A process unit and methods are disclosed. One process unit including a pultrusion unit having a pultrusion channel, with the pultrusion channel being limited by at least one shaping wall. The process unit further includes an extrusion unit having an extrusion channel and an opening for removing the extrudate out of the extrusion channel, a cutting unit having a moving cutting element for cutting off the extrudate with the moving cutting element, and a conveying device for conveying a raw extrudate from the pultrusion unit into the extrusion unit. The cutting unit comprises a component that can be caused to move in a rotational manner and the component is mechanically coupled to the cutting element by a mechanical coupling device, such that the rotational movement of the component determines the movement of the cutting element.

A method and apparatus for printing onto a curved surface of an article are disclosed. An embodiment of a method may include receiving the article and extruding a composite yarn from a nozzle. A method may include attaching the composite yarn to the curved surface by moving the nozzle in a direction aligned with a first axis and a direction aligned with second axis along the curved surface. The first axis may be approximately normal to the print surface and the second axis may be approximately normal to the first direction. The article may be repositioned during printing to accommodate nozzle movement.

A method and apparatus for printing onto a curved surface of an article are disclosed. An embodiment of a method may include receiving the article and extruding a composite yarn from a nozzle. A method may include attaching the composite yarn to the curved surface by moving the nozzle in a direction aligned with a first axis and a direction aligned with second axis along the curved surface. The first axis may be approximately normal to the print surface and the second axis may be approximately normal to the first direction. The article may be repositioned during printing to accommodate nozzle movement.

An apparatus for depositing a radius filler, made of a homogeneous material, into a groove, formed in a workpiece comprises a chassis, first means for extruding the radius filler along an extrusion axis, second means for providing the homogeneous material to the first means, and third means for compacting the radius filler in the groove. The apparatus also comprises a first sensor configured to provide first-sensor output. The apparatus further comprises a controller, operatively coupled to the first means, the second means, and the first sensor. Based on the first-sensor output, the controller is configured to determine the first geometric characteristics of the groove. In addition, based on the first geometric characteristics, the controller is configured to control second geometric characteristics of the radius filler, extruded by the first means, as the tool center point is moved relative to the groove.

An apparatus for depositing a radius filler, made of a homogeneous material, into a groove, formed in a workpiece comprises a chassis, first means for extruding the radius filler along an extrusion axis, second means for providing the homogeneous material to the first means, and third means for compacting the radius filler in the groove. The apparatus also comprises a first sensor configured to provide first-sensor output. The apparatus further comprises a controller, operatively coupled to the first means, the second means, and the first sensor. Based on the first-sensor output, the controller is configured to determine the first geometric characteristics of the groove. In addition, based on the first geometric characteristics, the controller is configured to control second geometric characteristics of the radius filler, extruded by the first means, as the tool center point is moved relative to the groove.

A slot die for manufacturing a rechargeable battery electrode includes a first block with a chamber to accommodate an active material slurry, a second block facing and attached to the first block, a shim between the first and second blocks and including facing end portions, and a slot between the first and second blocks, and between the facing end portions, the slot including a first side defined by the first block, and a second side defined by the second block and facing the first side. Each of the end portions of the shim includes a width adjuster protruding to a second reference point from a first reference point in a width direction by a first adjusting width, extending to a third reference point from the second reference point at a first angle with respect to a discharging direction, and having a first adjusting length in the discharging direction.

A polymer composition capable of being additively manufactured includes a polymer matrix and a magnetically receptive additive. The polymer composition may be additively manufactured or extruded to form a tool which may be used to form a composite part.

Disclosed is a novel 3D-printer system for printing elastically deformable rubber parts such as rubber seals where the uncured rubber source material is partially cured before printing each rubber layer of the rubber part. Furthermore, disclosed is a novel 3D printing method for 3D-printing an elastically deformable rubber body using the 3D-printer system.

A polymer composition capable of being additively manufactured includes a polymer matrix and an NTE additive. The NTE additive enables tailoring of the CTE of the polymer composition and the additively manufactured structure made using the composition.

Disclosed are an entrained polymer or an entrained polymer composition, and a method for forming and adhering an entrained polymer structure to a substrate using the entrained polymer or an entrained polymer composition. The method includes providing a substrate configured to receive application of a molten entrained polymer. A particulate entrained polymer in molten form is applied in a predetermined shape, to a surface of the substrate, to form a solidified entrained polymer structure on the substrate. The entrained polymer includes a monolithic material formed of at least a base polymer and a particulate active agent. The surface of the substrate is compatible with the molten entrained polymer so as to thermally bond with it. In this way, the entrained polymer bonds to the substrate and solidifies upon sufficient cooling of the entrained polymer.