Abstract: A method for impregnating a fibrous preform by injection or infusion, the method including the steps of providing a mold having at least two portions, said mold presenting an inlet orifice and a vent orifice placed on opposite sides of the mold; placing a fibrous preform in a portion of the mold; placing a seal in a passage formed between an inside wall of the mold and the fibrous preform, said passage extending substantially along the direction extending between the opposite sides of the mold; closing the mold so that the two portions of the mold co-operate with the seal in such a manner as to shut off said passage; and impregnating the fibrous preform with an impregnation material.

Abstract: A method for producing a metallic green compact 61 relates to a method for producing the green compact 61 having at least one recess 62, including a step of subjecting a raw material powder filled in a resin mold 1 to cold isostatic pressing while placing a resin core material 11 having a shape corresponding to the recess 62 at a position corresponding to the recess 62 in the resin mold 1.

Abstract: A method of forming a net shape preform for a high performance ballistic helmet includes preparing one or more full prepreg plies, preparing one or more filler prepreg plies, wherein a shape and orientation of one filler prepreg ply of the one or more filler prepreg plies is different from a shape and orientation of another filler prepreg ply of the one or more filler prepreg plies, layering the one or more full prepreg plies with one or more filler prepreg plies to form a ply stack and deforming a portion of the ply stack while constraining the ply stack by applying in-plane tensional force to the ply stack to form the net-shape preform.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a composite structure includes a mandrel that includes a tooling surface and vacuum bagging that includes an elastomeric membrane and a bagging surface. The apparatus also includes a surface interface formed between the mandrel and the elastomeric membrane. The surface interface includes a suction channel formed in at least one of the tooling surface of the mandrel and the bagging surface of the elastomeric membrane. The elastomeric membrane is configured to be sealed to the mandrel along the suction channel in response to a vacuum applied to the suction channel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shroud segment for gas turbine engine includes providing an insert having a plurality of pins that extend into a platform cavity portion of a mold cavity. A powder injection molding feedstock is injected. When the green part is disengaged from the mold, each elongated feature is slid out of the green part to define a respective elongated cooling passage in the platform. The method may include, after debinding and sintering, projecting a coating material while defining an obstruction between source of coating material and the open end of each elongated feature with a shoulder of the element to prevent the coating material from reaching the open end, followed by machining to remove at least a part of the shoulder.

Abstract: A pressing arrangement is disclosed, including a pressure vessel, a pressure medium supplying device configured to output a flow of pressure medium, and a pressure medium accumulator. In an embodiment, the pressure medium accumulator is positioned intermediate the pressure vessel and the pressure medium supplying device.

Abstract: A backup cooling device intended for a hot isostatic press, the press comprising a compression chamber, a tank containing a gas and a first gas flow circuit for the gas to flow between the gas tank and the compression chamber. The backup cooling device comprises a tank containing a coolant equipped with a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the gas and the coolant, a coolant flow circuit forming a closed loop including the tank and a cooling circuit arranged around the compression chamber, a second gas flow circuit for the gas, extending from a connecting valve connecting it to the first gas flow circuit, and including the first heat exchanger, a control module (CMD) suitable for controlling the connecting valve so as to open it in the event of a malfunction of the hot isostatic press, and otherwise to close it.

Abstract: There is provided an arrangement and method for handling a load for isostatic pressure treatment in a high-pressure arrangement. The arrangement comprises a transportation unit arranged in a first space, wherein the transportation unit is configured for horizontal transportation of a pressure vessel comprising the load into the high-pressure arrangement before pressure treatment of the load, and out of the high-pressure arrangement after pressure treatment of the load, respectively. The arrangement further comprises an elevator unit vertically operable between the first space and a second space provided below the first space, wherein the elevator unit is configured to lift the load from the second space into the pressure vessel before pressure treatment of the load, and to lower the load from the pressure vessel to the second space after pressure treatment of the load, respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) device that improves the heat uniformity of a hot zone during a pressurization process of an object being processed. This HIP device (100) is provided with: an outer casing (4) having an open outer opening part (4H); an inner casing (5) having an open inn opening part (5H); a heat-insulating body (R) disposed between the outer casing (4) and the inner casing (5); a gas flow generation part (30); and a plurality of first gas conduits (12), A hot zone (P) in which a pressurization process is performed is formed inside the inner casing (5).

