Abstract: Lightweight, low-torque, composite golf club shafts with bent tips and methods of manufacturing such golf club shafts are disclosed herein. Some methods involve the use of pre-bent, rigid tubes that remain inside the finished composite shafts to support their bent tip structures. Other methods require the use of cores (which may be flexible and/or dissolvable), which support the composite shaft precursors when they are placed into forming molds to form the bent tips. These cores may be removed at the end of the bending process. Still other methods incorporate the use of bladders to provide support for shaft tips when they are subjected to molding forces.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a liquid tank capable of accommodating a photosensitive liquid. The liquid tank includes a film, a plurality of side walls, a plate and a motor. The film has a workpiece curing area. The plurality of side walls surrounds the film. The plate is capable of supporting the film and having at least one fluid tunnel extending from a first surface of the plate contacting the film to a second surface of the plate. The motor is connected to the liquid tank to incline the liquid tank. A gap is formed between the plat and one of the plurality of side walls of the liquid tank, and the film is communicated with an outside space via the gap.

Abstract: A waveguide includes a body of material having a width, a thickness, and a length, where the width is orthogonal to the thickness, and the length is orthogonal to the thickness and the width. The material includes polycrystalline ceramic that is transmissive such that the body is configured as a waveguide. The thickness is no more than 5 millimeters and at least 20 nanometers, the width is greater than or equal to the thickness, and the length is at least 100 times greater than the width. The body of material has a granular profile such that grains of the material protrude generally outward from a surface of the body with a height of at least 25 nanometers and no more than 100 micrometers relative to recessed portions of the surface of the body at boundaries between the grains.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to obtain a fiber-reinforced composite material having excellent appearance or mechanical characteristics, whereby a three-dimensional shape is molded with high productivity while appearance defects such as fiber meandering or wrinkling are suppressed. In this method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced composite material, when a stack in which a plurality of sheet-shaped prepregs (X) in which a plurality of continuously arranged reinforcing fibers are impregnated with a matrix resin composition are layered in different fiber directions is molded into a three-dimensional shape by a molding die (100) provided with a lower die (110) and an upper die (112), a stretchable sheet (10) or a resin film (Y) used in the stack (12) is utilized. In this method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced composite material, the stack may be pre-molded to obtain a preform, and the preform may be furthermore compression-molded to obtain a fiber-reinforced composite material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite material 400 provided with a reinforcement 510 and a resin 600 infused into the reinforcement, includes: an applying process of applying an adhesive 520 to the sheet-shaped reinforcement having first and second regions 501 and 502 such that a content density of the adhesive of the second region is lower than that of the first region; a preforming process of forming a preform 500 by preforming the reinforcement; and a process of molding a composite material 400 by infusing the resin 600 into the preform. The resin injected into the cavity easily flows in a portion of the cavity 350 where the second region of the reinforcement is placed, compared to a portion of the cavity where the first region of the reinforcement is placed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of moulding a composite article using a mould. The mould includes first and second rigid mould parts between them defining a mould cavity. A reservoir of resin is connected to an inlet into the mould cavity. A suction pump is connected to a port on the opposite side of the mould cavity from the inlet. At least one of the mould parts has an arrangement of grooves on the surface facing the mould cavity to distribute resin across the mould cavity. The method includes laying up fibres in the mould cavity, injecting resin from the reservoir by running the suction pump to fill the mould cavity with resin, curing the resin article to form a moulded article and opening the mould and removing the article.

