Abstract: A mould tool and a method of manufacturing for forming a compression moulded body from a plurality of stacked layers of polymer material. The mould tool comprises a first section and a top section. The first section has a mould opening defined by a side wall and configured to receive the stacked layers. The top section is configured to close the mould opening to form a mould cavity. The moulding opening side wall includes at least one recess to accommodate polymer material from the stacked layers when the stacked layers are compressed by movement of the top section towards the first section.

Abstract: An adjustable device is disclosed comprising two relatively re-orientatable members each having a lockable universal joint; and a connecting member for connecting the two relatively re-orientatable members whereby when the two relatively re-orientatable members are connected the two joints are in mechanical communication via the connecting member. The two lockable joints may be locked and unlocked using an actuator, a lever, which may act on compression means in order to render the lockable joints either mobile or locked. The compression means may cause a change in cross-sectional area of the tube over at least a part of its length. At least one of the lockable universal joints may provide for linear movement between the two relatively re-orientatable members. Also disclosed is an apparatus for the simulation of the orientation of a sample with respect to a cutting tool or scanning probe and method for aligning the adjustable device.