Abstract: There is disclosed a nuclearized hot-isostatic press (HIP) system comprising, a high temperature HIP furnace and a multi-wall vessel surrounding the furnace, such as a dual walled vessel comprising concentric vessels. The described multi-walled vessel comprises at least one detector contained between the walls to detect a gas leak, a crack in a vessel wall, or both. The disclosed HIP system also comprises multiple heads located on top and underneath the furnace, a yoke frame, and a lift for loading and unloading a HIP can to the high temperature HIP furnace. There is also disclosed a method of using such a system to provide ease of maintenance, operation, decontamination and decommissioning.

Abstract: According to a method for the surface compaction and calibration of a sintered component, the sintered component runs along an axis through a plurality of die sections of a die, the inner diameter of which decreases in pressing direction and wherein the individual die sections are arranged such that a following die section of the plurality of die sections directly adjoins the corresponding die section which precedes it in pressing direction, and after the surface compaction at the last die section with decreasing inner diameter there is a relaxation of the sintered component in a relief section directly adjoining the last die section, which relief section has a greater diameter than the immediately preceding last die section of the die section with a decreasing inner diameter. The sintered component is calibrated in the relief section, whereby the inner contour of the relief section corresponds with the intended contour with the nominal dimensions of the sintered component.

Abstract: A 3-D (three dimensional) printing system is provided that includes a customized matrix having suitable material properties and geometric patterning to facilitate filling and retention of one or more filler material. The customized matrix defines the geometry and shape of the object. A filler mechanism that fills the customized matrix with one or more filler materials. The one or more filler materials retained within the customized matrix are cured or solidified to produce the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for treating an object manufactured from a material having a defined melting temperature, by subjecting the object to hot isostatic pressing to reduce porosity and increase a density thereof. The method comprises arranging the object in a pressure chamber interior cavity, submerged in a liquid partially filling the cavity, heating the liquid to a below melting temperature, pressurizing the liquid by pressurizing gas above a liquid surface in the cavity, then moving the object out of the liquid, but still within the cavity, subsequently heating the liquid to an above melting temperature, and resubmerging the object in the liquid. Subsequently, the object is withdrawn from the liquid and moved above the liquid. The apparatus comprises the pressure chamber, a movable object support in the cavity, a liquid heater, and a gas inlet and outlet selectively introducing gas into and venting gas from the cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a canister 12 from a component 18 by forming an opening 30 in the canister wall thickness 14, 16 and introducing a pressurised fluid into the opening 14, 16 causing hydrostatic pressure build up between an internal canister surface 14 and the component 18, leading to the removal of the canister 12. This method and apparatus obviates the need to expend significant machining or chemical processing to remove the canister 12.

Abstract: Provided is a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) device (1) that can efficiently cool a hot zone during HIP processing while restraining temperatures in the lower part of a high-pressure container. This HIP device (1) is provided with the following: gas-impermeable casings (3, 4) that surround an object to be processed (W); a heating unit (7) that is disposed inside these casings and forms a hot zone around the object to be processed (W); a high-pressure container (2); and a cooling unit that guides a pressure-medium gas cooled on the outside of the casings into the hot zone to cool the hot zone. The cooling unit comprises the following: a gas introduction unit that introduces the pressure-medium gas that has been cooled on the outside of the casings (3, 4) into the hot zone; and a cooling promotion unit (37) that cools the pressure medium gas by causing the pressure-medium gas that has been cooled on the outside of the casings to exchange heat with a base (11) of the high-pressure container (2).

