TW201843053A - Tools having one or more plates for use in forming laminates using presses and related methods - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure includes tools for use in forming laminates using presses and related methods. Some methods include disposing one or more stacks of one or more laminae between top and bottom plates of a tool and on a resilient layer that is disposed on the bottom plate such that, for each of the stack(s), each of the plates underlies or overlies all of the stack and the resilient layer underlies all of the stack, consolidating the stack(s) to produce one or more laminates at least by pressing the plates between pressing surfaces of a press, and removing the laminate(s) from between the plates at least by removing the top plate from the laminate(s) without removing the laminate(s) from the resilient layer or the resilient layer from the bottom plate and removing the resilient layer from the bottom plate without removing the laminate(s) from the resilient layer.

Description

Tool and related method having one or more plates formed by pressing to form a laminate

The present invention relates generally to composite laminates and, more particularly, to a tool having one or more panels formed using compression to form a laminate; such tools may be particularly useful for forming thin laminates ( For example, having a thickness of less than 2 millimeters (mm); and in addition, the present invention relates to systems and methods for forming a laminate using a plurality of sets of pressing elements.

Composite laminates can be used to form structures having advantageous structural properties, such as high stiffness and strength, and relatively low weight, as compared to structures formed from conventional materials. As a result, composite laminates are used in a wide variety of applications across a wide range of industries, including the automotive, aerospace and consumer electronics industries. To produce such a laminate, the stack can be combined by compressing one of the stacks of laminations between the heated press elements. Producing a laminate in this manner is not without challenges. For example, when pressing stacking, uneven pressing of the pressing elements, uneven distribution of materials (eg, fibers and matrix materials) within the laminate, and/or the like can result in pressure between the stacking and pressing elements. An uneven distribution, which may be exacerbated when the stacking system is thin. This uneven distribution of pressure can result in uneven distribution of materials (e.g., fiber and matrix materials) in the resulting laminate, unpredictable structural characteristics, a non-uniform surface finish, and/or the like.

Some embodiments of the tool of the present invention are configured to encourage uniform application of pressure between a press element of a press and a stack of one or more laminations by, for example, including one or more plates. The stacking is carried out to and from the press and/or the like, and the plates can be placed between one of the stacking and the pressing elements. Some tools include an elastic layer that can be disposed between one of the stack and one of the plates; the elastic layer can be self-stacked in addition to the other functionality (if present) of the plate(s) in addition to enhancing the aforementioned functionality In addition to resisting the separation of the stack from the panel, the stack and/or the like are allowed to be transported via the transport elastic layer (without any of the panels). A composite laminate can be produced by preheating one of the one or more lamination stacks, combining the stacks, and cooling the stack. For each of these steps, the stacking temperatures required to achieve the desired result may vary. Some of the methods of the present invention, at least by performing at least two of a preheating step, a combining step, and a cooling step, using at least a respective group of pressing elements, reduce the need to change the temperature of at least one of the group of pressing elements, thereby reducing lamination The energy and time involved in the object. Similarly, the time required to perform these steps may vary. To illustrate, the preheating step may take approximately 40 seconds for effective preheating, while the combining and cooling steps may take approximately 10 seconds for efficient combining and cooling. Some of the methods of the present invention can provide increased throughput by at least one of a plurality of sets of pressing elements for at least one of a preheating step, a combining step, and a cooling step (e.g., for the step requiring the longest amount of time). The term "coupled" is defined as a connection, but not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically connected; the two items of "coupling" may be integral with each other. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless the invention specifically requires otherwise. The term "substantially" is defined as largely but not necessarily completely specifying the content (and including the specified content; for example, substantially 90 degrees including 90 degrees and substantially parallel including parallel), as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art . In any of the disclosed embodiments, the terms "substantially" and "approximate" may be replaced by "within [a percentage] of the specified content", wherein the percentages include 0.1%, 1%, 5%, and 10%. The phrase "and/or" means and or or. For purposes of illustration, A, B, and/or C include: A alone; B alone; C alone; one combination of A and B; one combination of A and C; one combination of B and C; or A, B, and C A combination. In other words, the "and/or" operation is an Covered OR. Moreover, a device or system configured in a particular manner is configured in at least that manner, but it can be configured in other ways than those explicitly described. The term "including" (and any form of inclusion, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "having" (and any form of possession such as "has" and "having" And the inclusion of any form, such as "contains" and "including" (including "includes" and "including" and "including" Containing)") is an open-linked verb. Thus, a device comprising one or more of the "including", "having", "comprising" or "comprising" means having one or more of the elements, but is not limited to having only one or more of the elements. Similarly, one of the one or more steps of "including", "having", "comprising" or "including" means having one or more steps, but is not limited to having only one or more of the steps. Any embodiment of any of the devices, systems, and methods may be comprised of or consist essentially of any of the described steps, elements, and/or features, and does not include/have/contain/contain the described steps, elements. And/or any of the features. Therefore, in any of the technical solutions, the term "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" may be substituted for any of the open-ended verbs described above in order to change the original use of a given technical solution. The category of connected verbs. One or a few features of one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, even if not described or illustrated, unless explicitly prohibited by the nature of the invention or embodiments. Some details associated with the embodiments are described above and other details are described below.

Cross-reference to related applications The present application claims US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/473,185, filed on March 17, 2017, and US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/473,302, filed on March 17, 2017, filed on March 17, 2017 The right of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/624,077, filed on Jan. 30, s. The entire content of each of the above-cited disclosures is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety herein 1 depicts a first embodiment 10a of one of the inventive tools for pressing, for example, heating, cooling, and/or merging one of a stack of one or more laminations. The tool of the present invention (e.g., 10a) can include one or more plates (e.g., 14a and 14b) that are configured to be disposed in one or more of a group of pressing elements (e.g., 18a and 18b) One of the laminations is stacked (eg, 22) such that the plate defines one interface between the pressing element and the stack when the stack is pressed by the pressing element. As will be described below, the (several) plates may facilitate heating, merging and/or cooling of the stack and/or transport of the stack (eg, to and from the pressing elements). The pressing elements (eg, 18a and 18b) can each comprise any suitable pressing element, such as, for example, a platen, plate, compact, and/or the like, and can generally be characterized as having a defined plane, a concave surface, and/or One of the convex surfaces compresses one of the bodies (e.g., 30) of the surface (e.g., 30) that is configured to contact the article as it is pressed by the pressing member. At least one of the pressing elements can be configured to include, by way of example, one or more electrical heating elements (eg, 34), one or more internal passages (eg, 38) (heating and/or cooling fluid ( For example, water, steam, a hot fluid, and/or the like may have a variable temperature through the internal passages and/or the like. As shown in Figure 1, the pressing elements (e.g., 18a and 18b) can be part of a press 50. To illustrate, the press 50 can include one or more actuators 54 each coupled to at least one of the pressing elements, wherein the actuator(s) are configured to move the pressing elements relative to one another Pressing one of the objects between the pressing elements. The actuator(s) 54 can comprise any suitable actuator such as, for example, a hydraulic, electrical and/or pneumatic actuator. Referring now to Figures 2A-2C, one of the panels 14a of the tool 10a is shown. The plate 14a can include one or more layers that use a set of pressing elements (eg, 18a and 18b) to assist in heating, cooling, and/or stacking one (or 22) of one or more laminations. merge. The (etc.) layer may comprise, for example, a heat conductive layer(s) that facilitate transfer of heat between the press element and the stack, and/or encourage uniform application of pressure to the stack by the press element. Elastic layer. A plate (eg, 14a) may or may not be rigid depending on its layer(s). For example, the plate 14a can include a metal layer 66. Metal layer 66 can have: an upper surface 70, or one surface of one of a stack (eg, 22) of one or more laminations when stacked on a plate 14a; and a lower surface 74 that is opposite the upper surface . Metal layer 66 can have any suitable thickness 78, such as, for example, a thickness that is less than or substantially equal to any one of or below, or between any two of the following: 0. 