Particular embodiments of the invention include apparatus and methods for compensating for shrinkage of a polymeric material in a mold during curing operations. Embodiments of the method include providing a mold comprising a molding cavity defining an interior mold volume separated from an exterior environment and introducing a volume of polymeric material into the molding cavity. Such methods further include impeding the development of a void in the volume of polymeric material by, either: isolating the volume of polymeric material within the molding cavity from the exterior environment, or reducing the interior mold volume of the molding cavity to at least substantially consume a volume of polymeric material shrinkage. Such methods further include curing the polymeric material to form a molded polymeric form.

Methods produce a three-dimensional dental block of material from a dental, polymerizable material. The methods include at least: transferring the polymerizable dental material into a radiolucent three-dimensional casting or press mold; irradiating the polymerizable dental material substantially from all sides with light in the UV/Vis spectral region forming polymerized outer surfaces of the dental material in the form of a solid outer shell of the dental material, wherein the shell is present in the defined three-dimensional geometry of the material whilst the inner region of the material is not polymerized or partially polymerized; heating the material with solid shell being present in defined three-dimensional geometry, to 60° C. to 150° C. for at least 90 minutes; and obtaining a dental, polymerized block of material having defined three-dimensional geometry.

A soap melting assembly includes a chest that is comprised of a microwave safe material thereby facilitating the chest to be heated in a microwave oven. A lid is hingedly coupled to the chest for closing the chest and the lid is comprised of a microwave safe material. A drawer is slidably positioned in the lid and the drawer is comprised of a microwave safe material. A block is stored in the drawer and the block is comprised of glass. The block is removable from the drawer and positioned on the plurality of soap slivers when the chest becomes filled with the soap slivers. Thus, the block compresses the soap slivers into a single bar when the chest and the soap slivers are heated in the microwave oven.

Particular embodiments of the invention include apparatus and methods for compensating for shrinkage of a polymeric material in a mold during curing operations. Embodiments of the method include providing a mold comprising a molding cavity defining an interior mold volume separated from an exterior environment and introducing a volume of polymeric material into the molding cavity. Such methods further include impeding the development of a void in the volume of polymeric material by, either: isolating the volume of polymeric material within the molding cavity from the exterior environment, or reducing the interior mold volume of the molding cavity to at least substantially consume a volume of polymeric material shrinkage. Such methods further include curing the polymeric material to form a molded polymeric form.

Methods produce a three-dimensional dental block of material from a dental, polymerizable material. The methods include at least: transferring the polymerizable dental material into a radiolucent three-dimensional casting or press mold; irradiating the polymerizable dental material substantially from all sides with light in the UV/Ms spectral region forming polymerized outer surfaces of the dental material in the form of a solid outer shell of the dental material, wherein the shell is present in the defined three-dimensional geometry of the material whilst the inner region of the material is not polymerized or partially polymerized; heating the material with solid shell being present in defined three-dimensional geometry, to 60 C. to 150 C. for at least 90 minutes; and obtaining a dental, polymerized block of material having defined three-dimensional geometry.

A soap melting assembly includes a chest that is comprised of a microwave safe material thereby facilitating the chest to be heated in a microwave oven. A lid is hingedly coupled to the chest for closing the chest and the lid is comprised of a microwave safe material. A drawer is slidably positioned in the lid and the drawer is comprised of a microwave safe material. A block is stored in the drawer and the block is comprised of glass. The block is removable from the drawer and positioned on the plurality of soap slivers when the chest becomes filled with the soap slivers. Thus, the block compresses the soap slivers into a single bar when the chest and the soap slivers are heated in the microwave oven.

A method for manufacturing a microneedle element, including the following steps: providing a mold element for the microneedle elements to be manufactured, filling the mold element with a first formulation, curing the first formulation, and pressurizing the first formulation during curing. Furthermore, a microneedle element and a device for manufacturing a microneedle element.

Certain configurations of systems and methods to print a decorative design on a surface of a lightweight reinforced thermoplastic article are described. In certain instances, the lightweight reinforced thermoplastic article can include a printable surface designed to receive ink or other colorants.