A method and apparatus for formation, filling, and sealing unit dose packages for consumer products are described herein. A filling system with a filling control system is also disclosed. Although the filling system is described in conjunction with a method for forming, filling, and sealing unit dose packages, the filling system and filling control system can be used in other dispensing processes.

In one aspect, support materials operable for use in 3D printing systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a support material comprises a wax component comprising at least one ethoxylated fatty alcohol and a viscosity modifying agent, wherein the support material is water dispersible. In some embodiments, the wax component comprises a mixture of at least one fatty alcohol and at least one ethoxylated fatty alcohol.

A three-dimensionally printed article is comprised of a hydroxyethyl methylcellulose (HEMC) having a DS of 1.7 to 2.5 and an MS of at least 0.5, wherein DS is the degree of substitution of methoxyl groups and MS is the molar substitution of hydroxyethoxyl groups. The HEMC may advantageously be used as a support material when making a three-dimensionally printed article using a build material such as a different thermoplastic polymer such as a poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), polylactic acid, polyethylene and polyprophylene. When the HEMC is a support material it may be easily removed from the build material by contacting the three dimensionally printed article with water, which may be at ambient temperatures and a pH that is neutral or close to neutral.

A water-soluble insert for use in joining pipes, made of a material comprising a salt selected from the group consisting of KCl, Na Cl, and mixtures thereof; and MgO. Upon addition of a small amount of water to the material, the MgO reacts with hygroscopic impurities in the chloride salt to provide a material with superior properties. The insert is cast from the material, in general by being placed on a form and compressed. Also disclosed is the use of the insert in joining the ends of two pipes, especially pipes made from thermoplastic. The insert is placed in the matching pipe ends, which are then welded. After the join is complete, water is flowed through the pipe, dissolving the insert.

An apparatus for hybrid manufacturing comprising a frame, a build plate that is adapted to move relative to the frame, a material pump that is adapted to pump one or more materials, a mixing head that is adapted to mix the one or more materials, a mixing hose that is in fluid communication with the material pump and the mixing head, a pump that is adapted to remove air from or introduce air into a mold, a hose that is in fluid communication with the pump and the mold, a vat that is adapted to retain a liquid, and a radiation source that is disposed adjacent to the vat. The apparatus prints the mold and fills the mold. A method comprising printing the mold with material(s), removing air from or introducing air into the mold, filling the mold with one or more primary materials, and dissolving the mold.

The invention relates to a biodegradable material made of biological components, comprising 10 to 60 wt. % of a protein adhesive (1), which is made of at least one protein, and 2 to 50 wt. % of natural fibers (4). Furthermore, 2 to 15 wt. % of at least one hygroscopic mineral (7), 10 to 55 wt. % of water (2), and 0 to 50 wt. % of an additive component (5) are provided in the material (10).

To provide an article that can be manufactured easily by using a 3D printer and a method for manufacturing the article. A method for manufacturing an article by using a 3D printer, comprising: printing a first resin layer by using the 3D printer; printing a second resin layer on the first resin layer using a material different from a material of the first resin layer by using the 3D printer; printing a third resin layer on the second resin layer using a material different from a material of the second resin layer by using the 3D printer, wherein the first resin layer is in contact with the third resin layer in a partial region of the first resin layer, the first resin layer and the third resin layer are composed of a water-insoluble material, the second resin layer is composed of a water-soluble material, and a single article is formed by the first resin layer and the third resin layer.

A support material formulation for use in additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object, which, when hardened, is soluble upon immersion in water, is provided. The formulation includes a hydrophilic curable mono-functional material; a polyol (e.g., a branched polyol) having a molecular weight lower than 1,000, or lower than 800 grams/mol; and a polyester material having a molecular weight higher than 400, or higher than 500, grams/mol. Additive manufacturing using the disclosed formulation and objects made thereby are also provided.

A water soluble polymer composition includes a water soluble polymer and a sugar and may be used as a support in additive manufacturing processes.

A method of making an upwardly open container having a base wall, an upright perimeter wall, and an upright internal wall between one part of the perimeter wall and another part of the perimeter wall, the perimeter wall and the internal wall forming first and second compartments within the container, wherein the method comprises injecting a molten water-soluble polymer into a mold cavity between cooperating male and female mold parts; wherein there are independently movable first and second male parts separated by a gap in which the internal wall is formed, and wherein the first and second male parts correspond to the first and second compartments of the container to be formed.