Abstract: Provided is a hot isostatic pressing device (HIP) (1) that enables prompt cooling in a processing chamber. The HIP device (1) is provided with the following: gas impermeable casings (3, 4); a heating unit (7); a high-pressure container (2); a heat accumulator (43) provided below a processing chamber; and a cooling promotion flow path (44). The casings (3, 4) are disposed so as to form the following: a first circulation flow (41) in which a pressure medium gas passes through an inner flow path (22) and an outer flow path (12) and then returns to the inner flow path (22); and a second circulation flow (42) in which the pressure medium gas which has branched off from the first circulation flow (41) performs heat exchange with an object-of-processing (W) in the processing chamber and then is fed back to the first circulation flow (41).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a sputtering target are provided that includes a copper indium gallium sputtering target material on a backing structure. The sputtering target is formed by compressing pre-alloyed and atomized powders of Cu, In, and Ga at pressures below 35,000 psi. In some embodiments the sputtering target material contains Na, S, or Se. In other embodiments the sputtering target is formed by isothermal compression.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a repair laminate for a composite part having an exposed surface includes applying a bonding material to the exposed surface and forming an uncured ply stack assembly on the bonding material. The uncured ply stack assembly is formed by forming and compacting a series of uncured ply stacks. The ply stack assembly and bonding material are then cured.

Abstract: A reusable vacuum bag for processing parts is made by encapsulating a generally rigid frame within a flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component having first and second layers, the first and/or second layers including one or more depressions provided on a surface of the respective layer. The method including: arranging the first and second layers so that they face one another and with the depressions on inner facing surfaces of the layers; diffusion bonding the first and second layers together about their edges; applying a first differential pressure across each of the first and second layers to evacuate an inner space defined by the layers, thereby forming one or more depressions on an outer facing surface of the first or second layer; and applying a second differential pressure across each of the first and second layers to expand the inner space defined by the layers.

Abstract: A label applicator that includes an applicator housing having a flow chamber and a suction side. The suction side has one or more openings that allow air to pass therethrough. The label applicator also includes first and second air flow generators that are fluidly coupled with the flow chamber. The first and second air flow generators are configured to generate first and second air flows, respectively, through the flow chamber. The label applicator also includes a valve mechanism that is positioned in the flow chamber to direct the first and second air flows through the flow chamber of the applicator housing. The valve mechanism includes a diverter valve and an electric actuator. The actuator is configured to move the diverter valve within the flow chamber to different positions during a label application operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for placing fiber-reinforced, pre-impregnated, planar semi-finished products on a placement tool for the manufacture of a non-crimp fabric, wherein a placement film is clamped on the placement tool for purposes of holding the non-crimp fabric, and by means of evacuation and/or the application of pressure is fixed in position on the placement tool and/or can be released from the latter. Also disclosed is a placement tool for the execution of such a method.

Abstract: A bow wave in a composite laminate generated during part consolidation is reduced by transmitting atmospheric pressure loads to a region of the part having low compaction pressure due to bridging of a vacuum bag at an edge of the part.

Abstract: A resin laminate manufacturing method includes providing a pair of split mold blocks one of which has a cavity provided with a plurality of protrusions extending toward the other mold block, preparing two molten thermoplastic resin sheets each having an adjusted thickness, feeding the two molten thermoplastic resin sheets between the pair of split mold blocks with a predetermined gap left therebetween, forming a hermetic space between one of the sheets and the cavity of the one mold block opposed to an outer surface of the one sheet, sucking air in the hermetic space from the side of the one mold block, pressing the outer surface of the one sheet against the cavity of the one mold block to shape the one sheet, forming cup-shaped portions, and clamping the pair of mold blocks.

Abstract: A vacuum device includes a main body and an adjustment assembly connected to the main body. The main body includes a frame, a loading member, and an elastic film. The loading member and the elastic film are arranged at opposite end surfaces of the frame. A chamber is cooperatively formed by the frame, the loading member, and the elastic film. The adjustment assembly adjusts the inner air pressure of the chamber. The loading member includes an absorption area connecting the chamber to outside the main body. The absorption area changes the air pressure inside the chamber. Also provided is a bonding apparatus using the vacuum device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semi-finished blank for a varifocal liquid crystal lens includes coating the front of a first substrate and/or the rear of a second substrate with an adhesive agent, leaving an adhesive agent-free region that surrounds a liquid crystal holder; after said coating operation, reducing the pressure inside a sealed vessel that holds the first substrate and the second substrate, with respect to atmospheric pressure; affixing the second substrate over the front of the first substrate in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation; performing a standby operation including continuing the affixed state between the first substrate and the second substrate for a specific length of time in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation after the substrates have been affixed; and after said standby operation, restoring the pressure of the sealed vessel.

