The bulk densities of a virgin material and a pulverized material are previously measured, based on pulverized material bulk density data related to the bulk density of the pulverized material and virgin material bulk density data related to the bulk density of the virgin material obtained by the measurement, a conversion coefficient for a predetermined molding condition when the virgin material and the pulverized material are mixed in a predetermined ratio is determined and registered. When the pulverized material is used, at least the bulk density of the pulverized material which is used is measured, and based on the pulverized material bulk density data, the virgin material bulk density data obtained by the measurement, and the conversion coefficient, processing for modifying the molding condition is performed.

A kneading device for dispersing a dispersoid in a dispersion medium includes a casing in which a kneading material containing the dispersion medium and the dispersoid is accommodated, a rotor disposed in the casing and kneading the kneading material while dispersing the dispersoid in the dispersion medium by rotating about a rotation axis, and a detection unit detecting a dispersion degree of the dispersoid in the dispersion medium by observing a state of the kneading material in the casing.

A kneading device for dispersing a dispersoid in a dispersion medium includes a casing in which a kneading material containing the dispersion medium and the dispersoid is accommodated, a rotor disposed in the casing and kneading the kneading material while dispersing the dispersoid in the dispersion medium by rotating about a rotation axis, and a detection unit detecting a dispersion degree of the dispersoid in the dispersion medium by observing a state of the kneading material in the casing.

A method of making a homogeneous mixture of polyolefin solids and liquid additive without melting the polyolefin solids during the making The method comprises applying acoustic energy at a frequency of from 20 to 100 hertz to a heterogeneous mixture comprising the polyolefin solids and the liquid additive for a period of time sufficient to substantially intermix the polyolefin solids and the liquid additive together and while maintaining temperature of the heterogeneous mixture above the freezing point of the at least one liquid additive and below the melting temperature of the polyolefin solids, thereby making the homogeneous mixture without melting the polyolefin solids.

A method of making a homogeneous mixture of polyolefin solids and a particulate solid additive without melting the polyolefin solids or the particulate solid additive during the making. The method comprises applying acoustic energy at a frequency of from 20 to 100 hertz to a heterogeneous mixture comprising the polyolefin solids and the particulate solid additive for a period of time sufficient to substantially intermix the polyolefin solids and the particulate solid additive together and while maintaining temperature of the heterogeneous mixture below the melting point of the at least one particulate solid additive and below the melting temperature of the polyolefin solids, thereby making the homogeneous mixture without melting the polyolefin solids or the at least one particulate solid additive.

An example system is used to mix components and dispense a mixture for forming a thiol-ene polymer article. The system includes a first reservoir containing a first component of the thiol-ene polymer including a first polymerizable compound, and a second reservoir containing a second component of the thiol-ene polymer including a second polymerizable compound. The system also includes a mixing vessel having a mixing chamber, a delivery manifold providing a conduit for fluid from the first and second reservoirs to the mixing vessel, and a dispensing manifold providing a conduit for fluid from the mixing vessel. The system also includes a control module programmed to control the operation of the system.

A formulation for a photopolymer composite material for a 3D printing system includes an acrylate oligomer, an inorganic hydrate, a reinforcing filler, and an ultraviolet (UV) initiator. In the formulation the acrylate oligomer may be found in the range between about 20.0-60.0 w % of the formulation. The inorganic hydrate may be found in the range between about 20.0-50.0 w % of the formulation. The reinforcing filler may be found in the range between about 5.0-60.0 w % of the formulation, and the UV initiator may be found in the range between about 0.001-0.5 w % of the formulation. A method of generating a formulation of a photopolymer composite material for use in a 3D printing system includes using an acrylate oligomer, an inorganic hydrate, a reinforcing filler, and an ultraviolet (UV) initiator.

A method for producing a polytetrafluoroethylene composition including mixing a polytetrafluoroethylene resin and a filler using an airflow mixer to provide a polytetrafluoroethylene composition containing the polytetrafluoroethylene resin and the filler. The airflow mixer is a pulse-type airflow mixer or an airflow stirrer. Also disclosed is a polytetrafluoroethylene composition produced by the production method, a polytetrafluoroethylene composition having specific physical properties, as well as a molded article, electrically conductive tube, thermally conductive film, and substrate for CCL each obtained from the polytetrafluoroethylene composition.

A method of forming a composite material includes mixing granules of thermoplastic(s) and granules of reinforcing material(s) using a mixer with an interior friction coating. The friction generated by interaction between the granules and friction coating causes granules of at least one of the thermoplastic(s) to be heated to a liquid or semi-liquid state. The liquid/semi-liquid thermoplastic(s) act a binder for the mixed material. A system for forming such a composite material includes such a mixer with an interior friction coating. The system may also include a mould and/or a press for forming material produced by the mixer into a finished shape. The method and system may use post-consumer and post-industrial material as an input allowing such material to be recycled. In some cases, cross-contaminated or mixed post-consumer/post-industrial material may be recycled, potentially reducing environmental impacts.

A process for producing a precursor material comprising the steps of, agitating a polymer material and a fibre material in a blending device comprising a blending means operating at a velocity sufficient to bring about an increase of the temperature to at least a temperature beyond the VI CAT softening point or within or beyond the melting temperature range of the polymer material. Thereafter, maintaining the velocity of the blending means and, when the specific motor power needed to maintain the velocity of the blending means increases by a predetermined amount or reaches a predetermined value, reducing the velocity. Repeating the previous step as necessary, until the velocity falls below a first threshold value to form an intermediate material. Finally, comminuting the formed intermediate material in a comminuting device comprising a comminuting means operating at a velocity allowing a decrease in temperature, until the temperature falls below a second threshold value.