Abstract: Systems and methods for incrementally forming a composite part are disclosed herein. The systems include a forming mandrel, which includes a forming surface, and a forming machine. The forming machine includes a forming bladder, a pressure-regulating device, and a positioning device. The forming bladder is configured to be inflated to a forming pressure and to press the ply of composite material against the forming surface. The methods include placing a ply of composite material on a forming surface of a forming mandrel and pressing a forming bladder against the ply of composite material at a selected location to press a selected portion of the ply of composite material against the forming surface and conform the selected portion of the ply of composite material to a surface profile of the forming surface. The methods further include repeating the pressing a plurality of times at a plurality of selected locations.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein relate to the fabrication of a single-crystal flexible semiconductor template that may be attached to a semiconductor device. The template fabricated comprises a plurality of single crystals grown by lateral epitaxial growth on a seed layer and bonded to a flexible substrate. The layer grown has portions removed to create windows that add to the flexibility of the template.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a fiber preform filled with refractory ceramic particles, includes placing a fiber texture including refractory ceramic fibers in a mold cavity; injecting a slip including a powder of refractory ceramic particles present in a liquid medium, the slip being injected into the pores of the fiber texture present in the mold cavity, injection being performed through at least a first face or a first edge of the fiber texture; and draining the liquid medium of the slip that has penetrated into the fiber texture through the porous material part, the draining being performed at least through a second face or a second edge of the fiber texture different from the first face or the first edge, the porous material part also serving to retain the refractory particle powder in the pores of the fiber texture to obtain a fiber preform filled with refractory particles.

Abstract: A mold that: makes it possible to manufacture a molded foam body wherein a reinforcing member extends to a portion of an outer face of the molded body main body that corresponds to a parting line in the inner face of the cavity of the mold; and prevents molding problems stemming from the reinforcing member getting into the aforementioned parting line. Also: a method for manufacturing a molded foam body using the aforementioned mold; and a molded foam body manufactured thereby. A recessed step portion (6) that faces the cavity (4) of the aforementioned mold (1) is provided in the mating face (3a) of at least one part (3) of said mold (1), at at least a portion of the parting line (P) (formed in the inner face of the cavity (4)) adjacent to which the reinforcing member (22) is disposed.

Abstract: A method for producing a semi-finished honeycomb-core product for producing a sandwich component, a method for producing a sandwich component, a semi-finished honeycomb-core product, a sandwich component, and the use thereof as a component of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein relate to the fabrication of a single-crystal flexible semiconductor template that may be attached to a semiconductor device. The template fabricated comprises a plurality of single crystals grown by lateral epitaxial growth on a seed layer and bonded to a flexible substrate. The layer grown has portions removed to create windows that add to the flexibility of the template.

Abstract: A haptic peripheral including a magnetic actuator coupled to a user input element for providing haptic effects to the user input element. The magnetic actuator includes at least two opposing programmable magnets, a first programmable magnet and a second programmable magnet, with pre-programmed patterns to control the motion of the user input element. Each programmable magnet has a pre-programmed pattern of magnetic elements. The pre-programmed patterns of the magnetic elements interact with each other to cause haptic effects. In order to vary to haptic effects output by the magnetic actuator, the second programmable magnet is spun, rotated, or otherwise moved to change the orientation or position of the pre-programmed pattern. The re-oriented pattern of the second programmable magnet changes the interaction between the first and second programmable magnets and thereby results in different haptic effects being output to the user input device.

Abstract: A forming device and a method of manufacture of a fillet of plastic for aircraft assemblies. The fillet has a pre-determined profile for filling a cavity of a structural element. The fillet is formed using a former of a forming device. The method includes applying at least one blank of a base material of plastic between at least two opposed press beds of the former and at least one of the press beds including an elongated groove. At least one press bed is towards another press bed, until the press beds are in position for completed compression of the fillet. Each groove for forming of the fillet generates a fillet in correspondence with the pre-determined profile. The press beds are separated from each other for releasing the formed fillet. The formed fillet is removed from the former. The formed fillet is applied in the cavity.

Abstract: A device for compacting a contoured elongate composite layup includes flexible first and second fiber reinforced resin flexible sections flexible along their lengths. The first section is flexible within a first plane and the second section is flexible within the first plane as well as within a second plane.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component by molding is provided. A mold has a mold surface representing a negative image of the component. The mold has openings in the mold surface. Flow channels extending from the openings in the mold surface and are connectable to a suction device. Further, the mold has a periphery delimiting the mold surface. A bag is fixed to the periphery of the mold. The bag is inflated to a pressure level above ambient pressure. The pressure is released from the bag while sucking the bag to the mold surface using the suction device. Fabrics are layered onto the bag while the bag is kept sucked to the mold surface. Resin is introduced into the fabrics and then the resin is cured.