Abstract: A high-pressure press is disclosed which includes a high-pressure vessel enclosing a high-pressure chamber and a high-pressure medium; a housing, separating a volume from the high-pressure press chamber, arranged for holding a fluid; a fan arranged in the high-pressure press chamber outside the housing for circulating the high pressure medium in the high-pressure press chamber; a motor, arranged in the housing and operatively connected to the fan for driving the fan; a cooling device for cooling a portion of the housing wall; and a pumping device arranged for circulating the fluid, the fluid providing a transfer of cold from the portion of the housing wall to the motor, the cooled circulation of the fluid being separated from the high-pressure press chamber by the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite articles such as laminate ballistic protection and structural reinforcements. The method involves placing a composite assembly in a sealable membrane system, e.g. a vacuum bag and placing the vacuum bag in a pressure vessel to apply heat and pressure to the composite assembly, thereby manufacturing a composite article. The apparatus comprises: a pressure vessel; a source of processing liquid to apply isostatic pressure to the vacuum bag; processing liquid heating, cooling, pressurising and circulating means; and a control system to control the heating, cooling and pressurising means. The sealable membrane system may preferably comprise: a sealable membrane to separate the composite article from the processing liquid and maintain the composite article below atmospheric pressure; and a membrane to cushion the composite article and resist adhesion of the article to other membranes. The processing liquid is preferably silicone oil.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gas assisted imprint system and the manufacturing method thereof. More specifically, instead of utilizing a rigid platform to, the gas assisted imprint system and the manufacturing method of the present invention utilizes a film to support the work-piece so as to evenly apply a force to the surface by the deformation caused by pressurized gas. More specifically, one of the main features of the present invention is that the present invention utilizes two films to cover the surfaces of a work-piece and applies a force evenly thereto by deforming the films by high pressure fluid. Accordingly, the present invention is capable of pressing the irregular surface of the work-piece evenly, solving the long lasted problem of the prior art.

Abstract: A press with a pressure chamber and a lid. The chamber is filled with a substantially incompressible medium and the medium at least partially encloses an elastomeric pressure vessel. The vessel is filled with a substantially incompressible fluid that is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of the fluid.

Abstract: A pressing tooling machine, including one or two punches, a die including sectors that can separate from each other but are connected to a shared primary portion, and a ring surrounding and holding the sectors, against which it is adjusted by tapered surfaces, and the altitude of which varies owing to the rotation of a crown provided with a surface in relief. When compression is finished, stripping is preceded by a slight separation of the sectors, which makes it possible to release stresses in the compressed piece and avoid many risks of damaging the piece. The sectors are made resistant by inserts made from a hard material, generally removable and able to be machined to an exact profile of the pieces to the formed.

Abstract: A system and method for rapid cooling a hot isostatic press including a pressure container. The pressure container has an internal load space and includes insulation disposed at least partially around the load space, heating elements disposed inside the insulation, and a load disposed on a load bearing plate. Fluid is directed into the load space of a pressure container using at least one nozzle to form a rotational flow. The fluid from the at least one nozzle is mixed as it passes through the rotational flow near the insulation with fluid near the load. The fluid from the at least one nozzle has a lower temperature than the fluid in the load space and/or the load.

Abstract: A method for a vacuum process of isostatic pressing of powder material comprises preparing an explosive charged rubber bag by charging a rubber bag with powder, forming a vacuum environment by putting the explosive charged rubber bag in a vacuum box, sealing an inlet of the explosive charged rubber bag which is in a vacuum state, and maintaining the vacuum state by putting the explosive charged rubber bag in a fluid contained in a reservoir by a predetermined depth in a state that the inlet of the explosive charged rubber bag has been sealed.

Abstract: A die for manufacturing ceramic products, comprising a first (1) half-die (1) and a second half-die (2) located opposite one another, the first half-die (1) comprising a support (6). Fixed to the support (6) there is a plate (7), which deforms and distributes a pressure exerted by said second half-die (2) on said ceramic product and exhibits a peripheral portion (7a) and a central portion (7b). A chamber (8) is afforded between the support (6) and the plate (7) for containing an operating fluid and enabling deformation of the plate (7). The peripheral portion (1a) exhibits an elastic deformability which is greater than an elastic deformability of the central portion (7b).

