In this work, we present a single unified framework that can solve many geometric covering queries such as inspection and mold-design. The suggested framework reduces a geometric covering query to the classic computer science set-covering problem. The solution is of exponential complexity due to the inherent complexity of the classic set-covering problem. However, in practice, we are able to ef...

Side actions contribute to mold cost by resulting in an additional manufacturing and assembly cost as well as by increasing the molding cycle time. Therefore, generating shapes of side actions requires solving a complex geometric optimization problem. Different objective functions may be needed depending upon different molding scenarios (e.g., prototyping versus large production runs). Manually...

For those traditional industries or the hi-tech industries, precise as well as reliable dies and molds are indispensable for mass production. The development of dies and molds in a timely and cost-effective way impacts on the product quality and schedule very much. As industrial technology is progressing, demands on products are getting complicated and product lifetime is shortening. There is, ...

This paper describes a geometric algorithm for automated design of multi-stage molds for manufacturing multi-material objects. In multi-stage molding process, the desired multimaterial object is produced by carrying out multiple molding operations in a sequence, adding one material in the target object in each mold-stage. We model multi-material objects as an assembly of single-material compone...

Purpose: It has long been known that eating moldy food is hazardous, and airborne Aspergillus and other fungi can cause life-threatening illnesses in immunocompromised patients. However, the possible health risks of indoor mold exposure in immunocompetent humans are controversial. This literature review examines the health effects of indoor airborne exposure to mold. Design: Literature review. ...

A three-step molding softlithographic process has been developed for the construction of a sharp Y-junction structure formation in a 1 × 2 Y-branch plastic optical fiber (POF) coupler design. The 1×2 Y-branch POF coupler is based on a Y-junction splitter which requires that the splitting part is constructed with sharp infinitesimal junction. The softlithographic process enables a PDMS mold to b...

Multi-faceted experiments were conducted to measure the properties of several mold slags, needed for fundamental characterization of heat transfer and friction in the interfacial gap between the shell and mold during the continuous casting of steel. A novel apparatus was used to measure the friction coefficient between solidified mold flux and copper at elevated temperatures. The measured softe...