Abstract: Resin infused composite parts are fabricated using a caul sheet having perforations therein for optimizing the flow of resin through the parts and allowing a simplified tooling and consumable arrangement for complex parts while achieving a smooth, aerodynamic caul-side or bag-side finish.

Abstract: A material layering device may include a first pinning roller and a second pinning roller. A distance between the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller is less than a diameter of a substrate. The device also includes a return system, wherein the return system comprises a plurality of rollers. The device also includes a belt, which may have a first loop portion disposed between and protruding beyond the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller. The first loop portion also wraps about an intended substrate along an arc greater than about 180 degrees. The device further includes a feed portion coupled to the first loop and extending outwardly from the second pinning roller opposite the first loop and providing a surface upon which a sheet can be placed. Furthermore, the device also includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to one of the rollers.

Abstract: A method for molding a fiber-reinforced plastic member involves disposing a reinforced-fiber base material 2 inside a molding space S, which is created between a mold 1 and a bag film 6, and then depressurizing the inside of the molding space S and curing a resin composition R contained in the reinforced-fiber base material 2, wherein a flat pressure plate 5 made of spring steel is disposed between the reinforced-fiber base material 2 and the bag film 6. The pressure plate 5 elastically deforms along the shape of the reinforced-fiber base material 2 while the inside of the molding space S is being depressurized, and returns to its original flat shape when depressurization is stopped and the bag film 6 is removed after curing of the resin composition R.

Abstract: A form for producing a hardened element such as concrete, formed of a flowable material, the form comprising: an elongated, substantially self-supporting portion of flexible material comprising at least one forming surface for abutting the flowable material; first and second flanges hingedly affixed to respective first and second edges longitudinally of the forming surface; and a plurality of corresponding anchoring holes uniformly placed along the first and second flanges.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus for performing alignment between a mold and a substrate and imprinting a pattern of the mold to a layer of the substrate. A holder holds the mold. A stage holds the substrate opposite to the mold held by the holder. A microscope, including an image pickup device, detects a first alignment mark formed in the mold, via a first image pickup area of the image pickup device, and detects a second alignment mark formed in the substrate, via a second image pickup area of the image pickup device. The first and second image pickup areas do not overlap with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of conforming a blank onto forming surface sections of a forming tool by drawing a first vacuum against an elastic forming medium for transmitting forming forces from the elastic forming medium to the blank. The elastic forming medium is evacuated with the first vacuum for allowing the elastic forming medium to stretch and conform the blank to the forming surface sections. The elastic forming medium includes at least one void. A second vacuum is applied to the void for achieving a stiffened section of the elastic forming medium corresponding with the location of the void and corresponding with, when the elastic forming medium after the completion lies against the forming tool having the blank in between, a forming surface section of the forming tool where the blank requires a forming force being larger than that of surrounding sections of the elastic forming medium.

Abstract: A vacuum set-up to pressurize a component part during its production is provided. The set-up includes a base with a contact surface for component part, and a casing that is airtight to contact surface that can be sealed to cover component part to effect pressurization of component part by evacuating an internal space of casing. To also effect a defined pressurization of component part on at least one component part edge in lateral direction, on at least this component part edge together with component part, a pressure strip system that can be mounted in the interior space is provided that is formed by at least two pressure strips extending along the component part edge and over inclined planes, that work together in such a way that pressure exerted on pressure strip system by the evacuation of the interior space, generates pressure acting laterally on component part edge.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a film of ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin comprising: (a) subjecting a starting ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin with a weight average molecular weight of at least 500 000 gram/mole in powder form to a compacting step using an isobaric press; and (b) subjecting the compacted polyolefin to a rolling step and at least one stretching step under such conditions that at no point during the processing of the polymer its temperature is raised to a value above its melting point. The process allows for the manufacture of ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin films of high quality.

Abstract: A system for continuous High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) foam production. A (HIPE) is produced then extruded onto a carrier sheet positioned on a belt surface.

