This invention relates to methods for forming a polymer, including continuously depositing a polymer extrudate that is above its glass transition temperature onto a lower molding surface of a first mold in a manner that reduces shear stress in the polymer extrudate, heating the lower molding surface to maintain the polymer extrudate above the glass transition temperature, applying an upper molding surface of a second mold to at least the exposed upper surface of the polymer, allowing the polymer to transition to below the glass transition temperature while within or between the upper and lower molding surfaces, and providing heat sinks spaced relative to each other through the pressure forming zone, wherein a heat sink more advanced through the pressure forming zone is controlled to a lower temperature to progressively reduce the temperature of the polymer as it advances through the pressure forming zone.

A device for structuring the surface of a metal pressed sheet or of an endless strip, comprising a support device adapted to support the metal pressed sheet or endless strip during structuring, and a spray head and a slideway adapted to permit movement of the spray head into a desired position within a plane defined by an X and a Y coordinate. The spray head is further adapted to move in a Z direction with reference to a work surface which is spanned by the X and Y direction, and the spray head is guided by means of a digitalized template that is identical to the printed image of an impregnated paper used in a further pressing process. Independent drive elements are connected to a control unit and configured to move the spray head into the desired position.

A spacing device for a system for laminating a laminate, in particular photovoltaic modules. The system includes a membrane holder adapted to apply a membrane to the laminate under pressure for lamination. The spacing device includes a circulating belt and a plurality of spacing members connected to the band and configured to at least partially form a frame for the laminate in at least a portion of the circulating belt and thereby suppress edge compression of the laminate during lamination.

A spacing device for a system for laminating a laminate, in particular photovoltaic modules. The system includes a membrane holder adapted to apply a membrane to the laminate under pressure for lamination. The spacing device includes a circulating belt and a plurality of spacing members connected to the band and configured to at least partially form a frame for the laminate in at least a portion of the circulating belt and thereby suppress edge compression of the laminate during lamination.