a blowing agent into the mold cavity from the feeding port by the injector; and injecting a gas into the mold cavity through the junction point to increase a pressure inside the mold cavity to a predetermined pressure for maintaining the blowing agent in a supercritical state.

An expansion ratio detection system for rubber, including a controller, a rubber sampling module, a rubber calender, a temperature control module, and an expansion ratio detection module. The rubber sampling module obtains a rubber to be tested consistent with a weight value. After the temperature control module determines that the rubber to be tested has reached a first temperature value, the rubber calender outputs the rubber to be tested having a thickness value. The expansion ratio detection module obtains an expansion ratio according to twice the thickness value and a roller pitch.

Method for controlling the operation of a device for producing a particle foam component, wherein the device includes at least one function unit, which is controllable during its operation in respect of at least one target value. The method includes selecting, selection, on the basis of at least one selection criterion, of a control parameter set from a data storage unit, in which a plurality of control parameter sets are stored, which each has at least one control parameter for controlling the operation of at least one function unit of the device in respect of at least one target value; and applying the at least one selected control parameter set to control the operation of the device, in particular to control the operation of the function unit of the device affected by the particular control parameter set.