25 mm, 0. 30 mm, 0. 35 mm, 0. 40 mm, 0. 45 mm, 0. 50 mm, 0. 55 mm, 0. 60 mm, 0. 65 mm, 0. 70 mm, 0. 75 mm, 0. 80 mm, 0. 85 mm, 0. 90 mm, 0. 95 mm, 1. 00 mm, 1. 10 mm, 1. 20 mm, 1. 30 mm, 1. 40 mm, 1. 50 mm, 1. 60 mm, 1. 70 mm, 1. 80 mm, 1. 90 mm, 2. 00 mm, 2. 50 mm or 3. 00 mm (for example, approximately 0. 50 mm, less than approximately 2. 00 mm and / or similar). Metal layer 66 can comprise any suitable metal, and such a metal can be thermally conductive. For example, in the plate 14a, the metal layer 66 can comprise stainless steel. In other panels, a metal layer (eg, 66) may include this and/or any other suitable metal such as, for example, copper, aluminum, brass, steel, bronze, alloys thereof, and/or the like. By. The inclusion of a metal layer (e.g., 66) of a thermally conductive metal increases the ability of a plate to transfer heat between one of the stacks (e.g., 22) of one or more laminations and a pressing element (e.g., 18a or 18b). And this functionality can be enhanced by a metal layer having a relatively small thickness (eg, 78). A metal layer (e.g., 66) may increase the rigidity of a plate (e.g., 14a), which may facilitate transport of the plates (e.g., to and from the pressing members 18a and 18b) for placement on one or more of the plates. One of the sheets (e.g., 22) provides support to provide support for the (several) elastic layer (e.g., 90, described below) of the panel or the elastic layer(s) disposed on the panel, and/or the like. The plate 14a can include an elastic layer 90 coupled to one of the metal layers 66. As used herein, a first layer (eg, 90) can be coupled to a second layer (eg, 66) by: bonding the first layer (eg, via adhesion, soldering, heat, and pressure) And/or the like) to the second layer or to another layer coupled to the second layer; through (several) fasteners (eg, (several) screws, (several) bolts, (several) rivets, (several) pins And/or the like) placing the first layer in contact with the second layer or with another layer coupled to the second layer; and/or the like. For example, in a stack of layers (eg, 66 and/or 90), each of the layers can be coupled to each other of the layers whether or not they can be removed from the stack. For the sake of clarity, the elastic layer of the present invention may be characterized as components that are or are coupled to the board or that are characterized as tools comprising the boards. Moreover, any feature described herein as one of the elastic layers of a panel may also be one of the elastic layers of a tool. More specifically, the elastic layer 90 can be coupled to the metal layer 66 such that the elastic layer covers at least a portion (eg, at least a majority) of the upper surface 70 of the metal layer. For example, substantially all of the elastic layer 90 can overlie the upper surface 70, and the elastic layer can have a surface area 94 that is at least 50% (e.g., 100%) of the surface area 98 of one of the upper surfaces. As used herein, a layer (eg, 90) may be referred to as covering a portion of a surface (eg, 70) even though there are (several) additional layers between the layer and portions of the surface. In some panels, each of the layers (eg, 66 and/or 90) may have a length (eg, 102) and/or substantially the same as one of the lengths (eg, 102) of at least one of the other layers of the layer. A width (eg, 106) that is the same as the width (eg, 106) of at least one of the other of the layers. The elastic layer 90 can have any suitable thickness 110 (Fig. 2C), such as, for example, a thickness greater than or substantially equal to any of the following or any of the following: 0. 05 mm, 0. 10 mm, 0. 15 mm, 0. 20 mm, 0. 25 mm, 0. 30 mm, 0. 35 mm, 0. 40 mm, 0. 45 mm, 0. 50 mm, 0. 55 mm, 0. 60 mm, 0. 65 mm, 0. 70 mm, 0. 75 mm, 0. 80 mm, 0. 85 mm, 0. 90 mm, 1. 00 mm, 1. 10 mm, 1. 20 mm, 1. 30 mm, 1. 40 mm, 1. 50 mm, 1. 60 mm, 1. 70 mm, 1. 80 mm, 1. 90 mm, 2. 00 mm, 2. 50 mm or 3. 00 mm (for example, approximately 0. 13 mm, 0. 15 mm, 0. 25 mm or 0. 50 mm). In the panel 14a, the elastic layer 90 comprises polytetrafluoroethylene; in other panels, the (several) elastic layer (e.g., 90) may include this and/or any other suitable elastic material such as, for example, tantalum, poly An imine, an elastomer, a gasket material, and/or the like. In some plates (eg, 14a), (several) elastic layers (eg, 90), or one or more stacks (eg, 22) of one or more laminations are contacted (several) when placed on a board The at least one outermost elastic layer of the elastic layer may comprise a material selected to prevent the (several) elastic layers from being bonded to the stack and in some instances preventing the elastic layer(s) from joining each other. For example, the (several) elastic layer can comprise a material having a glass transition temperature that is higher than one of the glass transition temperatures of one of the stacked matrix materials (eg, 146, described below). An elastic layer (e.g., 90) can increase a plate (e.g., 14a) by, for example, deforming to compensate for irregularities and/or unevenness on the pressing surface (e.g., 30) of the pressing member. The variation in thickness of the stack and/or the like encourages the ability of the pressing element (eg, 18a and 18b) to uniformly apply one of the pressures between one of the stacks (eg, 22) of one or more laminations. The elastic layer(s) (e.g., 90) of the panels (e.g., 14a) of the present invention may comprise fibers. By way of example, and with additional reference to Figure 3, the elastic layer 90 comprises fibers 118 dispersed within the elastomeric material of the layer. The fibers 118 of the elastic layer 90 can be configured in a woven configuration; for example, the elastic layer can include one of the first fiber groups 122a aligned with a first direction 126a and disposed at an angle relative to the first direction (eg, One of the second groups of fibers 122b is aligned with one of the second directions 126b at an angle of approximately one of 90 degrees, wherein the first set of fibers is formed from the second fibrous structure. As used herein, "aligned with" means within 10 degrees of the parallel state. In the panel 14a, the fibers 118 of the elastic layer 90 comprise glass fibers; in other panels, the fibers of an elastic layer (eg, 90) (eg, 118) may include such and/or any other suitable fibers, such as (for example In terms of carbon fiber, polyarylene fiber, polyethylene fiber, polyester fiber, polyamide fiber, ceramic fiber, basalt fiber, steel fiber and/or the like. In some panels, an elastic layer (eg, 90) of fibers (eg, 118) can be configured in a nonwoven configuration; for example, the fibers can be configured such that substantially all of the fibers are aligned in a single direction, The fibers can include discontinuous fibers or staple fibers, and/or the like. By way of further example, the panels of the present invention can comprise having a fabric and/or mat (eg, a woven fabric and/or mat, a chopped strand fabric and/or mat and/or the like). The elastic layer(s) of the fibers (e.g., of any of the types described above), whether or not they are dispersed within an elastomeric material, are as described above with respect to FIG. The fabric and/or mat may comprise, for example, a fiberglass mat, a layer of asbestos or the like. The plate 14a is provided by way of example, as the inventive plate may comprise any suitable number of metal layers (eg, 66) (eg, 0, 1, 2, 3 or more metal layers) and an elastic layer (eg, 90) (eg, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more elastic layers), and this (etc.) layer may be stacked in any suitable order. In a plate having two or more metal layers (eg, 66) and/or two or more elastic layers (eg, 90), the metal layers may, but need not, comprise the same material and/or have the same thickness ( For example, 78), and the elastic layer can, but need not, comprise the same material and/or have the same thickness (eg, 110). A plate having two or more layers (eg, 66 and/or 90) may have a thickness of one of the transmission layers (eg, 130, FIG. 2C), which is greater than or substantially equal to any of the following , or between any two of the following: 0. 40 mm, 0. 45 mm, 0. 50 mm, 0. 55 mm, 0. 60 mm, 0. 65 mm, 0. 70 mm, 0. 75 mm, 0. 80 mm, 0. 85 mm, 0. 90 mm, 1. 00 mm, 1. 10 mm, 1. 20 mm, 1. 30 mm, 1. 40 mm, 1. 50 mm, 1. 60 mm, 1. 70 mm, 1. 80 mm, 1. 90 mm, 2. 00 mm, 2. 10 mm, 2. 20 mm, 2. 30 mm, 2. 40 mm, 2. 50 mm, 3. 00 mm, 3. 50 mm, 4. 00 mm, 4. 50 mm, 5. 00 mm, 5. 50 mm, 6. 00 mm, 7. 00 mm, 8. 00 mm, 9. 00 mm or 10. 00 mm (for example, less than approximately 6. 00 mm). In general, a thinner plate may be more effective than a thicker plate when transferring heat between a press element (e.g., 18a or 18b) and one of the stacks (e.g., 22) of one or more laminations. Referring now to Figure 4A, a panel 14c having two elastic layers 90 is shown, each elastic layer being coupled to a metal layer 66 such that the elastic layer covers at least a portion (e.g., at least a majority) of the upper surface 70 of one of the metal layers. In the plate 14c, the metal layer 66 may comprise stainless steel and may have an approx. One of 50 mm thickness 78. Each of the elastic layers 90 may comprise fiber reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene and may have an approx. One of 25 mm thickness is 110. Referring now to Figure 4B, a panel 14d having three elastic layers 90 is shown, each elastic layer being coupled to a metal layer 66 such that the elastic layer covers at least a portion (e.g., at least a majority) of the upper surface 70 of one of the metal layers. In the plate 14d, the metal layer 66 may comprise stainless steel and may have an approx. One of 50 mm thickness 78. Each of the elastic layers 90 may comprise fiber reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene, and the elastic layer closest to the metal layer 66 may have approximately 0. One of 50 mm has a thickness of 110, and the other elastic layers may each have an approximate value of zero. One of 25 mm thickness is 110. In some of the plates, the (several) elastic layer (eg, 90) can be coupled to a metal layer (eg, 66) such that at least one of the (several) elastic layers covers at least one of the lower surfaces (eg, 74) of the metal layer Part (for example, at least a large part). For example, Figure 4C depicts a plate 14e comprising two elastic layers 90, each elastic layer coupled to a metal layer 66 such that the elastic layer covers at least a portion (e.g., at least a majority) of one of the lower surfaces 74 of the metal layer. In the plate 14e, the metal layer 66 may comprise stainless steel and may have an approx. One of 50 mm thickness 78. Each of the elastic layers 90 may comprise fiber reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene, and the elastic layer closest to the metal layer 66 may have approximately 0. One thickness of 