Multiple processes for preparing porous articles are described. The porous articles can be in a wide array of shapes and configurations. The methods include providing a soluble material in particulate form and forming a packed region from the material. The methods also include contacting a flowable polymeric material with the packed region such that the polymeric material is disposed in voids in the packed region. Also described are systems for performing the various processes.

Multiple processes for preparing porous articles are described. The porous articles can be in a wide array of shapes and configurations. The methods include providing a soluble material in particulate form and forming a packed region from the material. The methods also include contacting a flowable polymeric material with the packed region such that the polymeric material is disposed in voids in the packed region. Also described are systems for performing the various processes.

A resin molding apparatus includes: a resin supply mechanism configured to supply powder resin onto at least one object to be supplied; a mold die including: an upper die; and a lower die facing the upper die, the mold die being configured to receive the powder resin between the upper die and the lower die; and a mold clamp mechanism configured to clamp the mold die for compression molding. The resin supply mechanism includes: a rotor in a shape of a circular column with an outer surface having a plurality of depressions, the rotor being configured to rotate about an axis; a resin supply section configured to store the powder resin and having an opening for letting the powder resin drop freely onto the rotor; and a spatula-shaped member having a first end in contact with the outer surface of the rotor.