Abstract: A customizable protective cover for electronic devices. A film is prepared which includes a first layer and an adhesive layer. An image is printed on a first side of the first layer such that the image is covered by the adhesive layer and visible through a second side of the first layer when applied to a device. The film provides a protective layer for both the image and the electronic device. The film may include multiple pieces, including portions which include the vinyl layer and other portions where the film comprises solely a transparent covering.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for the coating of workpieces (2) which preferably consist, at least in sections, of wood, wooden materials, plastics, aluminium or the like, comprising: a feed means (10) for feeding a coating material (12), a pressing means (20) for pressing the coating material (12) onto a surface (2a) of a workpiece (2), a conveyor means (4) for causing a relative motion between the pressing means (20) and the respective workpiece (2), and a first joining means (30; 50) for applying and/or activating an adhesive agent on a coating material (12) fed by the feed means (10) and/or a surface to be coated of the workpiece (2), characterized in that the device further comprises at least a second joining means (40; 60) for applying and/or activating an adhesive agent on a coating material (12) fed by the feed means (10) and/or a surface to be coated of a workpiece (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for impregnating filaments, wherein the filaments form a roving. The device comprises a barrel (10) having at least one groove (12) formed in circumferential direction of the barrel, an inner space formed along the centre axis of the barrel, and at least one recess (16) which forms a connection between the inner space and the groove. The recess includes a cylindrical section (16a), a conical section (16b) and a pocket section (16c). By means of said device and according to the method, a polymer material can be pressed successively from the inner space through at least the cylindrical section and the conical section into the groove to impregnate the filaments of the roving which is drawn through the groove.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus of a lighting device, including a vacuum chamber, an exhaust system by which the vacuum chamber is set to a reduced-pressure state, and a transfer chamber from which a substrate is transferred to the vacuum chamber is provided. The vacuum chamber of the manufacturing apparatus includes a plurality of deposition chambers in which a first electrode, a first light-emitting unit including at least a light-emitting layer, an intermediate layer, a second light-emitting unit including at least a light-emitting layer, a second electrode, a sealing film are formed, and a substrate transfer means by which the substrate is sequentially transferred to the deposition chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus for film transfer includes at least one printing press and at least one transfer film supply roller, a transfer film guiding device for guiding the transfer film web from the transfer film supply roller to a transfer nip. In order to ensure a variable film transfer in different printing units of the printing press, up to now the transfer film supply roller is moved with a film module into the region of the desired printing unit. In order to make a variable film transfer possible without complicated moving, the guiding device has web guiding elements at least in the region of the at least one printing press and the web guiding elements are enabled to selectively guide the transfer film web to different positions on the at least one printing press.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus of a fiber-reinforced resin strand including spreaders that spread a reinforcing fiber bundle and are provided inside a crosshead to which a molten resin material is supplied continuously from an extruding machine, twisting rollers provided at a downstream position from an exit nozzle of the crosshead and that pultrude a fiber-reinforced resin strand formed of a resin-impregnated fiber bundle from the exit nozzle while imparting twists thereto, and twist retaining rollers provided at a downstream position from the twisting rollers and that retain twists of the fiber-reinforced resin strand. The twisting rollers and the twist retaining rollers are made of metal with asperities being formed on the surface thereof. The manufacturing apparatus can achieve excellent durability and is capable of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin strand at a high production rate without causing slipping.

Abstract: The present invention aims at the continuous and stable production of an organic-resin-coated metal sheet in producing the organic-resin-coated metal sheet by an extrusion method using a laminating roll which can prevent resin portions (ear portions) protruding from the metal sheet being wound around shaft portions of the laminating roll. Using a laminating roll in which a width (A) of a region thereof coated with a lining material satisfies a relationship of 0?A?B?20 mm with respect to a width (B) of the metal sheet, a thermally melted organic resin is extruded and is applied to the metal sheet such that end portions of the organic resin in the widthwise direction protrude from outer portions of the laminating roll applied with the lining material, and the resin portions in a semi-molten state which protrude from respective edges of the metal sheet are removed by press-cutting.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a composite block of closed geometry, in the form of a continuous ring, based on reinforcing fibres and on a cross-linkable resin, by continuously winding in superposition a predetermined number Nc of layers of a tape of the reinforcing fibres embedded in a matrix based on a composition comprising the cross-linkable resin, the method comprising, from the upstream end downstream, the steps of: producing a rectilinear arrangement (12) of reinforcing fibres (11), and conveying this arrangement in a feed direction (F); degassing the arrangement of fibres (12) under the action of a vacuum (13); after degassing, impregnating the arrangement of fibres (12) with the resin composition in the liquid state (17); passing the pre-preg thus obtained through a die (20) to impose on the per-preg the shape of a tape (21) consisting of the reinforcing fibres (11) in their liquid resin matrix (17), the thickness (Er) of the tape being between 0.1 mm and 0.