25 mm is 110, and other elastic layers may have approximately 0. One of 50 mm thickness is 110. In the plate 14e, the upper surface 70 of the metal layer 66 defines at least a portion of one of the uppermost surfaces of the plate such that, for example, one of the one or more laminations is stacked (eg, 22) upon placement on the plate The surface contacts the stack. In this manner, one of the surface finishes of the upper surface 70 can be selected to achieve a desired surface finish of one of the laminates formed by the pressed stack; for example, the upper surface can be smoothed to achieve smoothing of one of the laminates (eg, Smooth) surface finish. Although a metal layer (e.g., 66) may be more suitable for performing this function than, for example, an elastic layer (e.g., 90) due to its higher rigidity, for example, it has at least one of the uppermost surfaces forming one of the plates. In a portion of one of the layers of the elastic layer (e.g., 90), this function can be performed by selecting a surface finish of one of the upper surfaces of the elastic layer. Referring now to Figure 4D, a panel 14f comprising three elastic layers 90 is shown, each elastic layer being coupled to a metal layer 66 such that the elastic layer covers at least a portion (e.g., at least a majority) of one of the lower surfaces 74 of the metal layer. In the plate 14f, the metal layer 66 may comprise stainless steel and may have an approx. One of 50 mm thickness 78. Each of the elastic layers 90 may comprise fiber reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene, and the elastic layer closest to the metal layer 66 may have approximately 0. One of 15 mm thickness 110, one of the elastic layers farthest from the metal layer may have approximately 0. One thickness of 50 mm is 110, and other elastic layers may have approximately 0. One of 25 mm thickness is 110. In some plates comprising two or more elastic layers (eg, 90), the elastic layer can be coupled to a metal layer (eg, 66) such that at least a first one of the elastic layers covers one of the upper surfaces of the metal layer At least a portion (eg, at least a majority) of (eg, 70), and at least a second of the elastic layer covers at least a portion (eg, at least a majority) of a lower surface (eg, 74) of one of the metal layers (eg, metal) The layer may be disposed between the first elastic layer and the second elastic layer). Some of the plates may not include a metal layer (eg, 66); if the plate includes two or more elastic layers (eg, 90), at least a first one of the elastic layers may be characterized as having an upper surface and The surface is inferior and each of the other of the elastic layers can be coupled to the first elastic layer such that the other elastic layer covers at least a portion (eg, at least a majority) of the upper or lower surface of the first elastic layer. Plate 14a can include one or more tabs 174 that extend outwardly from layers 66 and 90. The (several) tab 174 can serve as a handle(s) for the panel 14a, thereby facilitating transport of the panel and any stack (eg, 22) disposed on one or more of the panels (eg, to and from the pressing element 18a) And 18b). The tab(s) 174 can facilitate positioning of the plate 14a relative to a pressing element (e.g., 18a or 18b), at least by acting as a reference point(s). The (several) tabs 174 can each define an opening 178 that can be configured, for example, to receive a locating pin of a pressing element (eg, 18a or 18b), a conveyor (eg, 290, One of the pins, protrusions or hooks, an end effector (e.g., 186, described below) and/or the like are described below. In the plate 14a, each of the (several) tabs 174 is integral with the metal layer 66; however, in other plates, the (several) tabs (eg, 174) may be associated with one of the plates (eg, 90) Integrated or may be coupled to the (s) layer of the board via fasteners (eg, (several) bolts, (several) screws, (several) rivets and/or the like), adhesives, and/or the like ( For example, 66 and / or 90). This (etc.) tab (e.g., 174) may or may not be a feature of any of the panels described herein. In some panels, the opening(s) (eg, 178) may be defined by the layer(s) of the panel (eg, 66 and/or 90). Referring now to Figure 5, the tool 10a can comprise two plates: a plate 14a and a plate 14b substantially similar to the plate 14a, each plate being positionable in one of a stack (e.g., 22) of one or more laminations On the side. The tool 10a is provided by way of example, as other tools may comprise any suitable plate (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more plates), such as, for example, any of the plates described above. One or more (eg, either of the boards, such as both of the boards 14c, one of the boards, and one of the other of the boards, such as one of the boards 14d and the board One of the 14e, one of the boards is a single one, such as one of the boards 14f, and/or the like). Some inventive tools may be used to preheat, merge, and/or cool two or more laminations by, for example, placing one or more of the tools between adjacent ones of the lamination stack Stacked (for example, 22). Referring now to Figures 6A-6C, a tool 140a is shown which may also include a plate 140b (tool 100a, Figure 9C) substantially similar to the plate 140a, the plate 140a being configured to be placed in one or more One of the laminations is stacked on one of the sides (eg, 22). The plate 140a includes a rectangular central region 404 having a width 412, a length 416, a first lateral edge 408, and a second lateral edge 410. As shown, the plate 140a can have four tabs 174: two extending outwardly from the first lateral edge 408 and two extending outwardly from the second lateral edge 410. The central region 404 can receive the stack, and the tabs 174 can facilitate transport of the panels 140a and/or the tool 100a via, for example, one of the conveyors of the tabs and/or one or more clamps. While the plate 140a includes a rectangular central region, the other plates may have a central region of any size and shape (for example, circular, semi-circular, elliptical, triangular, trapezoidal, polygonal, or the like) that is adapted to receive the stack. In some embodiments, a panel can have any suitable number of tabs extending outwardly from one or more of the central regions of one of the panels (eg, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) Tab)). The tab 174 can be sized and positioned relative to the central region 404 to minimize plate deformation when forming a laminate using the plate 140a. To illustrate, a plurality of tabs 174 extending from an identical lateral edge (eg, one of 408 and 410) can be positioned such that one of the distances between the outermost edges 436 of the tabs measured parallel to the width 412 is 428 can be at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% (eg, at least 5%) greater than the width 412 of the central region 404. Extending the outermost edge 436 beyond the width 412 reduces the interaction between the tab 174 and the central region 404 and thereby reduces the stress within the panel caused by the temperature difference between the tab and the central region. Moreover, the plurality of tabs 174 extending from different ones of the lateral edges 408 and 410 can be positioned such that a distance 432 between the outermost edges 440 of the tabs measured parallel to the length 416 can be 416 than the length 416 of the central region 404. At least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% greater (eg, at least 20% greater or at least 80% greater). Each of the tabs 174 provides a suitable means for facilitating the transport of the panel 140a from the longitudinal extension of the central region 404. The tabs 174 can each have a shape selected to minimize one of the deformations of the panel 140a when the panel is used to form a laminate. For example, the tabs 174 can each have a width 420 measured parallel to the width 412 and a length 424 measured parallel to the length 416. For each of the tabs 174, the width 420 can vary along the length 424 (eg, each of the tabs 174 widens and/or tapers). As shown, the tabs 174 can each have one of the first portion 444 in which the width 420 increases (eg, widens) along the length 424 and the middle portion 420 decreases (eg, tapers) along the length 424. 448, wherein the first portion is closer to the central region 404 than the second portion (Fig. 6C). Moreover, each of the tabs 174 can have a maximum width that is at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% greater than the width 420 of the tab at the lateral edge at which it extends. 45% or 50% (eg, at least 10% larger). This longitudinal widening in the first portion 444 further reduces the interaction between the central region 404 and the tab 174 that is susceptible to the region due to, for example, the deformation of the temperature differential. In addition, the thinning of each of the tabs 174 in the second portion 448 reduces the weight of the plate 140a, further facilitating transportability. The tabs 174 can each have a third portion 452 disposed between the first portion 444 and the second portion 448, wherein the width 420 is substantially constant along the length 424 to, for example, maintain the structural integrity of the tab. In other embodiments, a tab can have any suitable shape. The tabs (e.g., 174) can each define one or more openings (e.g., 178) to, for example, further facilitate the transport of a panel (e.g., 140a) and/or a tool (e.g., 100a). As shown, the tabs 174 each define a plurality of openings 178 that are configured to allow the tabs to couple to a conveyor and/or a clamp. For example, at least one of the openings 178 can be configured to couple to a pin, protrusion or hook of a conveyor (eg, 290, described below). Moreover, at least one of the openings 178 can be configured to couple to a prong of an end effector (eg, 186, described below) (eg, 194a, 194b, described below (eg, a clamp)). Each of the openings 178 can have a shape, orientation, and/or size that is different from the other of the openings. For example, a first opening 456 and a second opening 460 may each be rectangular, and a third opening 464 and a fourth opening 468 may each be circular. The different shapes, orientations, and/or sizes of the openings 178 enable the tabs 174 to be coupled to different transport mechanisms. For example, the first opening 456 can be configured to couple to a first clamp and the second opening 460 can be configured to couple to a second clamp that is different from one of the first clamps. In other embodiments, the opening can have any size, orientation, and shape (eg, elliptical, trapezoidal, polygonal, or the like) that is adapted to couple with a conveyor and/or one or more clamps. In some embodiments, each of the openings can have the same shape, orientation, and/or size. In still further embodiments, a tab can define any