Abstract: The present invention provides a die for impressing a material between the die and an anvil such as to apply a compressive force to the material. The die comprises a plurality of fields. Each of the fields includes at least two projections arranged to engage the material substantially simultaneously. In addition each of the fields is characterized by a total contact area over which the compressive force is applied. The total contact area of each field is defined by the projections of the respective field. The total contact area of each field is substantially uniform from one field to another such that the pressure applied by each individual field on the die is not more than double the pressure applied by any other individual field on the die.

Abstract: The present invention provides a die for impressing a material between the die and an anvil such as to apply a compressive force to the material. The die comprises a plurality of fields. Each of the fields includes at least two projections arranged to engage the material substantially simultaneously. In addition each of the fields is characterized by a total contact area over which the compressive force is applied. The total contact area of each field is defined by the projections of the respective field. The total contact area of each field is substantially uniform from one field to another such that the pressure applied by each individual field on the die is not more than double the pressure applied by any other individual field on the die.