Abstract: A process for producing a reinforcing-fiber strip substrate having a circular-arc part includes contacting one surface of a strip-shaped, unidirectional reinforcing-fiber substrate formed by arranging a plurality of reinforcing-fiber strands in one direction in parallel with each other with a flexible member; deforming the unidirectional reinforcing-fiber substrate into a circular-arc shape by deforming at least a part of the flexible member into a circular-arc shape in a direction extending along its contact surface with the unidirectional reinforcing-fiber substrate; and thereafter, separating the flexible member from the unidirectional reinforcing-fiber substrate having been deformed.

Abstract: An apparatus molds sheets of thermoplastic material, thermoset plastic material and other similar molding materials into various desired shapes and contours. The apparatus has a molding surface that supports the thermoplastic sheet, thermoset plastic sheet or other similar material to be molded where the molding surface is adjustable vertically to a variety of different shapes and contours enabling the apparatus to form the molding material into panels having different shapes and contours.

Abstract: A hollow ice-making forming mould comprises an inner membrane(1) which is in a fixed shape after charging air and an outer membrane (2) which is in a fixed shape after liquid injection and is disposed outside the inner membrane (1); a base plate(3) is arranged at the bottom of the outer membrane (2); the bottoms of the inner and outer membranes are hermetically connected with the base plate(3) respectively, wherein an airtight air chamber(5) is formed between the inner membrane (1) and the base plate(3), and a cavity(6) for pouring cooling liquid is formed between the inner membrane (1) and the outer membrane (2); an air filling and water injecting member(4) is provided at the top of the inner membrane (1); a top part of the outer membrane (2) is connected with an upper part of the air filling and water injecting member(4) by a detachable way.

Abstract: A panel for use in a foundation or above-grade may be made with studs for strength, and for attachment to an interior wall. The composite panel has two outer facing sheets, and a core. Studs are provided on one of the outer facing sheets. The manufacturing process involves forming the panel on a mold by laying down a gel coat (optional), a lower facing sheet (used instead of, or with, the gel coat), the core piece(s), and the top facing layer. This can be done by a lamination process, or preferably is done by laying down fibrous material for the facing sheet(s) and vacuum-infusing it with resin, and curing the panel. The core pieces may either be pre-made, or (if infusion is used) may themselves be made in this process, by infusing them with the resin as well. The studs are preferably of galvanized steel and are secured by means of an adhesive.

Abstract: A system for self-repairing matrices such as concrete or cementitous matrices, polymeric matrices, and/or fibrous matrices, including laminates thereof The system includes repair agents retained in and/or on vessels, such as hollow fibers, within the matrix. Upon impact, the vessel rupture, releasing the chemicals. For multi-layer laminates, the systems provides a total dynamic energetic circulation system that functions as an in situ fluidic system in at least one layer or area. The energy from the impact ruptures the vessels to release the chemical(s), and mixes the chemical(s) and pushes the chemical(s) and/or resulting compound through the matrix. The repair agents can withstand high temperatures, such as the heat of processing of many laminates, e.g., 250-350° F.

Abstract: A method for producing an adhesive fastening element made of plastic includes a support part (10) from which project a plurality of stem parts (12). A head part (14) is arranged at each stem part opposing the support part (10) and the head parts (14) are formed without the use of molding tools due to the surface tension of the used plastic material. Consequently, no need exists for a specific molding tool for forming the head parts.

Abstract: An in-mold-decoration method for plastic articles is provided. An uninterrupted film is provided and transported into a mold. A predetermined area of the film attaches to an inner surface of a cavity of a female mold of the mold. The predetermined area of the film is cut from the uninterrupted film during closing the mold.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing complex hollow composite parts with at least one internal structure formed in situ by laying laminated layers around a removable mandrel assembled inside the part's inner cavity. The inner mandrel is made up of two jig plate assemblies aligned in a parallel manner and space apart where the internal structure is to manufactured. Each jig plate assembly is made up of at least three jig plates stacked in an edge-to-edge manner Located on opposite sides of each jig plate assembly is an elastic envelope filled with spherical objects. When evacuated, the envelope collapses and relaxes and composite material may then laid up inside the inner cavity and around the envelopes. When exposed to a heat, the envelopes expand and in situ and form internal structures inside surface of the cavity. Each envelope and each jig plate assemblies can be easily dissembled and reused.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device and method of forming the medical device. In particular, the present invention relates to a medical device having a tubular membrane structure over a radially expandable structural frame, and to a method of forming the tubular membrane on the radially expandable structural frame. In one aspect, a structural frame is placed over a spinning mandrel and a fiber is electro-statically spun over at least a portion of the structural frame forming a membrane. A transfer sheath may be used between the mandrel and structural frame to prevent the electro-statically spun fiber from adhering to the mandrel. In another aspect, a first membrane is spun over the mandrel before the structural frame is placed over the mandrel. In this aspect, at least a portion of the structural frame is sandwiched between the membranes. The membrane or membranes and structural frame form a fiber spun frame assembly. The fiber spun frame assembly may be coated with an elastic polymer.