suitable number of openings, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 openings. The relative position of the openings (e.g., 178) may also minimize plate deformation when heating, pressing, and/or transporting a panel (e.g., 140a) and/or a tool (e.g., 100a). As shown in FIG. 6A, a line 400a extending between the first openings 456 of the plurality of tabs 174 extending from different ones of the lateral edges 408 and 410 can be received within a plan view of the panel 140a. Additionally, a line 400b extending between the second openings 460 of the plurality of tabs 174 extending from different ones of the lateral edges 408 and 410 can also be received within a plan view of the panel 140a. As used herein, a "plan" of a panel is formed by projecting the panel to a horizontal plane when the panel is placed horizontally. When a transport mechanism (eg, a conveyor and/or one or more clamps) is coupled to the opening 178, one of the loading paths can be aligned with either of the wires 400a and 400b due to the force applied by the mechanism. Thereby reducing the deformation of the plates attributed to their forces. Turning now to Figures 7 and 8A-8B, panels 140c and 140d are shown, each of which may be substantially similar to panel 140a. The main difference between the plates 140a, 140c and 140d is the shape of the tabs. Referring first to Figure 7, the tabs 174 of the plate 140c can each have a width 420 that varies along a length 424 of the tabs in substantially the same manner as the width of the tabs of the plate 140a. To further minimize plate deformation, one or more of the edge portions 464 (eg, one corner) of the edge of the tab 174 change direction has an increased radius (eg, more curved) than the tab of the plate 140a. . Referring now to Figures 8A-8B, the tabs 174 of the plate 140d can each have a width 420 that varies along one of the lengths 424 of the tabs in a manner different from the width of the tabs of the panel 140a. To illustrate, along the length 424, the width 420 can remain substantially constant in a first portion 444, increasing in a third portion 452 to a maximum width of one of the tabs (eg, widening), and in a The two portions 448 are reduced (eg, tapered). The width 420 at the central region 404 may be less than the maximum width (eg, each of the tabs 174 is necked) (Fig. 8B). The tabs 174 can each be shaped such that a distance 472 is measured along the length of the third portion 452 between the innermost edges 468 of the plurality of tabs 174 extending from one of the lateral edges 408 and 410. 424 is reduced. The shape of the tab 174 (e.g., narrowed) reduces the stress caused by the temperature difference between the central region 404 and the tab 174. Each of the tabs 174 may further have one or more edge portions 464 having an increased radius when compared to the tabs of the plate 140a. 9A-9B illustrate one of the relative sizes and orientations of an elastic layer 90, one or more lamination stacks 22, and a plate 140a. However, the depicted relationship between the elastic layer 90, the stack 22, and the plate 140a is provided by way of illustration and does not limit the inventive panels and tools or methods of using the panels and tools of the present invention. In some embodiments, for example, an elastic layer (eg, 90) and a stack (eg, 22) can be disposed in any suitable panel (eg, 14a to 14o) in substantially the same manner as described below with respect to panel 140a. (Some of which are described below), any of 140a to 140d or a similar board). In some embodiments, when a stack (eg, 22) and an elastic layer (eg, 90) are disposed between a top plate and a bottom plate of a tool (eg, 100a), the top and bottom plates can have a stack relative to the stack And the elastic layer is substantially similar in size and orientation. Turning to Figure 9A, the resilient layer 90 can be disposed on the panel 140a, and optionally the elastic layer and the panel can be separated (e.g., the elastic layer 90 can be a loose elastic layer). The elastic layer 90 can be sized such that one or more portions 484 of the elastic layer are not overlying the panel 140a (eg, the portion 484 extends outwardly from the panel 140a). For example, the elastic layer 90 can be rectangular and have a width 476 that is greater than the width 412 of the central region 404. Excessive size of the elastic layer 90 relative to the plate 140a facilitates pulling of the elastic layer by, for example, at least one of the portion(s) 484 (eg, with one or more clamps) without interfering with the plate, for example. The elastic layer is removed from the board. As shown, the elastic layer 90 includes one or more protrusions 486 that extend outwardly from one of the longitudinal edges of the elastic layer. However, in some embodiments, the protrusion(s) (eg, 486) may be from any of the edges of an elastic layer (eg, from one or more of the longitudinal edges and/or from one or more of the lateral edges) Extended). Optionally, an elastic layer may have no protrusions. Turning now to Figure 9B, a panel 140a and an elastic layer 90 are shown, the elastic layer 90 resting under the stack 22 such that the elastic layer 90 is disposed between the stack 22 and the panel 140a. Plate 140a and elastic layer 90 can be sized to accommodate stack 22. Each of the central region 404 and the elastic layer 90 can underlie all of the stacks 22 (eg, the width 412 and the width 476 may each be greater than the width 488 of the stack 22 or the same as the width 488, and the length 416 and the length 480 may each be larger than the stack 22 The length 492 is the same as the length 492). As shown, the central region 404 can be sized such that the stack 22 spans at least 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of the surface area of the surface of the central region 404 that faces the stack 22. (for example, at least 80%). When, for example, the stack 22 and the elastic layer 90 are disposed between the plate 140a and the plate 140b (e.g., as described below in Figure 9C) and the stack 22 is pressed (e.g., with a press 50), the elastic layer is A predetermined size of 90 is below the total stack 22 to promote uniform distribution of one of the pressures on the stack 22. The plate 140a provides a suitable area relative to the size of the stack 22 (e.g., the size of the central region 404) over which pressure and/or heat can be applied to the stack 22 while minimizing susceptibility due to, for example, heating plates. The stress caused by the temperature difference affects the boundary area of the plate 140a. The central region 404, the elastic layer 90, and the stack 22 are each depicted as being rectangular, wherein the elastic layer 90 has a protrusion(s) 486 extending from one of its longitudinal edges; however, in other embodiments, a central region, elasticity The layers and stacks can have any suitable size and shape. For example, although the elastic layer 90 can be disposed on the plate 140a as shown, such that the elastic layer 90 does not overlie any of the tabs 174 (eg, the length 480 is less than the length 416 or substantially the same as the length 416), In other embodiments, an elastic layer may be partially or completely overlaid on one or more tabs (eg, each or some of the tabs). In a further embodiment, an elastic layer may extend outwardly from the plate 140a in a longitudinal direction and not in a lateral direction (eg, the length 480 may be greater than the length 416 and the width 476 may be less than the width 412 or the same as the width 412) . In some embodiments, a central region of a panel, an elastic layer, and/or one or more stacks of one or more laminations may be circular, semi-circular, elliptical, triangular, trapezoidal, polygonal, or the like, and may have any Suitably sized such that, for example, the elastic layer and the panel may each be underlying all stacks, while one or more portions of the elastic layer are not overlaid on the panel. Referring now to Figure 9C, a cross-sectional view of one of the tools 100a taken along line 9C-9C of Figure 9B is shown. The tool 100a can include two plates: a plate 140a and a plate 140b substantially similar to the plate 140a. As shown, the elastic layer 90 and stack 22 can be disposed within the tool 100a (eg, between the plate 140a and the plate 140b). Each of the plates 140a and 140b can have a length of less than approximately 1 mm, 1. 2 mm, 1. 4 mm, 1. 6 mm, 1. 8 mm, 2. 0 mm, 2. 2 mm or 2. One thickness 130 of 4 mm (eg, less than approximately 2 mm). The elastic layer 90 can have less than approximately 1 mm, 1. 2 mm, 1. 4 mm, 1. 6 mm, 1. 8 mm, 2. 0 mm, 2. 2 mm, 2. 4 mm, 2. 6 mm, 2. 8 mm, 3. 0 mm or 3. One of 2 mm thickness is 110. FIG. 10 shows the plate 140a positioned on one of the pressing surfaces 30 of the press 50. The pressing surface 30 can be underlying or overlying (depending on whether the pressing surface is disposed above or below the plate 140a) at least a portion of each of the central region 404 and the tab 174. The pressing surface 30 can include a heated region 496 through which the pressing surface can transfer heat (e.g., with a heating element (e.g., 34)) to the plate 140a. Press surface 30 or its heated region 496 can span at least 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% (eg, at least 90%) or 100% of central region 404. Similar to the central region 404, the pressing surface 30 (or its heated region 496) is sized to minimize the temperature difference in the central region of the heating plate 140a. Press 50 can include an insulator 500 that is configured to minimize heat loss from heating zone 496 to an external environment. By way of example, Figure 11 depicts one or more stacks 22 of laminations that can be preheated, combined, and/or cooled using embodiments of the present invention. Stack 22 includes nine laminations 138a through 138i; however, the stack (e.g., 22) that can be used with the tools of the present invention can comprise any suitable number of laminations, such as, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 6, 6, 8, 9, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or more than 15 laminations. In stack 22, each of laminations 138a through 138i includes fibers 142 dispersed within a matrix material 146. The fibers (e.g., 142) of a stack of sheets (e.g., any of laminations 138a through 138i) can comprise any suitable fiber, such as, for example, any of the fibers described above. One of the matrix materials (e.g., any of laminations 138a through 138i) may comprise any suitable matrix material such as, for example, a thermoplastic or thermoset matrix material. A suitable thermoplastic matrix material may comprise, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate (PC), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), poly(1,4-cyclohexylene ring) Hexane-1,4-dicarboxylate) (PCCD), diol-modified polycyclohexylester (PCTG), polyphenylene ether (PPO), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethyleneimine or polyetherimine (PEI) or one of its derivatives, a thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), terephthalic acid (TPA) elastomer, poly(cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyammonium (PA), polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) One of the copolymers or a blend thereof. A suitable thermosetting matrix material may comprise, for example, an unsaturated polyester resin, polyurethane, bakelite, duroplast, urea formaldehyde, hexadiene phthalate, epoxy resin, epoxy vinyl ester, poly a mixture of quinonemine, polycyanurate cyanate, dicyclopentadiene, phenolic aldehyde, benzoxazine, one of the copolymers or a blend thereof. To illustrate, a laminate comprising one of the fibers (eg, 142) (eg, any of the laminations 138a-138i) can have any greater than or substantially equal to, or between any of the following One of the pre-merged fiber volume fractions: 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 90%. In stack 22, each of laminations 138a through 138i is a unidirectional lamination, or has a laminate of fibers 142, substantially all of which are aligned with a single direction. More particularly, in each of the laminations, the fibers are aligned with one of the stack's long dimensions (e.g., measured in direction 150) (e.g., laminations 138d through 138f, each of which can be characterized as a 0 degree unidirectional laminations) or aligned with one of the long dimensions perpendicular to the stack (eg, laminations 138a through 138c and laminations 138g through 138i, each of which can be characterized as a 90 degree unidirectional stack) sheet). Some of the stacks may each have an angle with respect to one of the stack's long dimensions, such as, for example, any one of greater than or substantially equal to, or between any of the following One direction of placement: 0 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, The unidirectional laminations of the fibers (eg, 142) aligned at 75 degrees, 80 degrees, 85 degrees, or 90 degrees. Some of the stacks may comprise fibers having a configuration that is configured in a woven configuration (eg, as in a laminate having a plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, woven basket, leno weave, crepe weave, or similar weave) ( For example, 142) (several) laminates. Referring additionally to Figure 12, the laminations 138j, which may be included in a stack, may include a first fiber set 142a aligned with a first direction 154a and a second direction 154b disposed at an angle relative to the first direction. A second fiber group 142b, wherein the first fiber group is formed with the second fiber structure. The minimum angle 158 between the first direction 154a and the second direction 154b may be greater than or substantially equal to any of the following, or between any of the following: 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 or 90 degrees. The minimum angle 162 between the first direction 154a and one of the stacks including one of the stacks 138j (eg, measured in direction 150) may be greater than or substantially equal to any of the following, or any of the following Between the two: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 degrees, 80 degrees, 85 degrees or 90 degrees. In stack 22, laminations 138a through 138i are configured to be a 90, 90, 90, 0, 0, 0, 90, 90, 90 lay-up. Other stacks may comprise any suitable laminate configured to be any suitable for lamination (whether symmetrical or asymmetrical), including one or more of any of the laminations described above. Some stacks (eg, 22) of one or more laminations may comprise (several) sheets, (several) films, (several) cores (eg, porous, non-porous, honeycomb, and/or the like) and/or Similar. The (etc.) sheet, film and/or core may or may not include fibers (e.g., 142) and may include any of the materials described above as a matrix material (e.g., 146). As described above, the tool of the present invention (e.g., 10a) can be configured to encourage uniform application of pressure to one or a stack of one or more laminations (e.g., 22) by pressing elements (e.g., 18a and 18b). Since effective preheating, combining and/or cooling of a thin stack of one or more laminations may be particularly susceptible to uneven application of this pressure, the inventive tool (e.g., 10a) may be suitable for pre-stacking of such thin stacks. Heat, combine and/or cool. For example, the stack can have one of the pre-combined thicknesses measured by each of its laminations, which is less than or substantially equal to any of the following, or between any two of the following: 0. 1 mm, 0. 2 mm, 0. 3 mm, 0. 4 mm, 0. 5 mm, 0. 6 mm, 0. 7 mm, 0. 8 mm, 0. 9 mm, 1. 0 mm, 1. 1 mm, 1. 2 mm, 1. 3 mm, 1. 4 mm, 1. 5 mm, 1. 6 mm, 1. 7 mm, 1. 8 mm, 1. 9 mm, 2. 0 mm, 2. 1 mm, 2. 2 mm, 2. 3 mm, 2. 4 mm, 2. 5 mm, 2. 6 mm, 2. 7 mm, 2. 8 mm, 2. 9 mm or 3. 0 mm. By way of further example, the stack(s) of the stack can each have a pre-combined thickness that is less than or substantially equal to any of the following, or between any two of the following: 0. 05 mm, 0. 10 mm, 0. 15 mm, 0. 20 mm, 0. 25 mm, 0. 30 mm, 0. 35 mm, 0. 40 mm, 0. 45 mm or 0. 50 mm (for example, at approximately 0. 13 mm and approximately 0. Between 16 mm). Still further by way of example, a laminate formed by combining the stacks can have a thickness that is less than or substantially equal to any of the following, or between any two of the following: 0. 1 mm, 0. 2 mm, 0. 3 mm, 0. 4 mm, 0. 5 mm, 0. 6 mm, 0. 7 mm, 0. 8 mm, 0. 9 mm, 1. 0 mm, 1. 1 mm, 1. 2 mm, 1. 3 mm, 1. 4 mm, 1. 5 mm, 1. 6 mm, 1. 7 mm, 1. 8 mm, 1. 9 mm, 2. 0 mm, 2. 1 mm, 2. 2 mm, 2. 3 mm, 2. 4 mm or 2. 5 mm (for example, less than approximately 2. 00 mm, 1. 75 mm, 1. 50 mm or 1. 25 mm). In the plate 14a, the tab(s) 174 are aligned with the layers 66 and 90, and in the panel 140a, the tab 174 is aligned with the central region 404; however, in other panels, the tab(s) may The layers are placed at an angle relative to the (several) layers of the panel. Referring additionally to Figures 13A and 13B and Figures 14A and 14B, tools 10b and 10c are shown, respectively. For each of these tools, at least one of the panels (eg, 14g and/or 14h for tool 10b and 14i and/or 14j for tool 10c) includes (several) layers relative to the board The (several) tabs 174 are angularly disposed. To illustrate, an angle 180 between at least a portion of the tab and its respective layer can be less than or substantially equal to either, or between any of the following: 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees , 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, 75 degrees, 80 degrees or 90 degrees. In this manner, for tools 10b and 10c, the tab(s) 174 of one of the panels can engage the other of the panels when the panels are coupled together, thereby positioning the panels relative to one another. Referring additionally to Figure 15, in some of the panels, at least a portion (e.g., 182) of one of the panels (e.g., 174) can be disposed at an angle relative to the layer(s) of the panel at a non-perpendicular angle; The booster plate is coupled to another board. 16A and 16B depict one illustrative method for treating a plate(s) (eg, 14a) of the tool of the present invention. As shown, an end effector (eg, 186) can be coupled to the plate (eg, 14a) via one of its openings (eg, 178) such that an end effector can be used to transport and/or position the plate. In some tools, two or more plates of the tool may have (several) openings (eg, 178) that are aligned such that, for example, an end effector (eg, 186) may be used. ) to transport and/or locate two or more plates simultaneously. Some of the plates may include one or more protrusions configured to couple to an end effector. Such an end effector can include any suitable end effector and the following description of the end effector 186 is provided by way of illustration. End effector 186 can include a distal end 190 configured to be placed through one of the openings (e.g., 178) of a plate (e.g., 14a). More specifically, the distal end 190 of the end effector 186 can include a first prong 194a and a second prong 194b, wherein the prong can be in a first position (eg, FIG. 16A) and a second Positions (e.g., Figure 16B) move relative to each other in which one of the distal ends has a lateral dimension 198 that is greater than when the prongs are in the first position. When the prongs 194a and 194b are in the first position, the distal end 190 of the end effector 186 can pass through the opening, and when the prong is in the second position, the distal end may not pass through the opening. In this manner, the end effector 186 can be coupled to the plate by moving the distal end 190 of the end effector through the opening when the prongs 194a and 194b are in the first position and then moving the prong toward the second position. Figure 17 depicts another embodiment 10d of the tool of the present invention. The tool 10d can include a first plate 14k and a second plate 14l, wherein at least one of the plates includes one or more protrusions 202, and at least one of the plates includes one or more recesses 206, and each of the recesses 206 is configured Formed to receive one of the (several) protrusions to couple the first plate to the second plate. As shown, the protrusion(s) (eg, 202 and/or other protrusions) of a board (eg, 14l) can function to position one (eg, 22) of one or more laminations relative to the board. For a given plate (eg, 14k and/or 14l), the (several) protrusions (eg, 202) and/or (several) recesses (eg, 206) of the board may be from its (several) layers (eg, , 66 and / or 90) and / or its (several) tabs (eg, 174) extend and / or from its (several) layers (eg, 66 and / or 90) and / or its (several) tabs ( For example, 174) defined. The protrusions (e.g., 202) and the recesses (e.g., 206) may or may not be characterized by any of the panels described herein. Figure 18 depicts another embodiment 10e of the tool of the present invention. Tool 10e can be used to form a laminate having one (several) non-planar portions. For example, the tool 10e can include a first plate 14m and a second plate 14n, each plate having an uppermost surface including one or more curved portions. For example, the uppermost surface of the plate 14m includes a convex portion 214, and the uppermost surface of the plate 14n includes a concave portion 218. Each of the plates 14m and 14n can have one of the lowest surfaces of the plane to, for example, facilitate the use of the tool 10e with a pressing element having a planar pressing surface (e.g., 30). When a stack of one or more laminations (eg, 22) is pressed between the sheets (eg, 14m and 14n), the stack may assume a shape corresponding to one of the uppermost surfaces of the sheets; thus, at least by selecting the uppermost surface The geometry can achieve a desired shape of one of