A method aspect of the present invention for preparing a continuous thermoplastic filament having a plurality of segments is provided. The method may comprise supplying thermoplastic filaments, and may comprise guiding the thermoplastic filaments alternatingly and sequentially into position to be cut, with respective filament guide components. The method may further comprise cutting each of the thermoplastic filaments into segments by a filament cutting component. Each of the segments may have a forward end and a trailing end. The method may yet further comprise guiding and aligning the forward end of one segment into contact with the trailing end of another segment. The method may also include heating and joining the forward end of the one segment to the trailing end of the other segment to form the continuous thermoplastic filament.

A head is disclosed for use with a manufacturing system. The head may have a housing that discharges a tubular structure, and a cure enhancer connected to the housing and selectively activated to cure the tubular structure during discharge from the housing. The head may also have a nozzle that discharges a fill material into the cured tubular structure.

A head is disclosed for use with a continuous manufacturing system. The head may have a housing, a fiber guide rotatably disposed at least partially inside the housing, and a diverter disposed at an end of the housing. The diverter may be configured to divert radially outward a matrix-coated fiber passing through the fiber guide.

A head is disclosed for use with a continuous manufacturing system. The head may have a housing configured to receive a matrix and a continuous fiber, and a diverter located at an end of the housing. The diverter may be configured to divert radially outward a matrix-coated fiber. The head may also include a cutoff having an edge configured to press the matrix-coated fiber against the diverter.

A head is disclosed for use with a continuous manufacturing system. The head may have a housing configured to receive a matrix and a continuous fiber, and a diverter located at an end of the housing. The diverter may be configured to divert radially outward a matrix-coated fiber. The head may also include a cutoff having an edge configured to press the matrix-coated fiber against the diverter.

An injection station of an injection blow molding machine. The injection station comprises a lower die plate and an upper die plate, with lower and upper die plates being shiftable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The injection station additionally includes one or more lower mold halves rigidly secured to the lower die plate. The injection station additionally includes one or more upper mold halves floatingly secured to the upper die plate such that positions of the upper mold halves are configured to be adjusted with respect to the upper die plate. Each of the lower mold halves corresponds with an upper mold half to present one or more mold cavities when the lower and upper die plates are in the closed position.

A polymer filter assembly through which flowable material from a supply is directed for processing before passing to a die assembly through which the flowable material is delivered to form a sheet layer. The polymer filter assembly has a polymer filter frame that supports processing components for the flowable material and a support assembly for the polymer filter frame. The support assembly includes components cooperating between the polymer filter frame and a base upon which the polymer filter frame is supported to allow controlled relative vertical movement between the polymer filter frame and base to thereby permit controlled alignment between the polymer filter frame and at least one of: a) an upstream component that delivers flowable material from the supply; and b) the die assembly.

A method of adjusting an amount of force applied to a plurality of fasteners connecting a lip body to a die body portion on an extrusion die using a fastener tension adjustment assembly is disclosed. The fastener tension adjustment assembly is adjusted to cause at least part of thee fastener tension adjustment assembly to move away from the lip body. In response to movement of the fastener tension adjustment assembly away from the lip body, amount of force applied by the fastener tension adjustment assembly on each of the plurality of fasteners is simultaneously increased.

A head is disclosed for use with a manufacturing system. The head may have a housing that discharges a tubular structure, and a cure enhancer connected to the housing and selectively activated to cure the tubular structure during discharge from the housing. The head may also have a nozzle that discharges a fill material into the cured tubular structure.

A head is disclosed for use with a manufacturing system. The head may have a housing configured to discharge a tubular structure reinforced with at least one continuous fiber and having a three-dimensional trajectory, and a cure enhancer operatively connected to the housing and configured to cure a liquid matrix in the tubular structure during discharge. The head may also have a nozzle configured to discharge a fill material into the tubular structure, and a wand extending from the housing to the nozzle.