A method of controlling a slot die comprises, while continuing to pass the extrudate through the fluid flow path and out the applicator slot, changing the position of the actuators with the controller to either increase the cross-directional thickness of the fluid flow path adjacent each of the actuators or substantially close the fluid flow path adjacent the actuators, and after changing the cross-directional thickness of the fluid flow path adjacent each of the actuators, while continuing to pass the extrudate through the fluid flow path and out the applicator slot, repositioning each of the actuators with the controller according to the set of discrete settings to resume operating the slot die with the actuators positioned according to the set of discrete settings.

A metered pump system for hydrocapsule encapsulation is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a system for hydrocapsule encapsulation includes a nozzle assembly and metered pump for encapsulating discrete droplets of liquid by generating a continuous coating of a polymerizable liquid which is substantially immiscible with the core liquid. The metered pump system is configured to control a stroke length and a pulsation speed to attain constant shear with each pump of water, and a volume of water in each stroke and a speed of the stroke is controlled. In at least one embodiment, the nozzle includes a material feed port, a polymer feed port, a water feed port, and an encapsulated material exit port. In at least one embodiment, the metered pump is configured for use in a hydrocapsule encapsulation system having a pressure control system, a water control system, sparging column, and ultraviolet exposure chamber system.

A variable extrusion die apparatus includes a first die into which an extrusion material is injected. A second die is coupled to the first die and has an extrusion nozzle having a shape corresponding to a cross section of an extrusion product. A swivel core is rotatably installed in the extrusion nozzle, wherein a cross section of the extrusion nozzle is varied by rotation of the swivel core.

A method and an apparatus for forming annular doses provides a flow of plasticised material supplied by an extruder which passes through a channel that is first cylindrical and then annular. The material exits from an annular outlet in front of which a cutting element passes that separates an annular dose of material. The dose is deposited on a surface of a capsule having a capacity to adhere to the dose that is greater than the cutting element. The surface and the cutting element are distanced from one another in such a manner that the annular dose remaining adhering to the capsule is detached from the element. Detachment can be promoted by a flow of air.

A method and an apparatus manufactures and tests workpieces. The apparatus is mountable on or includes a system for mixing or melting materials. The apparatus includes application units and a replacement system that is designed to automatically replace application units in respect of the position or function thereof.

A pressure chamber is provided for a blown film extrusion apparatus having (i) a die head for extruding a tubular polymer bubble, and (ii) a cooling assembly down-stream of the die head for receiving the bubble and applying a cooling fluid to the bubble. The pressure chamber includes an upstream end wall sealed around the die head outlet, and extending outward from the seal; a side wall movable between a closed position for controlling air flow from a chamber volume surrounding the bubble to the atmosphere, and an open position for permitting air flow from the chamber volume to the atmosphere. The upstream end wall has an inlet for receiving air from an air supply, and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet and configured to direct the air into the chamber volume to pressurize the chamber volume when the side wall is in the closed position.

The invention describes a method for the production and further processing of a film tube (6), in which method a plastic melt is transferred into a cylindrical melt by means of an extrusion die (4), the melt flow is drawn out through an annular gap (5) associated with the extrusion die (4) in order to form the film tube (6), and at least one temperature-controlled volume flow comprising at least one fluid is conducted by means of a temperature control device (8) onto the outer periphery of the film tube (6), wherein the temperature control device (8) is divided into peripheral segments, wherein a volume flow of different magnitude and/or different temperature is produced by means of each peripheral segment such that the temperature control of the film tube (6) differs over the periphery of the film tube, and wherein the film tube (6) is flattened by means of a flattening device (9), the flattening device (9) being rotated in relation to the extrusion die (4). A first volume flow in at least one peripheral segment of the temperature control device (8) differs from the volume flow of other peripheral segments so that at least one thick point (13) is produced on the film tube, wherein the first volume flow is produced by means of adjacent peripheral segments in succession, wherein the first volume flow is produced by means of the corresponding at least one peripheral segment in such a way that the first volume flow is adapted to the rotation of the flattening device (9) such that the at least one thick point (13) assumes substantially the same position in relation to the flattening device (9).

The disclosure generally relates to a solid state non-proportional, adjustable, tapered drawing die and an oriented polymer article formed therefrom. More specifically, embodiments relate to a non-proportional draw die used to produce oriented, dimensionally accurate, symmetric or asymmetric polymer composite profiles having simple profiles or complicated profiles with multiple edges. Moreover, the draw die of the disclosure prevents natural flattening of the edges of the final profile during the solid state die drawing process of the oriented polymer composite.

A method for manufacturing a dull polyamide 56 fiber includes steps as follows. Bright polyamide 56 chips are provided. A viscosity adjusting step is provided, wherein a relative viscosity in sulfuric acid of the bright polyamide 56 chips is adjusted to a range of 2.90 to 3.00. A moisture adjusting step is provided, wherein a moisture content of the bright polyamide 56 chips is adjusted to a range of 350 to 550 ppm. A spinning step is provided, which includes providing dull polyamide 6 chips and a blending step. The dull polyamide 6 chips include TiO.sub.2. In the blending step, the dull polyamide 6 chips and the bright polyamide 56 chips dealt with the viscosity adjusting step and the moisture adjusting step are melted and blended, and then spun at a temperature ranging from 275° C. to 285° C., thus the dull polyamide 56 fiber is obtained.

A three-dimensional model built with an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, and having a perimeter based on a contour tool path that defines an interior region of a layer of the three-dimensional model, where at least one of a start point and a stop point of the contour tool path is located within the interior region of the layer.