the laminates. The uppermost surface having the curved portion(s) may or may not be a feature of any of the panels described herein. Figure 19 depicts a plate 14o that may be suitable for use in some of the tools of the present invention. During use, portions of a panel, such as one of the centers of the panels, may be exposed to a higher temperature than other portions of the panel, such as the perimeter of one of the panels, and this uneven heating may result in deformation of the panel. To mitigate this deformation, the plate 14o defines one or more openings 220 through at least one of its (several) layers (eg, each). This (e.g.) opening (e.g., 220) may or may not be a feature of any of the panels described herein. Some embodiments of the inventive method for forming one or more laminates include placing one or more stacks (eg, 22) of one or more laminates on a backplane (eg, panels 14a-14o and 140a) Between any of 140d or a similar board) and a top panel (eg, any of panels 14a-14o and 140a-140d or a similar panel). In some methods, the placement can be performed such that, for example, the (several) stack is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, as described above with respect to plate 140a and/or tool 100a. While some methods include placing the stack(s) between a top panel and a backplane, other methods may include placing the stack(s) on a single panel (eg, one of a top panel and a backplane). In some methods, at least one of the top and bottom plates comprises one or more elastic layers (eg, 90) (eg, (several) integrated elastic layers). In other methods, the (several) elastic layer is not one of the top and bottom plates (eg, (several) loose elastic layers). Some methods of using the (several) loose elastic layer can include placing one of the (several) elastic layers on one of the top and bottom plates prior to placing the stack(s) between the top and bottom plates. Some methods include transporting the stack(s) to a press (eg, 50) using a conveyor and/or one or more clamps. In some methods, transporting includes using a conveyor or one or more clamps that are coupled to a tab (eg, 174) that extends outwardly from a central region (eg, 404) of at least one of the panels. In some methods, transporting includes coupling the same of the conveyor or fixture(s) to one of the first openings defined by one of the tabs of the top panel and one of the tabs by the bottom panel Each of the openings, the second opening is aligned with the first opening. In some methods, transporting includes coupling, for at least one of the top plate and the bottom plate, a different one of the conveyor or the plurality of clamps to one of the first openings defined by one of the tabs of the panel and by the protrusion of the panel The other of the sheets defines one of the second openings, wherein a line extending between the first opening and the second opening is completely within the plan view of one of the plates. Some methods include merging at least one or more laminates by pressing the top and bottom sheets between a pressing surface (e.g., 30) of a press (e.g., 50a) of a press (e.g., 50). (several) stacking. In some methods, at least one of the (several) elastic layers is in contact with the stack(s) during pressing. In some methods, at least 90% of the central region is disposed between the pressing surfaces for each of the top and bottom plates. In some methods, at least a portion of each of the top and bottom tabs are not disposed between the pressing surfaces. In some methods, at least one of the one or more laminations (eg, any one of the laminations 138a to 138j, or a similar lamination) of at least one of the (several) stacks comprises a dispersion of a matrix material ( For example, fibers within 146) (eg, 142). In some methods, after merging, each of the (several) laminates formed by the (several) stack has less than approximately 2. One thickness of 0 mm. Some methods include removing the (s) laminate formed from the stack(s) from the top and bottom plates after the combination. With additional reference to FIG. 20, in some methods, one or more stacks include two or more stacks, and placement includes positioning one or more elastic layers (eg, 234) between adjacent ones of the stack. The (or the like) elastic layer (e.g., 234) may comprise polytetrafluoroethylene, hydrazine, polyimine, an elastomer, a gasket material, and/or the like. The (or the like) elastic layer (eg, 234) can be one of the components (eg, one of the plates 14a-14o and 140a-140d, or a similar plate) disposed between adjacent ones of the stack (eg, , an elastic layer 90). Figure 21 depicts an embodiment of the method of the invention for forming a laminate. As described below, in some methods, stacking (eg, 22) (eg, step 242), merging the stack (eg, step 246), and cooling the stack (eg, steps) may be performed by preheating one of the one or more laminations 250) to form a laminate. Embodiments of the system of the present invention (e.g., 254a, Fig. 22; 254b, Fig. 26) are referenced to illustrate the method of Fig. 21; however, such systems do not limit the methods that can be performed using any suitable system. Some methods include a step 242 of preheating one of the stacks (eg, 22) of one or more laminations by applying heat from a heat source to the stack. The heat source can include any suitable heat source such as, for example, a heated press element set (e.g., 258a, described below), an infrared heat source, a hot air oven, and/or the like. During the preheating step, a temperature of the heat source and/or stack (eg, the stack can be brought to a temperature) can be any suitable temperature, such as, for example, greater than or substantially equal to any of the following, or One of the following temperatures: 150 ° C, 160 ° C, 170 ° C, 180 ° C, 190 ° C, 200 ° C, 210 ° C, 220 ° C, 230 ° C, 240 ° C, 250 ° C, 260 ° C, 270 ° C 280 ° C, 290 ° C, 300 ° C, 310 ° C, 320 ° C, 330 ° C, 340 ° C, 350 ° C, 360 ° C, 370 ° C, 380 ° C, 390 ° C or 400 ° C (eg, at approximately 210 ° C and approximately 400 ° C Between, approximately 240 ° C and / or similar). Referring additionally to Figure 22, in some methods, the heat source includes a heated set of pressed elements 258a (e.g., comprising a press element 18a and a press element 18b), and preheating includes a step 242a of pressing the stack between sets of press elements. The set of pressable elements 258a can be heated, wherein, for example, at least one of the press elements comprises a heating element (eg, 34, FIG. 1), a heating fluid passes through one or more internal passages (eg, 38, FIG. 1 ) and / or similar. The pressure applied to the stack by the set of pressing elements 258a can be any suitable pressure, such as, for example, less than or substantially equal to any one of the following, or a pressure between any of the following: 0. 10 bar gauge pressure, 0. 15 bar gauge pressure, 0. 20 bar gauge pressure, 0. 25 bar gauge pressure, 0. 30 bar gauge pressure, 0. 35 bar gauge pressure, 0. 40 bar gauge pressure, 0. 45 bar gauge pressure, 0. 50 bar gauge pressure, 0. 60 bar gauge pressure, 0. 70 bar gauge pressure, 0. 80 bar gauge, 0. 90 bar gauge pressure, 1. 00 bar gauge pressure, 1. 25 bar gauge pressure, 1. 50 bar gauge pressure, 1. 75 bar gauge pressure, 2. 00 bar gauge pressure, 2. 25 bar gauge pressure, 2. 50 bar gauge pressure, 3. 00 bar gauge pressure, 3. 50 bar gauge pressure, 4. 00 bar gauge or 5. 00 bar gauge pressure (for example, at approximately 0. 25 bar gauge pressure and approximately 2. Between 00 bar gauge pressure, at approximately 0. 5 bar gauge pressure and approximate 1. 0 bar gauge pressure, approx. 0. 5 bar gauge pressure, and / or similar). As with the other sets of pressing elements described herein, the set of pressing elements 258a can be an assembly of a press (e.g., 50). During the preheating step, the stack may be exposed to heat from a heat source (eg, pressed between heated press element sets 258a) for any suitable period of time, such as, for example, greater than or substantially equal to any of the following: Or one of the following periods: 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds, 30 seconds, 35 seconds, 40 seconds, 45 seconds, 50 seconds, 55 seconds, 60 seconds , 70 seconds, 80 seconds, 90 seconds, 100 seconds, 110 seconds, or 120 seconds, or 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, or 5 minutes (eg, approximately 40 seconds, approximately 120 seconds, and/or the like) ). Some methods may not include a preheating step (e.g., 242). Some methods include a step of merging the stack (eg, 246). More specifically, the stack can be merged by pressing the stack between heated stamping element sets 258b. During the combining step, the temperature of at least one of the pressing elements 258b and/or the stack (eg, the stack can be brought to a temperature) can be any suitable temperature, such as, for example, greater than or substantially equal to Any one, or one of the following: temperature: 140 ° C, 150 ° C, 160 ° C, 170 ° C, 180 ° C, 190 ° C, 200 ° C, 210 ° C, 220 ° C, 230 ° C, 240 ° C, 250 ° C, 260 ° C, 270 ° C, 280 ° C, 290 ° C, 300 ° C, 310 ° C, 320 ° C, 330 ° C, 340 ° C, 350 ° C, 360 ° C, 370 ° C, 380 ° C, 390 ° C or 400 ° C (for example, Between approximately 140 ° C and approximately 400 ° C, between approximately 165 ° C and approximately 175 ° C, approximately 300 ° C and/or the like. This temperature is sometimes referred to as a "combined temperature." As used herein, "combined temperature" and the like terms "combined pressure", "cooling temperature" and "cooling pressure" are each used to associate a parameter with a step (eg, "combined temperature" is associated with a consolidation step) One of the temperatures); these terms used alone do not define any specific values for the parameters. In some methods, the combined temperature may be lower than the temperature of the heat source and/or stack during the preheating step. During the merging step, one of the pressures applied to the stack by the set of pressing elements 258b (a "combined pressure") may be any suitable pressure, such as, for example, greater than or substantially equal to any of the following, or below One of the pressures between any two: 5. 0 bar gauge pressure, 5. 5 bar gauge pressure, 6. 0 bar gauge pressure, 6. 5 bar gauge pressure, 7. 0 bar gauge pressure, 7. 5 bar gauge pressure, 8. 0 bar gauge pressure, 8. 5 bar gauge pressure, 9. 0 bar gauge pressure, 9. 5 bar gauge pressure, 10. 0 bar gauge pressure, 10. 5 bar gauge pressure, 11. 0 bar gauge pressure, 11. 5 bar gauge pressure, 12. 0 bar gauge pressure, 12. 5 bar gauge pressure, 13. 0 bar gauge pressure, 13. 5 bar gauge pressure, 14. 0 bar gauge pressure, 14. 5 bar gauge pressure, 15. 0 bar gauge pressure, 15. 5 bar gauge pressure, 16. 0 bar gauge pressure, 16. 5 bar gauge pressure, 17. 0 bar gauge pressure, 17. 5 bar gauge pressure, 18. 0 bar gauge pressure, 18. 