Abstract: A package material with a tamper evident feature and methods of manufacture thereof, are disclosed herein. The package comprises a colored primer or lacquer coating applied along a portion of a seal and further comprising a peelable sealant. When opened the peelable sealant is separated from the portion of the seal containing colored primer or lacquer and removes a section of the coating, thus providing a visual indication that the package has been opened.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a multilayer information recording medium including at least two information recording portions and a resin layer interposed between the information recording portions, both of which are disposed on a signal substrate. The method includes a first process of forming a predetermined information recording portion on one principal surface of the signal substrate and a second process of passing a part of a resin-containing coating, which is supplied on a screen having an application region with a plurality of first pores and a removal region with a plurality of second pores, through the first pores by sliding a squeegee on the screen so as to form a coating layer on the predetermined information recording portion, and curing the resin contained in the coating layer so as to form the resin layer. The first process and the second process are carried out respectively a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A method relates to the production of paper rolls for examination tables, obtained from a tape (100) of embossed paper, having two layers (10, 20), joined together. The band (100) is obtained in known way from two continuous webs (1, 2), subjected to subsequent steps of embossing, glue (C) application, coupling and stabilization. The method includes applying measured quantities of a sanitizing and/or disinfectant substance (S) between the two layers of embossed paper (10, 20) before their joining; preferably, the substance (S) is applied to the same continuous web (1) that is aimed at receiving the glue (C), after the embossing step and contemporarily with the glue (C) application, by spot-application of a mixture (M) in aqueous solution containing suitable percentage of the glue (C) and sanitizing substance (S) to the tops (11A) of the embossing relieves (11.) In this case, the application means (240) for sanitizing substance (S) are formed by the same means (220) for applying the glue (C).

Abstract: The present invention is provided to automate an overall fabrication line by performing an adhesion of a FPL film and a protection film in a mother substrate unit, and the FPL film and protection film may be adhered to each of a plurality of panel regions on a mother substrate formed with a plurality of thin-film transistors and various wirings in a thin-film transistor array process, and a cutting of the mother substrate may be performed subsequent to adhering the FPL film and the protection film.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing fabric-reinforced weatherstrip include incorporating a fabric application step into a process for making coated substrates. In one embodiment, a strip of the fabric from a roll of material may be applied directly onto a coating after it has been applied in a coat die to a foam profile, while the coating is still in the molten state. Alternatively, a fabric application plate may be attached to an upstream side of coating die with a fabric feed channel cut into the plate. The fabric follows the channel to contact and mate with the foam profile. The fabric applicator plate may be configured so as to exert pressure on only the part of the product where the fabric is being applied. Ultrasonic welding techniques may also be employed.

Abstract: In a method for transferring layers from a carrier foil onto printed sheets, an imaging or covering layer is to be transferred from the carrier foil onto the printed sheet in an adhering manner in a sheet processing machine. A more flexible production method is provided in a sheet offset printing machine. To this end, each printed sheet is provided on at least one printed or unprinted first side with a foil coating. Each printed sheet is further turned before or after the coating in the sheet processing machine, and at least printed or coated on the side opposite of the foil coating, and provided with a film coating in a further coating device (2).

