A variable shaping form (10) includes a variable frame (12) and a variable support (16) extending within or across the frame. The shaping form (10) is selectively adjustable to vary the shape of the support (16) to define a variety of differently shaped contours, each of which approximates a doubly-ruled curved surface. The variable frame (12) may be defined by a plurality of frame portions (18, 19, 20, 21).

A variable shaping form (10) includes a variable frame (12) and a variable support (16) extending within or across the frame. The shaping form (10) is selectively adjustable to vary the shape of the support (16) to define a variety of differently shaped contours, each of which approximates a doubly-ruled curved surface. The variable frame (12) may be defined by a plurality of frame portions (18, 19, 20, 21).

A method for analyzing a quality of an orthodontic aligner is described. The method includes receiving, by a processor, a digital representation of a fabricated orthodontic aligner, the digital representation having been generated based on imaging of the fabricated orthodontic aligner. The method further includes analyzing, by the processor, the digital representation of the fabricated orthodontic aligner to identify a quality-related property of the fabricated orthodontic aligner. The method further includes determining, based on the quality-related property, that the fabricated orthodontic aligner comprises a manufacturing flaw. The method further includes classifying, by the processor, the fabricated orthodontic aligner as requiring further inspection by a technician based on determining that the fabricated orthodontic aligner comprises the manufacturing flaw.

A thermoforming apparatus is provided having a frame, a pair of platens, and a platen drive assembly. The platens are carried by the frame on opposite sides of a sheet line each configured to carry a respective die. One platen has a proximal die surface adjacent the sheet line and a rear surface distal the sheet line. The platen drive assembly is interposed between the frame and the one platen and has at least one reciprocating kinematic linkage and a drive motor configured to reciprocate the one platen to and fro relative to another platen. The kinematic linkage has a plurality of links interconnected pivotally together with respective rotation joints and interposed between the frame and the one platen. An outboard-most rotation joint is provided proximate one end of the frame and an inboard-most rotation joint intermediate the rear surface and the proximal die surface. A method is also provided.

A thermoforming apparatus is provided having a frame, a pair of platens, and a platen drive assembly. The platens are carried by the frame on opposite sides of a sheet line each configured to carry a respective die. One platen has a proximal die surface adjacent the sheet line and a rear surface distal the sheet line. The platen drive assembly is interposed between the frame and the one platen and has at least one reciprocating kinematic linkage and a drive motor configured to reciprocate the one platen to and fro relative to another platen. The kinematic linkage has a plurality of links interconnected pivotally together with respective rotation joints and interposed between the frame and the one platen. An outboard-most rotation joint is provided proximate one end of the frame and an inboard-most rotation joint intermediate the rear surface and the proximal die surface. A method is also provided.

An inspection device includes: an illumination device that irradiates standard and inspection objects with near-infrared light; a spectroscope that disperses reflected light; an imaging device that takes images of first and second optical spectrums of the reflected light dispersed by the spectroscope to obtain standard spectroscopic image data and inspection spectroscopic image data; and a processor. The processor executes a predetermined arithmetic operation with regard to at least one of (i) each pixel row of the standard spectroscopic image data perpendicular to a wavelength dispersion direction and (ii) each pixel column of the standard spectroscopic image data parallel to the wavelength dispersion direction. The processor, based on luminance values of pixels belonging to the pixel row or column, determines a characteristic of the pixel row and grasps a wavelength sensitivity characteristic of the imaging element under the near-infrared light emitted from the illumination device.

The instant application discloses, among other things, ways to manufacture reduced density thermoplastics. A rapid foaming process which may create a polymer product by saturating thermoplastic sheet or preforms, heating, and then forming into final shape, is described. The polymer product may include an integral solid skin. This method may be utilized with any thermoplastic. The material handling, saturation methods, and end products are also described.

The instant application discloses, among other things, ways to manufacture reduced density thermoplastics. A rapid foaming process which may create a polymer product by saturating thermoplastic sheet or preforms, heating, and then forming into final shape, is described. The polymer product may include an integral solid skin. This method may be utilized with any thermoplastic. The material handling, saturation methods, and end products are also described.

Stretching apparatus for automotive interior trim products and a method for forming The invention is a stretching apparatus which enables automotive interior trim products by being lifted between a lower mould and an upper mould before press, and a method for forming automotive interior trim products with this stretching apparatus.

A system includes a plurality of assemblies each configured to support a dental mold and a material, a heating system configured to heat the material, a forming system configured to form a chamber encompassing the dental mold and at least a portion of the heated material, and to cause the heated material to form over the dental mold, and a conveyor system configured to move the plurality of assemblies from a loading area to the heating system, from the heating system to the forming system, and from the forming system to an unloading area.