5 bar gauge pressure, 19. 0 bar gauge pressure, 19. 5 bar gauge pressure, 20. 0 bar gauge pressure, 20. 5 bar gauge pressure, 21. 0 bar gauge pressure, 21. 5 bar gauge pressure, 22. 0 bar gauge pressure, 22. 5 bar gauge pressure, 23. 0 bar gauge pressure, 23. 5 bar gauge pressure, 24. 0 bar gauge pressure, 24. 5 bar gauge or 25. 0 bar gauge (eg, approximately 13 bar gauge, approximately 20 bar gauge, and/or the like). In some methods, the combined pressure may be greater than the pressure applied to the stack during the preheating step. During the merging step, the stack may be pressed between sets of pressing elements 258b for any suitable period of time, such as, for example, greater than or substantially equal to any of the following, or between any of the following Segment: 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds, 30 seconds, 35 seconds, 40 seconds, 45 seconds, 50 seconds, 55 seconds, 60 seconds, 65 seconds, 70 seconds, 75 seconds, 80 seconds, 90 seconds, 100 seconds, 110 seconds, or 120 seconds, or 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, or 5 minutes (eg, approximately 6 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 60 seconds, or 120 seconds). Some methods include a step of cooling the stack (eg, 250). More particularly, the stack can be cooled by pressing the stack between a set of press elements 258c, during which one of the components and/or the stack is at a temperature (a "cooling temperature") (eg, the stack can be Bring to one of the temperatures) below the combined temperature. The cooling temperature can be any suitable temperature, such as, for example, less than or substantially equal to any one of the following, or between any of the following: 10 ° C, 15 ° C, 20 ° C, 25 ° C, 30 ° C, 35 ° C, 40 ° C, 45 ° C or 50 ° C (eg, between approximately 25 ° C and approximately 30 ° C, approximately room temperature, and/or the like). During the cooling step, a pressure applied to the stack by the set of pressing elements 258c (a "cooling pressure") may be any suitable pressure, such as, for example, greater than or substantially equal to, or below One of the pressures between any two: 5. 0 bar gauge pressure, 5. 5 bar gauge pressure, 6. 0 bar gauge pressure, 6. 5 bar gauge pressure, 7. 0 bar gauge pressure, 7. 5 bar gauge pressure, 8. 0 bar gauge pressure, 8. 5 bar gauge pressure, 9. 0 bar gauge pressure, 9. 5 bar gauge pressure, 10. 0 bar gauge pressure, 10. 5 bar gauge pressure, 11. 0 bar gauge pressure, 11. 5 bar gauge pressure, 12. 0 bar gauge pressure, 12. 5 bar gauge pressure, 13. 0 bar gauge pressure, 13. 5 bar gauge pressure, 14. 0 bar gauge pressure, 14. 5 bar gauge pressure, 15. 0 bar gauge pressure, 15. 5 bar gauge pressure, 16. 0 bar gauge pressure, 16. 5 bar gauge pressure, 17. 0 bar gauge pressure, 17. 5 bar gauge pressure, 18. 0 bar gauge pressure, 18. 5 bar gauge pressure, 19. 0 bar gauge pressure, 19. 5 bar gauge pressure, 20. 0 bar gauge pressure, 20. 5 bar gauge pressure, 21. 0 bar gauge pressure, 21. 5 bar gauge pressure, 22. 0 bar gauge pressure, 22. 5 bar gauge pressure, 23. 0 bar gauge pressure, 23. 5 bar gauge pressure, 24. 0 bar gauge pressure, 24. 5 bar gauge or 25. 0 bar gauge (eg, approximately 13 bar gauge, approximately 20 bar gauge, and/or the like). In some methods, the cooling pressure may be greater than the pressure applied to the stack during the preheating step. During the cooling step, the stack may be pressed between sets of pressing elements 258c for any suitable period of time, such as, for example, greater than or substantially equal to any of the following, or between any of the following Segment: 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds, 30 seconds, 35 seconds, 40 seconds, 45 seconds, 50 seconds, 55 seconds, 60 seconds, 65 seconds, 70 seconds, 75 seconds, 80 seconds, 90 seconds, 100 seconds, 110 seconds, or 120 seconds, or 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, or 5 minutes (eg, approximately 6 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 60 seconds, or 120 seconds). In some methods, after the cooling step, the stack has less than approximately 2. One thickness of 0 mm. In some methods, the temperature, combined temperature, and/or cooling temperature of the heat source and/or stack during the preheating step may vary. At least one of performing a preheating step, a combining step, and a cooling step, at least by using respective sets of pressing elements (eg, 258a, 258b, and 258c), can reduce at least one of the group of pressing elements when producing a laminate The need for temperature, thereby reducing the energy and time involved in producing the laminate. For example, using a single set of pressing elements to perform both the combining step and the cooling step may undesirably require that at least one of the sets of pressing elements be heated to a combined temperature and cooled to a cooling temperature. Some methods include coupling a stack to one or more plates (eg, including one or more of any of the plates described above) such that by a group of pressing elements (eg, 258a, 258b, 258c, and/or the like) When the stack is pressed, each of the (several) plates is placed between one of the stack and the group of pressing elements. As described above, this (etc.) plate can facilitate transport of the stack (eg, to and from the set of press elements), transfer heat between one (and more) of the set of press elements and the stack, encouraging uniform pressure by the set of press elements Applied to the stack, and/or the like. Referring additionally to Figure 23, a set of press elements 258d (18c and 18d) (e.g., as set of press elements 258a, 258b, and/or 258c) that may be suitable for use in some of the methods and/or systems of the present invention are shown. As shown, the pressing element 18c can comprise a pressing surface 30 defined at least in part by an elastic layer 262. The elastic layer 262 can include any one or more of the elastic materials described above. In some embodiments, each of a group of pressing elements (eg, 258a, 258b, 258c, 258d, and/or the like) can include an elastic layer defining at least a portion of its pressing surface (eg, 30) (eg, 262). The set of pressing elements 258d can be configured to produce a laminate having a non-planar shape. For example, the pressing surface 30 of the pressing element 18c can include a planar first portion 270 and one or more second portions (eg, 274a and 274b) that are each angled relative to the first portion. The first portion 270 can be substantially perpendicular (e.g., within 10 degrees of the vertical state) to a closing direction 278 (e.g., wherein the pressing members 18c and 18d move relative to one another to compress a direction of an object between the pressing members). Each of the (several) second portions may be disposed at an angle relative to the first portion 270 at an angle 282 that is greater than or substantially equal to any one of the following: 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 or 90 degrees. One or more of the first portion 270 and/or the second portion(s) may be defined at least in part by the elastic layer 262. During use of a given pressing element (e.g., 18c), a portion of its pressing surface (e.g., 30) that is less aligned with a closing direction (e.g., 278) (e.g., first portion 270) is associated with the closing direction More pressure may be experienced as compared to portions of the pressed surface that are more aligned (eg, the second portions 274a and 274b). The use of an elastic layer (e.g., 262) to define portions of the pressed surface that are more aligned with the direction of closure increases the pressure experienced by those portions, thereby promoting uniform distribution of pressure across one of the pressed surfaces. In some methods, one or more conveyors 290 can be used to transport between sets of pressing elements (e.g., between sets of pressing elements 258a and 258b, between sets of pressing elements 258b and 258c, and/or the like). One of the one or more laminations is stacked (eg, 22). To illustrate, each of the conveyor(s) 290 can include one or more chains or conveyor belts that can be coupled to the one or more chains or conveyor belts such that movement of the chain(s) or conveyor belt moves the stack. In an example in which a stack is coupled to one or more plates (eg, including one or more of any of the plates described above), the stack may be coupled to the chain(s) or conveyor belt via the plate(s). For example, one or more pins, pins, or hooks of a chain or conveyor belt may be received by one or more openings (eg, 178). The stack may be placed on or removed from conveyor(s) 290 via a robotic arm (eg, 334, FIG. 26). In some embodiments, the conveyor(s) 290 can be positioned such that one (or several) stacks of one or more laminations are stacked (eg, 22) by at least one press element group (eg, 258a, Transfer between the pressing elements of 258b, 258c and/or the like such that the stack can be pressed by the pressing elements, but the conveyor(s) themselves are not transferred between the pressing elements (eg, to prevent (several) conveyor interference Pressing the operation of the component). However, in embodiments in which the conveyor(s) 290 include a conveyor belt(s), at least one of the conveyors can be positioned such that one or more of the laminations are stacked by one or more of its conveyor belts (eg, 22) and its (several) conveyor belt are transferred between the pressing elements of at least one of the pressing element groups (eg, 258a, 258b, 258c, and/or the like). This (etc.) conveyor belt may encourage uniform application of pressure to the stack by the pressing element (eg, acting as the elastic layer(s)), at least a portion of the belt(s) may be part of a laminate formed during the stacking of the stack, And/or similar. By way of example, and with additional reference to Figure 24, two conveyors 294a and 294b are shown, which may be suitable for use in some embodiments of the methods and/or systems of the present invention (e.g., such as conveyor 60). As shown, each of the conveyors includes a conveyor belt 298 supported by two or more rollers 302 (e.g., a roller, a tail roller, one or more idler rollers, and/or the like). . The conveyor belt 298 of each of the conveyors can be continuous (e.g., the conveyor belt can form a loop) or discontinuous (e.g., the conveyor belt can be unwound from one of the rollers 302 and wound around the other of the rollers 302). Each of the conveyors 294a and 294b can be positioned such that its conveyor belt 298 is transferred between the pressing elements of at least one of the pressing element groups (e.g., 258b and 258c, as depicted); in this manner, when pressed by the pressing elements by the conveyor belt When one of the one or more laminations is stacked (eg, 22), the conveyor belt is disposed between one of the stack and the pressing element. The conveyor belt 298 of