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to diversify film coating in a coating station for transferring image-providing layers from a transfer film onto a printing material. For this purpose, a film transfer module is arranged in a printing press for single-color or multicolor printing of printed sheets. One or more devices for producing a surface structure on the printing material are arranged in the printing press upstream of a film transfer module. A design from a film image and a printed image is partially or completely covered by applying layers. The additional layers serve for the protection, for drying and for producing optical effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment which makes it possible to manufacture a fuel cell MEA (membrane electrode assembly) continuously and stably with a high level of precision.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing receptacles coated with a film or label, particularly from EPS, EPP or EPE, during which the following steps are carried out: shaping the film or label (24) into a shape corresponding to the outer or lateral contour of the receptacle (11) to be produced; inserting the shaped film into a shaping tool (3, 5), and; back-filling the film (24) with the receptacle material. A device for producing a receptacle (11) of the aforementioned type comprises, in essence, a feed device for the film or label (24), and a shaping tool (3, 5). In addition, a receptacle is provided that is comprised of a film or label (24) in a shape corresponding to the outer or lateral contour of the receptacle (11), and is comprised of a receptacle material, which serves to back-fill the film or label (24) and which consists of, in particular, EPS, EPP or EPE.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing plastic packaging in tubular form, which process comprises a wrapping step during which a laminate (11) is wrapped, an abutting step during which the edges (8, 9) of the laminate (11) are butted together and a fastening step during which said edges (8, 9) of the laminate (11) are welded together, characterized in that a bead (12) of plastic in the molten state is extruded and deposited on the internal face of the packaging so as to cover at least the weld zone (10) defined between the edges. The energy needed to produce the weld (10) comes from the plastic bead (12). The invention also relates to packaging obtained from the aforementioned process and to a device for implementing said process.

Abstract: A method of joining components includes applying a first coating to a first surface of a first component. The first coating is cold sprayed onto the first surface. The method also includes applying a second coating to a second surface of a second component. The second coating is cold sprayed onto the second surface. The first surface of the first component is adjoined to the second surface of the second component to form an interface zone. A liquid layer, including at least a portion of the first and second coatings is formed at the interface zone and then solidified to form a bond between the first and second components.

Abstract: A means for applying and wiping away a liquid, having a container with a filling space and at least one opening for the application of the liquid, characterized in that, on the outside of the container, which side does not have at least one opening, the means has at least one porous support material for wiping away the liquid.

Abstract: A method of producing an embossed sheet includes the steps of allowing a flexible strip-shaped sheet to continuously travel, forming a coating layer by coating the surface of the sheet with a radiation curable resin, transferring a pattern of concavities and convexities on the surface of the emboss roller to the coating layer by winding the sheet around the rotating emboss roller, curing the coating layer by irradiating the sheet which is wound around the roller with radiation, releasing the sheet from the emboss roller, laminating a protective film on one or both sides of the continuously traveling sheet after releasing, and taking up the continuously traveling sheet after lamination in the form of a roll. According to the method, a high quality, defect-free embossed sheet having a fine regular pattern of concavities and convexities on the surface can be produced at high line speed with high productivity.

Abstract: A laminate manufacturing system, method, and article of manufacture, the article of manufacture having a core of fresh or green wood and/or recycled wood products, processed down to a particle size of less than 5 mm, and preferably less than 3 mm, and bonded together with glue, opposing surface inner veneer bonded to opposing surfaces of the core with glue, opposing surface outer veneer bonded to opposing surface inner veneer with glue, opposing edge veneer bonded to opposing edges of the core with glue. Each of the veneers is preferably 0.5 mm thick, although suitable veneer thicknesses may range from 0.3 to 0.5 mm. The article of manufacture thus produced is a laminated wood product having a particle to glue ratios that provides a durable, lightweight, strong attractive product that gives the appearance of wood.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of an insulated structural panel which includes the step of feeding and laminating of a pair of outer skins (13, 14) and a core of insulating material (8) interposed therebetween through a press bed (7) to facilitate adhesion of an adhesive to internal surfaces of each outer skin (13, 14) and thus facilitate bonding of the core of insulating material (8) to each adjacent internal surface of each outer skin (13, 14) wherein each outer skin (13, 14) has an outer surface which is gripped by a conveyor (26, 27) having a continuous working surface in contact with each of said outer surfaces (13, 14) characterised in that said continuous working surface is formed by a coating (40, 40A, 40B) of elastomer or other synthetic polymer applied to a metal substrate. There is also provided a laminating machine (10) for use in the method as well as a track plate (37) for use in the laminating machine (10).

