Abstract: A method for manufacturing products with a blown foamy structure, starting from a mass comprising at least natural polymers such as starch and fibers, in particular natural fibers, wherein the mass (M, S) is passed under pressure into or through a mould (23, 63) and the mass (M, S) is heated in the mould (23, 63) in a manner such as to give rise to gelatinization and cross-linking of the natural polymers, with the fibers extending through the product, while the mass prior to the introduction into the mould has temperature which is below the gelatinization temperature and in the mould is brought at least to the baking temperature.

Abstract: Described are a method for generating a laser beam and a laser device for practising the method. In a first step gas is ionised by means of X-rays. In a second step the electron density is increased by means of a pre-discharge. In a third step the main discharge takes place. Between the second and third steps, an electron redistribution occurs. According to the invention, the electron redistribution rate and/or the time delay between the pre-discharge and the main discharge are adjustable and controllable in relation to each other, for achieving a particular desired beam profile, such as a uniform profile. Because that delay is preferably set by varying one or more process parameters, an improtant advantage is achieved in that it is possible with one and the same laser device to modify the beam profile in a simple and flexible manner even during the operation of the laser device.