Abstract: A method for forming a longitudinal edge region of a transport/drive belt having at least two layers of a thermoplastic material and at least one layer of a woven fabric web includes positioning a mat at one longitudinal edge of the transport/drive belt. The method further includes transferring heat and pressure to the transport/drive belt so as to melt and merge at least a region of the at least two layers of thermoplastic material without adding any additional material, solidifying the at least two layers of thermoplastic material, and removing the mat.

Abstract: Thickness gradients in large, cobonded composite structures resulting from gravity-induced resin migration during curing is substantially reduced by rotating the structure during the resin infusion and curing stages. The layup for the structure is placed on a rotatable tool fixture and vacuum bagged. The tool fixture is mounted on a central support tube provided with motors for rotating the tool fixture about the axis of the tube. The tube has internal passageways that deliver resin to the bagged layup and carry away excess resin from the layup using vacuum pressure. The resulting composite structures exhibit thickness gradients less than 10%.

Abstract: A mold and a pattern transfer method using the same for a nanoprinting technology. The mold can be released from a substrate accurately and easily. The mold, which is used for forming a fine pattern on a substrate using a press machine, comprises a release mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for making a carbon nanotube film. In the method, a bent flexible substrate having a curved surface and a pressing device are provided. A carbon nanotube array is formed on the curved surface. The bent flexible substrate is at least partially unbent, thereby at least partially unbending the carbon nanotube array. The unbent carbon nanotube array is pressed by the pressing device to slant the carbon nanotubes in the unbent carbon nanotube array, thereby forming the carbon nanotube film.

Abstract: A method for forming micro-structures on a molded particle, comprises: providing a mold with a male mold and a female mold defining a mold cavity, providing an attachment film with micro-structures; transporting the attachment film into the mold, and providing a predetermined section of the attachment film closely to the mold cavity; closing the mold, wherein a parting surface of the male mold and the parting surface of the female mold do not contact each other; closing the mold again, and enabling the parting surface of the male mold and the parting surface of the female mold to contact each other, and cutting the predetermined section from the attachment film; stopping injecting plastic material; opening the mold and pushing out a molded article with micro-structures. A molded article formed by the foregoing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, methods for molding and curing of composite articles are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a molding apparatus including an elastic layer disposed on a rigid support and a mold disposed on the elastic layer and the support. In one embodiment, the mold includes an inner surface, the inner surface further including a molding surface, and wherein a first surface of the elastic layer and the inner surface of the mold define a molding chamber. In one embodiment, a prepreg is further disposed within the molding chamber, wherein the prepreg is disposed on the first surface of the elastic layer. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a fluid via a fluid inlet against a second surface of the elastic layer, thereby expanding the elastic layer against the inner surface of the mold, and pushing the prepreg against the molding surface of the mold to form a molded composite article.