Abstract: A coating line for a vehicle, which includes a station where an intercoating step is conducted, stations where a topcoating step is conducted, and a station that is disposed downstream from these stations and in which a baking/drying step is conducted. It further includes the following stations disposed in the following order downstream from these stations: a coating station where a coating step for applying a protective-layer-forming material to the surface of the coating is conducted; a sealing station where sheet joints are sealed with a sealing material; a sheet attachment station in which a bituminous sheet is attached to the vehicle in a given position; and a heating station where a heating step for fusion-bonding the bituminous sheet and drying the sealing material and protective-layer-forming material is conducted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable correction tape-dispensing device (100). The device (100) generally comprises a housing; a supply spool (10), rotatably mounted on a supply spool spindle, for reeling the transfer tape (20) adhered with the film; a take-up spool (30), rotatably mounted on a take-up spool spindle for reeling the transfer tape (20) which has been blank-backed of the applied film; an application tip (40) displaceable between an application position and a retracted position, and the transfer tape (20) is spanned over the application tip (40); an actuating member (50), connected to the application tip (40), and manually operable to displace the application tip (40) back and forth between the application position and the retracted position; and means to propel the applicator tip into the retracted position.

Abstract: An optical recording medium is produced in which air trapping or air bubbling in a resin layer is suppressed, and the resin layer formed has a uniform thickness. A disk cap member 9 having an diameter greater that the diameter of a central hole 2 of a circular substrate is placed on a recording medium 1 provided with the circular substrate so as to close the central hole 2, while a resin film A prepared by curing a liquid resin material a that covers a step formed by the cap member 9 and the recording medium 1 is formed. On the cap member 9, a curable resin material c for forming a resin layer 11 is supplied, and the recording medium is rotated to spin-spread the curable resin material c. During or after the spin spreading, the curable resin material c is cured so that the resin layer 11 is formed on the recording medium 1.

Abstract: A method useful for applying labels to a container, the labels having an activatable adhesive coating on a surface thereon, the adhesive is activated by contact with a low viscosity activator solution from an apparatus comprising at least a label pallet that receives a low viscosity activator solution by contact with a spinning roller, the spinning roller receives at least one stream of the low viscosity activator solution delivered or sprayed by a fluid manifold.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods of coating glass containers and the containers produced therefrom. In particular, embodiments of the invention provide a method of coating glass containers by at least partially drying and/or curing one or more organic coatings on a glass container using accelerated drying.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite material comprising at least one cold bonding phase of a plastic material with a prepreg material, and a subsequent phase of heating the semifinished product obtained to a temperature close to the glass transition temperature of the plastic material and able to induce the cross-linking of the impregnating resin present in the prepreg material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic assembly 400 and a machine 800 for its manufacture. The assembly 400 has no solder. Components 406, or component packages 402, with I/O leads 412 sit on a planar substrate. The machine 800 encapsulates the components 406 or component packages, with electrically insulating material with vias 420 extending through the substrate to the components' leads 412. Then the machine 800 plates the components' leads and forms traces. Next, the machine 800 covers the plated material with electrically insulating material. Additional vias may extend through the material covering the plated material and in turn be plated and covered. The machine 800 repeats the formation of vias, plating, and coverings of the assembly as desired.

Abstract: A printing unit includes a plurality of ink supply members for supplying inks different from each other to a printing area or printing area-like portion, and a plurality of detecting systems, each detecting an amount of the corresponding ink accumulated on the printing area or printing area-like portion. A control system controls the plurality of ink supply members to regulate an amount of ink supplied by each of the plurality of ink supply members so as to bring the amount of the corresponding ink accumulated into agreement with a predetermined value.

