The disclosed composite structure provides a reinforced thermoplastic polymer composite part with a high-quality surface finish. This may be used as a vehicle part or body panel, such as an interior vehicle part or exterior body panel. Additionally, the surface finish may be coloured, such that the surface does not need to be painted or wrapped to achieve a desired surface colour, and the surface may protect inner layers from UV radiation, either by virtue of the material of the surface itself, or the incorporation of a UV-absorbing additive. Specifically, the disclosed composite structure comprises a structural layer comprising reinforcing fibres, such as glass or carbon fibres, and a thermoplastic body polymer. The structure further comprises a surface layer providing a surface finish to the composite structure, the surface layer comprising a thermoplastic surface polymer substantially free from reinforcing fibres.

An apparatus for hot drape forming a part includes a plurality of pyrometers, a bladder covering a formable material, and a pyrometer control medium positioned between the plurality of pyrometers and the formable material. The plurality of pyrometers are configured to measure a temperature of the pyrometer control medium.

An apparatus for hot drape forming a part includes a plurality of pyrometers, a bladder covering a formable material, and a pyrometer control medium positioned between the plurality of pyrometers and the formable material. The plurality of pyrometers are configured to measure a temperature of the pyrometer control medium.

A frame for a lightweight costume with air permeability, the costume, and a method for manufacturing them. The frame body for the costume includes a main body made of synthetic resin and a plurality of through holes penetrating the main body. The method includes a mold installation step of installing a mold in a predetermined three-dimensional shape on an elevating table, a resin member mounting step of mounting a resin member on a pedestal, a cover mounting step of mounting a cover covering the surface of the resin member on the pedestal, a heating step of heating the resin member and the cover, a vacuum molding step of bringing the mold into contact with the back surface of the resin member and then depressurizing the inside of the chamber, and a mold release step of releasing the frame body and the cover from the mold.

A frame for a lightweight costume with air permeability, the costume, and a method for manufacturing them. The frame body for the costume includes a main body made of synthetic resin and a plurality of through holes penetrating the main body. The method includes a mold installation step of installing a mold in a predetermined three-dimensional shape on an elevating table, a resin member mounting step of mounting a resin member on a pedestal, a cover mounting step of mounting a cover covering the surface of the resin member on the pedestal, a heating step of heating the resin member and the cover, a vacuum molding step of bringing the mold into contact with the back surface of the resin member and then depressurizing the inside of the chamber, and a mold release step of releasing the frame body and the cover from the mold.

This invention describes novel design and construction method for inflatable, pressure intensifier equipment that can be used for processing composites structures. The equipment can be used as a manufacturing and processing platform wherever low pressure and high temperature inputs are required in an enclosed volume.

A battery case shaping apparatus includes a punch, a die, a holder, and an elastic separator. The punch is configured to press a laminate sheet into a shape of an electrode assembly receiving portion. The die has formed therein an accommodation portion having a size corresponding to the electrode assembly receiving portion. The holder is configured to fix the an outer periphery of the laminate sheet. The elastic separator is located under the punch in order to prevent direct contact between the punch and the laminate sheet. A battery case manufacturing process uses the battery case shaping apparatus to manufacture a battery case.

A punch pin hole inspection apparatus and method uses a punch and a die capable of checking defects or damage, specifically pin holes or microcracks, due to shaping immediately after finishing shaping a laminate sheet into a battery case using the punch.

A punch pin hole inspection apparatus and method uses a punch and a die capable of checking defects or damage, specifically pin holes or microcracks, due to shaping immediately after finishing shaping a laminate sheet into a battery case using the punch.

A method and apparatus is presented. A portion is cut from a thermoplastic sheet of a first thermoplastic material based on a three dimensional model. The portion is secured to a mold. The portion and the mold are heated under vacuum to form a structure. The structure may take the form of a protective covering. In some illustrative examples, the mold may be formed of a second thermoplastic material based on the three dimensional model using additive manufacturing.