Abstract: There are provided a molding method and a molding apparatus for an optical element, which are capable of heating or cooling a material in a mold with a symmetrical temperature distribution that corresponds to the shape or the optical performance of an optical element to be molded. In a method for molding an optical element, comprises subjecting a mold to a heating step, a press-molding step and a cooling step, the mold comprising a top mold, a bottom mold and a body mold; the method comprises bringing the mold in contact with a mold stage (heat transfer member) to heat or cool in at least one of the heating step, the press-molding step and the cooling step, the heat transfer member having a substantially symmetrical temperature distribution.

Abstract: A plunger supporting mechanism includes a bottom mold into which a gob is loaded; a plunger which is arranged above the bottom mold, and which is lowered to pressure the gob in the bottom mold to press the gob into a glass product, the plunger having an upper portion provided with a flange; a floating unit which supports the flange in a floating manner to support the plunger so as to be movable in a horizontal direction; and a press machine for raising and lowering the plunger through the floating unit; wherein the floating unit is supported so as to be tiltable with respect to the press machine, or the plunger is supported so as to be tiltable with respect to the flange.

Abstract: A direct current magnetic field is applied to a molten metal bath to control the movement of molten metal. A glass ribbon is formed on the molten metal bath to have a predetermined thickness and is moved on the surface of the molten metal bath controlled by the magnetic field, during which the glass ribbon is cooled.