Abstract: Corroded hollow sections, more preferably of orthotropic slabs, are cleaned and de-rusted on the inner surface with a rotating maximum-pressure water-jet continuously guided through the hollow section and angle-adjustable scanner-controlled corresponding to the respective interior surface region and capable of being throttled in critical regions. For the sealing of entering moisture and for corrosion protection as well as to improve the vibration behaviour and the strength characteristics of the orthotropic slab, the cleaned and dried inner surface is holohedrally connected with a shapeable and stretchable fabric hose coated with a water-proof plastic in a sealing manner by means of an adhesive and using a pressure medium or a memory plastic hollow profile assuming its original shape under the effect of heat, wherein the internal pressure is maintained up to the curing of the adhesive.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for producing a polymeric film that accurately replicates a complex mold surface at least a portion of which surface has microstructured or nano-structured dimensions. A polymeric powder is electrodeposited on an underlying mold surface. Then the powder is cured to create a polymeric film. Finally the film is removed from the mold surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating unit (2) for transferring imaging or covering layers from a transfer film (5) to a printed material. The coating unit is flexible thus enabling the integrated production of complex printed material. In particular, overprinting of film coatings should be able to be carried out in a problem-free manner. One or several discharge devices (E, EI), which are connected to the film application module (FA), are used for modifying the surface tension of the transfer film (5) or the printed sheet in the rotary sheet printing machine ensuring that the printing and also the film-coated surfaces of the printed sheet are of high quality.

Abstract: An optical waveguide device that is smaller in size and has higher impact resistance. The optical waveguide device (1) has a V-groove (14) formed in a groove forming surface (SF) at an end of a base board (10) where an optical waveguide section (11) is formed. An optical fiber element (22) is embedded by an adhesive layer (13) and connected to the base board (10) with an end of the optical fiber element (22) fitted in the V-groove (14).

Abstract: A method of forming an optical element forming metal mold to form an optical element, having steps of: laminating a heat insulation layer 13 on a surface of the base member 11 where the optical element is formed; laminating an intermediate metal layer 14 on a surface of the heat insulation layer 13 by thermal spraying; laminating a surface forming layer 15, on which a surface shape to be transferred to the optical element is formed, on the intermediate metal layer 14; wherein the intermediate metal layer 14 is laminated in a way that parts of the heat insulation layer 13 are exposed substantially evenly from the intermediate layer 14.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present technique, there is provided a plural component finishing dispenser system including a multi-cartridge support configured to receive a plurality of finishing component cartridges in a proportion to control a mixture ratio of a plurality of different finishing components, a drive configured to displace fluid at an equal linear rate in the plurality of finishing component cartridges, and an outlet for each different finishing component. There is further provided a method for positively displacing different finishing substances at an equal linear rate independently through different cartridges at a cartridge ratio that controls a downstream mixture ratio of the different finishing substances.

Abstract: A method of forming metallic connector patterns for solar cells, whereby an embosser having raised features shaped in the form of a metallic connector pattern is used to attach a portion of a metallic foil to a transparent conductive layer formed on a top transparent surface of a solar cell structure. The raised surfaces of the embosser press the metallic foil portion against the transparent conductive layer. Heat and pressure directed to the metallic foil portion attach the metallic foil portion to the underlying transparent conductive layer, and then the rest of the metallic foil, which is not attached to the transparent conductive layer, is removed.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus of a transdermal absorption preparation, comprising an adhesive sheet supplying part A to feed out a band-like first adhesive sheet 3 into a runway, wherein the adhesive sheet has at least an adhesive layer comprising an adhesive and a liquid component compatible with the adhesive, a drug liquid application part B to apply a given amount of a drug liquid to an adhesive face 2b, and a traveling section C for impregnation which is set in the runway after the drug liquid application part B, during which the adhesive sheet is run for a period necessary for the applied drug liquid to soak into the adhesive layer without contact of the drug liquid coated face of the adhesive layer with other members.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for producing a plate-type insulation support provided with an adhesive layer for a gradient coil for a magnetic resonance device, an adhesive film forming the adhesive layer is used, which has a number of openings distributed over its surface to allow the passage of air and which is applied to the insulation support.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for machining (1) a continuous material (2), comprising a device for applying fluids, for example plastic substances and/or fluid adhesives, in the form of a surface coat at least partly on the continuous material (2) directly applied or by transfer. Such installations are particularly used for laminating a continuous material and one or more substrates. The invention is characterized in that the application device (A) mounted in the deflecting and/or pressing roll (4) is an interchangeable modular unit.

