A method for processing a smooth or structured surface of a pressing element is described, the method comprising the steps of: a) chrome-plating said surface of the pressing element so as to form a coating comprising a first layer having chrome grains oriented in a first direction and a second layer overlapping said first layer, said second layer having chrome grains oriented in a second direction which is different from said first direction; b) applying a mask on the chrome-plated surface of the pressing element by means of a digital printing technology; c) chemically treating the chrome-plated surface of the pressing element on which said mask was applied, said chemical treatment being performed so as to partially remove said chrome coating in the exposed areas of said chrome-plated surface, i.e. in the areas not being protected by said mask, and d) removing said mask from the chrome-plated surface of the pressing element, obtaining a smooth or structured surface having a coating with areas having a different grade of gloss and colour.

A pressing element obtained by the above processing method and a method for the production of coated panels, such as panels for furniture or floors, bearing a predetermined decorative pattern which uses such pressing element are also described.

A system for the continuous extrusion, molding, and curing of tread rubber is provided. A plurality of discrete mold sectors are arranged adjacent to each other along a longitudinal axis between an in-feed and an out-feed of a mold sector transport mechanism that extends through a heated press. As the mold sectors are continuously advanced along a process direction in steps, rubber material is extruded and placed onto at least one of the mold sectors near the in-feed end such that an elongated strip of rubber material extends over multiple mold sectors along the longitudinal axis. As the strip of rubber material exits the press, the mold sectors are sequentially removed from the rubber material and returned to the in-feed. An extruder outlet positioned near the in-feed can be moved towards or away from the mold sectors to supply rubber material and prevent backflow.

A spacing device for a system for laminating a laminate, in particular photovoltaic modules. The system includes a membrane holder adapted to apply a membrane to the laminate under pressure for lamination. The spacing device includes a circulating belt and a plurality of spacing members connected to the band and configured to at least partially form a frame for the laminate in at least a portion of the circulating belt and thereby suppress edge compression of the laminate during lamination.

A spacing device for a system for laminating a laminate, in particular photovoltaic modules. The system includes a membrane holder adapted to apply a membrane to the laminate under pressure for lamination. The spacing device includes a circulating belt and a plurality of spacing members connected to the band and configured to at least partially form a frame for the laminate in at least a portion of the circulating belt and thereby suppress edge compression of the laminate during lamination.

A housing portion includes first and second inclined surfaces facing each other and inclined such that a distance between the first and second inclined surfaces decreases downward in a vertical direction. A third inclined surface located between the first and second inclined surfaces, facing the first inclined surface, inclined such that a distance between the third and first inclined surfaces decreases downward in the vertical direction, and having a first gap with respect to the first inclined surface is provided. A fourth inclined surface located between the first and second inclined surfaces, facing the second inclined surface, inclined such that a distance between the fourth and second inclined surfaces decreases downward in the vertical direction, and having a second gap with respect to the second inclined surface is provided. A suction blower causes a mixture to pass through the first and second gaps, and collects the mixture.

A housing portion includes first and second inclined surfaces facing each other and inclined such that a distance between the first and second inclined surfaces decreases downward in a vertical direction. A third inclined surface located between the first and second inclined surfaces, facing the first inclined surface, inclined such that a distance between the third and first inclined surfaces decreases downward in the vertical direction, and having a first gap with respect to the first inclined surface is provided. A fourth inclined surface located between the first and second inclined surfaces, facing the second inclined surface, inclined such that a distance between the fourth and second inclined surfaces decreases downward in the vertical direction, and having a second gap with respect to the second inclined surface is provided. A suction blower causes a mixture to pass through the first and second gaps, and collects the mixture.

A flexible nonstick material for use in belting and/or press operations, such as for dough pressing or plastic sheet welding/cutting. The material comprises a nonstick polymer coated flexible substrate having a thickness of 15 mils or less, wherein the flexible substrate comprises a woven yarn fabric having a basket weave or a satin weave. The woven yarn fabric comprises yarns of fiberglass and/or high temperature resistant polymer materials. The nonstick coating is a fluoropolymer, a silicone rubber, and/or a thermoplastic having a sufficient heat resistance.

A flexible nonstick material for use in belting and/or press operations, such as for dough pressing or plastic sheet welding/cutting. The material comprises a nonstick polymer coated flexible substrate having a thickness of 15 mils or less, wherein the flexible substrate comprises a woven yarn fabric having a basket weave or a satin weave. The woven yarn fabric comprises yarns of fiberglass and/or high temperature resistant polymer materials. The nonstick coating is a fluoropolymer, a silicone rubber, and/or a thermoplastic having a sufficient heat resistance.

A method for producing a pressing tool for producing a workpiece, the pressing tool may include a pressing surface having a structure of protrusions and recesses, the method may include applying a mask for covering regions, applying a metal layer to the regions not covered by the mask while adding mineral particles, and/or repeating the foregoing steps until the pressing surface with the structure of the protrusions and recesses is formed by repeated, layered application of masks and metal layers while adding mineral particles. The pressing surface may have regions of different degrees of gloss and/or metal of at least two metal layers may be different in order to obtain the regions of different degrees of gloss.

A method for producing a pressing tool for producing a workpiece, the pressing tool may include a pressing surface having a structure of protrusions and recesses, the method may include applying a mask for covering regions, applying a metal layer to the regions not covered by the mask while adding mineral particles, and/or repeating the foregoing steps until the pressing surface with the structure of the protrusions and recesses is formed by repeated, layered application of masks and metal layers while adding mineral particles. The pressing surface may have regions of different degrees of gloss and/or metal of at least two metal layers may be different in order to obtain the regions of different degrees of gloss.