Abstract: For improved quality and use characteristics, before matting, a fine, randomly oriented sub-structure is applied to the press surface of an embossing surface of an embossing tool for embossing the surface of press-formed laminates or the like. The sub-structure is preferably so fine that, after matting, it is no longer recognizable as such. The matting is produced by either mat chromium plating or by sandblasting and subsequent mat chromium plating. The sub-structure is formed in a one- or multiple-step etching process.

Abstract: A stack of sheets is loaded between the platens of a press by an apparatus which grips the stack along its opposite edges flanking a transport direction and holds the stack by these edges as it displaces the stack in the transport direction between the platens. Thereafter one of these edges is released to drop this edge onto the lower platen and, once the one edge is on the platen, the other edge is released so as to drop the rest of the stack on the lower platen. The lower platen is heated so as to slightly adhere the lowermost sheet of the stack to this platen and thereby further prevent shifting of the sheets of the stack relative to one another prior to heat-pressing thereof.

Abstract: A stack of sheets is loaded between the platens of a press by an apparatus which grips the stack along its opposite edges flanking a transport direction and holds the stack by these edges as it displaces the stack in the transport direction between the platens. Thereafter one of these edges is released to drop this edge onto the lower platen and, once the one edge is on the platen, the other edge is released so as to drop the rest of the stack on the lower platen. The lower platen is heated so as to slightly adhere the lowermost sheet of the stack to this platen and thereby further prevent shifting of the sheets of the stack relative to one another prior to hot-pressing thereof.