Abstract: A method and device for forming external electrodes on opposing surfaces of an electronic chip. A plurality of chips are arrayed on a plate and held at a first end faces by a silicon rubber provided on the plate. The plate is brought close to a coating bed so that second end faces of the chips are immersed in an electrically conductive paste formed on the coating bed. The second end faces of the chips are coated with the conductive paste which forms first electrodes after drying step. Subsequently, the plate is inverted and brought toward a sheet with a foamable and releasable adhesive layer for allowing the chips to be pressed against the foamable and releasable adhesive and held thereby. The chips are transferred from the plate to the sheet. Next, second electrodes are formed on the first end faces.

Abstract: A web is dispensed from a roll and includes first and second bands adjoining along a fold line. A pattern of release is applied to the front side of the web along the first band, and a pattern of adhesive is applied to the front side of the web along the second band. The web is folded along the fold line to bond together the first and second bands in a laminate, and exposing back sides of the bands on opposite sides of the laminate. The second band is cut to define a removable label therein.

Abstract: A device for moistening an envelope flap includes a reservoir for holding a moistening fluid and an applicator mounted above the reservoir for applying the moistening fluid to the envelope flap. The moistening device also includes a fluid transfer member that is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis to transfer moistening fluid from the reservoir to the applicator while the transfer member rotates.

Abstract: A process and system for applying an adhesive to a core during the production of rolled paper products is disclosed. The system of the present invention is generally directed to the use of pumping devices that meter out constant volumetric amounts of an adhesive onto a core through a plurality of adhesive applicators simultaneously. The systems includes, for instance, a positive displacement pump system in which a fluid at substantially constant pressure is fed to a pumping device for dispensing the adhesive to a plurality of adhesive applicators in constant volumetric amounts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plastics-covered metal plate excellent in chipping resistance, corrosion resistance etc. made by covering one surface or both surfaces of a metal plate with at least two kinds of plastics layers whose rates of elongation are different and a process of covering a car body by using said covered metal plate.

Abstract: The present invention involves a carbon fiber-filled sheet molding compound and method of manufacturing the same. The invention comprises providing chopped automotive carbon fibers, a predetermined resin paste, a first carrier film, and a second carrier film. The method further involves coating substantially completely one side of one of the first and second carrier films with the predetermined resin paste to define a coated side, depositing the chopped automotive carbon fibers onto the coated side, and covering the deposited carbon fibers with the second carrier film to define a compactible carbon-filled laminate. The method further includes compacting the carbon-filled laminate to admix the resin paste with the carbon fibers between the films, whereby to form the automotive carbon fiber-filled sheet molding compound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making adhesive-backed labels. Glassine paper stock is unwound from a roll, coated with photo-cationic silicone and exposed to wavelength-controlled illumination to cure. Hot melt adhesive is applied over the silicone. Simultaneously, label stock is fed with the coated glassine paper to laminating rollers where the two are joined. Illumination is provided by a dichroic reflector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film tube (10) based on cellulose which is produced by extruding an aqueous cellulose-N-methyl-morpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) solution through a ring nozzle (21) onto a lining (3). The film tube (10) is manufactured by means of a vertically descending spinning in a spinning vat (12) in which a spinning bath (11) is located. The film tube (10) which is submerged in the spinning bath (11) passes through an air gap (9) between the underside of a nozzle block (7) and the upper surface of the spinning bath (11) and, internally, is pressurized, supported and slightly stretched in a transversal manner by compressed air. The film tube (10) is filled with an inner bath solution (31) via a supply tube (18). An idle roller (13) is situated near the bottom of the spinning vat (12) in order to guide the film tube (10) around and, afterwards, out of the spinning vat (12) in an upward sloping manner. The film tube is laid flat along a contact section (27) of the idle roller (13).

Abstract: Improved methods of forming a patterned self-assembled monolayer on a surface and derivative articles are provided. According to one method, an elastomeric stamp is deformed during and/or prior to using the stamp to print a self-assembled molecular monolayer on a surface. According to another method, during monolayer printing the surface is contacted with a liquid that is immiscible with the molecular monolayer-forming species to effect controlled reactive spreading of the monolayer on the surface. Methods of printing self-assembled molecular monolayers on nonplanar surfaces and derivative articles are provided, as are methods of etching surfaces patterned with self-assembled monolayers, including methods of etching silicon. Optical elements including flexible diffraction gratings, mirrors, and lenses are provided, as are methods for forming optical devices and other articles using lithographic molding.