Abstract: A hot isotropic pressure device including: a casing disposed inside a high-pressure container; a heating unit provided inside the casing and forms a hot zone around the treatment material, in which an isotropic pressure treatment is performed on the treatment material using a pressure medium gas. A cooling unit is provided to cool the hot zone by guiding the pressure medium gas, cooled while guided from the upper side toward the lower side at the outside of the casing, into the hot zone. The cooling unit includes a gas introducing unit which guides the pressure medium gas cooled at the outside of the casing from the lower portion of the high-pressure container to the upper portion of the hot zone without any intersection with the pressure medium gas inside the hot zone and introduces the pressure medium gas into the hot zone.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a laminated board, comprising: preparing a first and a second prepregs 30a, 30b with a carrier by laminating the carrier with an insulating resin layer in which a fiber cloth is embedded, and laminating the first and the second prepregs 30a, 30b with a carrier by bonding the insulating resin layer in the first prepreg 31a with a carrier and the insulating resin layer in the second prepreg 31b with a carrier directly or via an additional member under reduced pressure and heating it.

Abstract: A substrate sealing apparatus includes a chamber, at least one lower compressing member, and at least one lower compressing member. The lower compressing member includes a lower compressing surface for emitting heat, is configured to be elevated up and lowered down in a vertical direction with respect to the compressing surface, and rotates about the vertical direction. The upper compressing member includes a lower compressing surface for emitting heat, and is configured to be elevated up and lowered down in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a flange on a component is provided. The apparatus comprises a mold disposed for placement of the component thereon, a forming element configured to hold the component on the mold to facilitate formation of the flange, and a pressure element configured to cooperate with the mold to define a space therebetween. The apparatus further comprises a bladder disposed in the space and configured to impart a forming force to a portion of the component to form the flange on the component when the bladder is inflated. A method for forming a flange on a component is also presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for treatment of articles by hot pressing and, in particular, by hot isostatic pressing. In particular, the present invention relates to a pressing arrangement for treatment of articles by hot pressing, and preferably hot isostatic pressing, capable of providing a controlled, rapid cooling rate. The pressing arrangement comprises a pressure vessel including a furnace chamber comprising a heat insulated casing and a furnace adapted to hold the articles. At least one cooling circuit is arranged on an outside of the pressure vessel, the cooling circuit comprising a coolant and being arranged to enable the coolant to flow along a central portion of an outer wall of the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is arranged with a non-uniform wall thickness, where the vessel wall is thickest at upper and lower end portions of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: The objective is to provide a high-pressure treatment apparatus with which the pressure or temperature in a treatment chamber can be efficiently adjusted in a short period of time without an overall significant increase in the size or complication of the apparatus. The high-pressure treatment apparatus has a pressure-resistant container having pressure-resistant walls surrounding a treatment chamber, a lid member that closes an open end of the pressure-resistant container, a supply means that supplies a process fluid into the treatment chamber, a partition wall that is thinner than the pressure-resistant wall and is provided along the inside surface of said pressure-resistant container to form a partitioned chamber with said inside surface, and a heat transfer control means.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for consolidating and curing a composite part places and registers a composite laminate layer of thermoset polymer matrix and reinforcing fibers onto the temperature-controlled curing surface of a heated curing mold and provides a base mold with base surface covered by a rubber mask having a mask surface. Three-dimensional surfaces of the curing, base and mask surfaces complement each other so with the curing and base molds adjacent, a pressure space is formed between the base and curing surfaces that contains the compressed rubber mask, a bleeder layer for removing excess air and polymer matrix, and the composite laminate, the pressure space having a perimeter.

Abstract: A method of cooling a load provided in a load compartment in a furnace chamber of a furnace of a hot isostatic pressing device includes releasing hot pressure medium from the load compartment. Cool pressure medium is provided for enabling it to fall through the released hot pressure medium outside the load compartment. The thus obtained mixed pressure medium is led into the load compartment. A hot isostatic pressing device includes a load compartment having an aperture near an upper portion thereof configured to vent warm pressure medium into a region surrounding the compartment and a conduit configured to introduce cool pressure medium into the region surrounding the compartment for mixing with the warm medium. The compartment also includes an aperture near a lower portion thereof configured to receive a mix of warm and cool pressure medium from the region surrounding the compartment.

