A method of dissipating heat from a surface of a first thermoplastic composite (TPC) being inductively welded with a second thermoplastic composite (TPC) includes flexing a heat sink during placement to conform to the surface of the first TPC, cooling the heat sink, applying inductive heat to a weld interface area between the first TPC and the second TPC, and drawing off heat via the heat sink from the surface of the first TPC.

A method of dissipating heat from a surface of a first thermoplastic composite (TPC) being inductively welded with a second thermoplastic composite (TPC) includes flexing a heat sink during placement to conform to the surface of the first TPC, cooling the heat sink, applying inductive heat to a weld interface area between the first TPC and the second TPC, and drawing off heat via the heat sink from the surface of the first TPC.

A method of induction welding a first carbon fiber thermoplastic composite (TPC) to a second carbon fiber thermoplastic composite (TPC) using an induction coil includes aligning the first TPC with the second TPC to form a weld interface area, flexing a heat sink onto a surface of the first TPC between the weld interface area and the induction coil, and inductively heating the weld interface area with the induction coil.

A method of induction welding a first carbon fiber thermoplastic composite (TPC) to a second carbon fiber thermoplastic composite (TPC) using an induction coil includes aligning the first TPC with the second TPC to form a weld interface area, flexing a heat sink onto a surface of the first TPC between the weld interface area and the induction coil, and inductively heating the weld interface area with the induction coil.

Provided are a microneedle template including: a substrate on which at least one microneedle shapes are formed; and a diamond layer formed on the surface of the at least one microneedle shapes, a method for preparing the microneedle template, a microneedle prepared using the microneedle template, and a method for preparing the microneedle.

A device for inductive sealing of a plurality of plies of a laminate which comprises a carrier layer made of electrically non-conductive material, a sealing layer made of thermoplastic material and a metal layer disposed between the sealing layer and the carrier layer, includes two compressible sealing jaws, each fitted with an inductor embedded in a block of the sealing jaw. The block of each sealing jaw consists of a metallic material. A concentrator of each sealing jaw is composed of a plurality of partial pieces, wherein each partial piece consists of a material suitable for magnetic field concentration and all the partial pieces are electrically insulated from one another and with respect to the metal block. The inductor is disposed in a groove in the concentrator.

A device for inductive sealing of a plurality of plies of a laminate which comprises a carrier layer made of electrically non-conductive material, a sealing layer made of thermoplastic material and a metal layer disposed between the sealing layer and the carrier layer, includes two compressible sealing jaws, each fitted with an inductor embedded in a block of the sealing jaw. The block of each sealing jaw consists of a metallic material. A concentrator of each sealing jaw is composed of a plurality of partial pieces, wherein each partial piece consists of a material suitable for magnetic field concentration and all the partial pieces are electrically insulated from one another and with respect to the metal block. The inductor is disposed in a groove in the concentrator.

Provided are extrusion tools such as extrusion dies or portions thereof having a surface with at least one coating thereon, and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The at least one coating is formed from a composition that is a metal aluminum nitride or carbonitride with particular characteristics such that the amount of aluminum varies within the coating between a coating outer surface and an intermediate thickness within the coating. The resulting coatings have tailored physical and performance characteristics that result in improved wear and extrusion performance.

A low mass staking module includes a punch having a cavity on a first side, a contact surface on the second side opposite the first side, and a circular flange extending about an outer edge thereof, the punch formed of a thermally-conductive material, an annular housing engaged with the punch about the circular flange at a first end, and a heating element located inside the annular housing. The heating element has an output side in contact with the contact surface of the punch, the contact surface having a shape conforming to a shape of the output side of the heating element. The punch is desirably a low thermal mass punch, while the heating element may be a high power (watt) density, solid state, ceramic, resistant heating element (e.g., aluminum nitride or boron nitride heaters).

A low mass staking module includes a punch having a cavity on a first side, a contact surface on the second side opposite the first side, and a circular flange extending about an outer edge thereof, the punch formed of a thermally-conductive material, an annular housing engaged with the punch about the circular flange at a first end, and a heating element located inside the annular housing. The heating element has an output side in contact with the contact surface of the punch, the contact surface having a shape conforming to a shape of the output side of the heating element. The punch is desirably a low thermal mass punch, while the heating element may be a high power (watt) density, solid state, ceramic, resistant heating element (e.g., aluminum nitride or boron nitride heaters).