Abstract: A material forming apparatus and method for shaping a material to a forming tool having complex contours. The material forming apparatus may comprise a bladder sealed to a support structure, cooperatively forming a hollow space therebetween into which air or another gas may be pumped to inflate the bladder. The forming tool may comprise a protrusion of any shape to which the material may conform. The material may be placed between the bladder and the protrusion and the support structure may be actuated toward the forming tool. As the support structure progresses toward the forming tool, an area of material pressed against the protrusion by the bladder increases in an outward direction. A pressure regulator may regulate an amount of pressure applied to the material by the bladder as the bladder presses the material against the forming tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite stringer. A composite material and foam are laid up onto a tool in the form of a stringer. The foam has a plurality of structural members within the foam. The plurality of structural members has a number of orientations to resist a number of loads. The composite material, the foam in the form of the stringer, and the plurality of structural members are cured to form the composite stringer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional stereolithography apparatus includes a stage, a support mechanism to support a film so that the film is opposed to the stage, a pressing mechanism, a supply mechanism, an irradiation unit, a movement mechanism, and a control mechanism. The pressing mechanism presses at least a linear area of the film so that the linear area closest to the stage is formed in the film. The supply mechanism supplies a light-curing material into a slit area formed between the stage and the linear area. The irradiation unit irradiates the light-curing material supplied into the slit area with laser light through the pressing mechanism and the film. The movement mechanism moves the stage and the pressing mechanism relatively to the film, to form one cured layer of the light-curing material. The control mechanism controls a distance between the stage and the linear area of the film, to stack the cured layer.

Abstract: A part for a mobile electronic device is molded by providing a three dimensionally textured film in a mold. A moldable polymer is provided in the mold over the film and molded into a shape of the part. The part is removed from the mold, and the three dimensionally textured film is removed from the part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a bodyshell structure for a motor vehicle, wherein a sheet-like textile support element impregnated with a curable matrix material is provided and, following the positioning of suitable reinforcing and molding elements, molded around at least one mold core, whereupon the matrix material is cured. After the removal of the at least one mold core, a single-piece bodyshell structure joined by adhesive force remains. The invention further relates to a bodyshell structure produced by means of this method.

Abstract: Composite materials and methods for making composites are provided. The method includes providing a nano-particulate-depletable material that includes a plurality of nano-particulates on or within a depletable material; positioning the nano-particulate-depletable material on or within a structural material; and depleting the depletable material such that the nano-particulates are selectively placed on or within the structural material. Depletion may include infusion of a resin into the structural material. The depletable material may be a polymeric foam, and the nano-particulates may be carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A Method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head having a flow path forming member for forming a liquid flow path which communicates with a discharge port discharging liquid, comprises; preparing a layer containing a compound having a structure represented by Formula (1) and a structure represented by Formula (2) as a main chain on a substrate, providing a solution in which a resin is dissolved in a compound represented by Formula (3) or (4) on the layer, forming a mold having the shape as the flow path from the resin, providing a layer which will become the flow path forming member so as to cover the mold, and removing the mold to form the flow path.

Abstract: An inflatable compaction tool for consolidating a composite material inside a faceted hollow or tubular mold for a composite part is made from an elastic material. The compaction tool includes relatively flat wall segments conjoined by corner segments that define a sealed chamber. The wall segments curve away from the mold surface toward the midpoint of each wall segment, so that as a pressurized fluid is introduced into the compaction tool, a component of the force exerted on the tool interior surface is transmitted through the wall segments toward the corner segments. Thus, during initial inflation, the corner segments are forced toward the corner regions of the mold before the wall segments contact the composite material, firmly compressing the composite material into the corner regions of the mold before the friction of the wall segments against the composite material inhibits expansion of the corner segments into the mold corner regions.

Abstract: A solidification substrate assembly for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material includes a solidification substrate assembly. In certain examples, the solidifiable material solidifies in contact with the solidification substrate, and the tilting of the substrate and/or or the use of a peeling member facilitates separation of the substrate from the solidified material. In other examples, the solidification substrate assembly includes a film that is adjacent to a rigid or semi-rigid layer. The solidifiable material solidifies in contact with the film, and a peeling member peels the film away from the solidified material. Intelligent solidification substrate assemblies are also described in which a force sensor determines when to expose the solidifiable material to solidification energy and/or whether to use a peeling member to separate the solidification substrate from a solidified objection section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for placing at least one material layer onto a relief mold for producing a composite material. Thereby, an elastically-reversibly deformable body with a surface relief that is designed to correspond to the relief mold is pressed against the material layer, as a result of which the surface of said body is deformed, and the material layer can be picked up. As a result of its elastically-reversible characteristics the body subsequently deforms back to its initial state so that the material layer can easily be placed onto the relief mold.