Abstract: A method and part forming apparatus configured for forming an aircraft stringer. The part forming apparatus may comprise a forming tool, a rigid plate, and a hollow bladder. The forming tool may comprise a material trough, a bladder extension trough laterally aligned with and open to the material trough, and a recessed pocket extending from either side of the bladder extension trough and adjacent to the material trough. The method comprises placing composite material into the material trough, placing the bladder onto the composite material and through the bladder extension trough, placing the rigid plate into the recessed pocket and over the bladder, and then placing skin laminate over the bladder and the composite material. Once each of these components is in place, the forming tool may be vacuum bagged and the composite material and skin laminate may be co-cured to form the stringer.

Abstract: A breather for vacuum bag processing of a part comprises a sleeve of resilient material placed around the part.

Abstract: An industrial-scale high throughput wafer bonding apparatus includes a wafer bonder chamber extending along a main axis and comprising a plurality of chamber zones, a plurality of heater/isolator plates, a guide rod system extending along the main axis, a pair of parallel track rods extending along the main axis, and first pressure means. The chamber zones are separated from each other and thermally isolated from each other by the heater/isolator plates. The heater/isolator plates are oriented perpendicular to the main axis, are movably supported and guided by the guide rod system and are configured to move along the direction of the main axis. Each of the chamber zones is dimensioned to accommodate an aligned wafer pair and the wafer pairs are configured to be supported by the parallel track rods. The first pressure means is configured to apply a first force perpendicular to a first end heater/isolator plate.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes a molding die for producing a sintered body. The molding die is configured for cold isostatic pressing and includes a knockdown mold frame comprised of plural frame members and a bottom plate provided in contact with the knockdown mold frame. An upper punch is provided to be movable along the inner surface of the knockdown mold frame. The frame members configured to be movable relative to each other to accommodate an expansion of a green body which takes place at the time of reducing the pressure after the completion of pressing.

Abstract: A hot isotropic pressure device including: a casing disposed inside a high-pressure container; a heating unit provided inside the casing and forms a hot zone around the treatment material, in which an isotropic pressure treatment is performed on the treatment material using a pressure medium gas. A cooling unit is provided to cool the hot zone by guiding the pressure medium gas, cooled while guided from the upper side toward the lower side at the outside of the casing, into the hot zone. The cooling unit includes a gas introducing unit which guides the pressure medium gas cooled at the outside of the casing from the lower portion of the high-pressure container to the upper portion of the hot zone without any intersection with the pressure medium gas inside the hot zone and introduces the pressure medium gas into the hot zone.

Abstract: An improved container and method for forming billets using hot isostatic pressing is provided. The method and container allows for adjusting the volume of the container so as to obtain a billet of the desired shape based on selected powder charge for the container. In addition, the corner of the container can be adjusted to allow for elimination of edge effects and further shape control in the resulting billet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing tool (13, 14) and method for use in forming polymer matrix composite products such as carbon fiber composite products. The tool comprising a first and a second portion defining a cavity (15) therebetween in which the product is built before curing. The rigidity of the second portion (13) of the tool is selected based on the required deflection of the second portion of the tool under the curing conditions, in order to maintain pressure on the laminate during the entire cure. The second upper portion (13) is shown haring varying thicknesses (16A, 16B and 16C) which results in different rigidity of these regions.

Abstract: A mold for imprinting a patterned region by imprint lithography is provided with a peripheral groove around the patterned region. The groove is connected, as by channels through the mold, to a switchable source for gas removal to prevent bubbles and for the application of pressurized gas to separate the mold and substrate. In use, the mold is disposed adjacent the moldable surface and gas is withdrawn from the patterned region through the groove as the mold is pressed toward and into the moldable surface. At or near the end of the imprinting, the process is switched from removal of gas to the application of pressurized gas. The pressurized gas passes through the groove and separates or facilitates separation of the mold and the moldable surface.