each of the conveyors can include an elastomeric material such as, for example, any one or more of the elastic materials described above. At least in this manner, the conveyor belt(s) 298 of the conveyor(s) can encourage uniform application of pressure to the stack by the pressing elements. Referring additionally to Figure 25, a conveyor belt 314 is shown that may be suitable for use in some embodiments of the method and/or system of the present invention (e.g., as a conveyor belt 298). Conveyor belt 314 can include a first layer 318 that is configured to form a laminate during the stacking of one or more stacks (eg, 22) of one or more laminations transported by the conveyor. Part of it. For example, when the stack is pressed between a group of pressing elements (eg, 258b), the stack can be in contact with the first layer 318. The first layer 318 can comprise a stack of one of the matrix materials (e.g., 146) and/or a material having a glass transition temperature substantially equal to or lower than one of the glass transition temperatures of one of the stacked matrix materials (e.g., 146). The conveyor belt 314 can include a second layer 322 on which the first layer 318 is disposed. The second layer 322 can comprise an elastomeric material such as, for example, any one or more of the elastic materials described above. In some embodiments, the preheating step, the combining step, and/or the cooling step may require different amounts of time (eg, depending on the composition of the stack) to achieve the desired result, and performing one of the steps may result in the processing of the system being the longest. The step limit of the amount of time. For example, the preheating step may require approximately 40 seconds for effective preheating, and the combining and cooling steps may require approximately 10 seconds for efficient combining and cooling. If only one set of press elements is provided for each of these steps, the system may only be able to produce a laminate at most every 40 seconds. Some methods are configured to provide an increase by at least one of a plurality of sets of pressing elements for use in at least one of a preheating step, a combining step, and a cooling step (eg, for requiring a maximum amount of time to achieve a desired result) Processing volume. By way of example, and with additional reference to Figure 26, in some methods, the preheating step includes pressing a stack between a heated fourth press element set 258e and in some instances between a heated fifth press element set 258f. A step 242b. In this manner, although a longer time amount is required to achieve the desired result than the merging step and the cooling step, the preheating step does not unduly limit the amount of system processing. Some embodiments of the method of the present invention for forming a laminate include: (a) applying a first pressure to the stack, applying a heated second press, at least by applying a heated first press element set (e.g., 258a) A component group (eg, 258e) applies a second pressure to the stack to preheat one of the one or more lamination stacks (eg, 22), the second pressure being substantially equal to the first pressure, and (b) at least borrowing Applying a combined pressure greater than the first pressure and the second pressure to the stack by applying a third group of pressing elements (eg, 258b), the stacking is performed, at least one of the third group of pressing elements being at a combined temperature; (c) cooling the stack by applying a cooling pressure greater than one of the first pressure and the second pressure to the stack, at least by using a fourth set of pressing elements (eg, 258c), at least one of the fourth set of pressing elements being Lower than one of the combined temperatures of the cooling temperature. In some methods, the first pressure is approximately zero. 25 bar gauge pressure and approximately 2 bar gauge pressure. In some methods, the combined pressure and/or cooling pressure is between approximately 10 bar gauge and approximately 25 bar gauge. In some methods, at least one of the first group of pressing elements is at a first temperature, and at least one of the second group of pressing elements is at a second temperature, and optionally the second temperature is substantially equal to the first temperature, and In the case, the combined temperature is lower than both the first temperature and the second temperature. Some embodiments of the inventive method for forming a laminate include: (a) preheating one of the stacks of one or more laminations by applying heat to the stack using at least one heat source (eg, 258a) (eg, 22) the heat source is at a first temperature; (b) merging the stack at least by pressing the stack between a first set of press elements (eg, 258b), at least one of the first set of press elements being below the first One of the temperatures combines the temperature; and (c) cools the stack by at least pressing the stack between a second set of press elements (eg, 258c), at least one of which is cooled below one of the combined temperatures temperature. In some methods, the preheating stack includes pressing the stack between a third set of pressing elements (eg, 258a), at least one of which includes a heat source. In some methods, preheating the stack includes applying a first pressure to the stack using the third set of press elements, the merging stack comprising applying a combined pressure greater than the first pressure to the stack using the first set of press elements, and the cooling stack comprises A cooling pressure greater than one of the first pressures is applied to the stack using the second set of pressing elements. In some methods, preheating the stack includes applying a second pressure to the stack using a fourth set of press elements (eg, 258e), at least one of the fourth set of press elements being at a second temperature, wherein The pressure is substantially equal to the first pressure, and wherein the second temperature is substantially equal to the first temperature, as the case may be. In some methods, the first pressure is approximately zero. 25 bar gauge pressure and approximately 2 bar gauge pressure. In some methods, the combined pressure and/or cooling pressure is between approximately 10 bar gauge and approximately 25 bar gauge. In some methods, the first temperature is between approximately 210 ° C and approximately 400 ° C. In some methods, the combined temperature is between approximately 140 ° C and approximately 400 ° C. In some methods, the cooling temperature is between approximately 10 ° C and approximately 50 ° C. In some methods, at least one of the compression elements of at least one of the set of compression elements comprises an elastic layer (eg, 262) that defines at least a portion of one of the compression surfaces (eg, 270, 274a, 274b, and/or the like) of the compression element. ). Some methods include placing the stack on a bottom panel (eg, any of the panels 14a-14o, 140a-140d or a similar panel) and a top panel (eg, any of the panels 14a-14o, 140a-140d or similar) Between the boards). Some embodiments of the method of the present invention include stacking one of the one or more laminations on a backplane (eg, any of the panels 14a-14o, 140a-140d or a similar panel) and a top panel (eg, a panel) Between 14a to 14o, 140a to 140d or a similar plate); at least one of the first group of pressing elements is merged at least by pressing the plate between a first group of pressing elements (eg, 258b) At a combined temperature (eg, any of the combined temperatures described above); and cooling the stack by at least pressing the plate between a second set of press elements (eg, 258c), at least one of the second set of press elements At a cooling temperature below one of the combined temperatures (eg, any of the cooling temperatures described above). In some methods, at least one of the top and bottom plates comprises a layer comprising a metal (eg, metal layer 66), and optionally the metal comprises steel. In some methods, at least one of the top and bottom plates comprises an elastic layer (e.g., 90), and optionally the elastic layer comprises polytetrafluoroethylene, hydrazine, and/or polyimine. In some methods, the elastic layer is a loose elastic layer and the elastic layer is disposed on one of the top and bottom plates as appropriate. In some methods, at least one of the top plate and the bottom plate has a less than approximately 2. One thickness of 0 mm (for example, 130). In some methods, after cooling, the laminate formed by the stack has a thickness of less than approximately 2. One thickness of 0 mm. 27A-27E illustrate an illustration of some of the embodiments of the method of the invention for producing one or more laminates. Reference is made to a system comprising a press 50 and a tool 100a comprising a plate 140a and a plate 140b to illustrate at least some of the following steps; however, the depicted system does not limit the steps, any suitable system may be used (including any of the above described compressions) Any of the machines and tools) to perform their steps. Some embodiments of the method of the present invention include the step of positioning the top plate 140b and the bottom plate 140a between the pressing members 18a and 18b of the press 50. As shown, placement can be performed when one or more stacks (eg, 22) and an elastic layer (eg, 90) of one or more laminations are disposed between the plates 140a and 140b. One or more portions of the elastic layer (eg, 484) may, but need not, extend outwardly between the plates 140a and 140b. Some embodiments of the methods of the present invention comprise a step of combining (several) stacks to form one or more laminates (e.g., 504). The combining may include pressing the plates 140a and 140b between the pressing surfaces 30 of the pressing members 18a and 18b. In some methods, a release agent can be applied to one or more surfaces of the stack (s) to, for example, prevent (several) stacks and plates 140a and/or 140b, elastic layers and/or press elements 18a and/or Or the adhesion between 18b (if contacted with (several) stacks). Some embodiments of the method of the present invention comprise the step of removing the top sheet (e.g., sheet 140b) from the (several) laminate. Referring now to Figures 27B-27C, at least one of the pressing members 18a and 18b can be moved relative to the other to allow access to the top panel. The top plate can then be removed from the (several) laminate using any suitable means (eg, using one or more clamps). Although as shown, the top plate is removed while the tool 100a is placed between the pressing elements 18a and 18b, in some methods the tool can be transported away from the pressing element prior to removal of the top plate (eg, using a conveyor and/or One or more fixtures). Removal of the top panel can be performed via the elastic layer such that the laminate(s) remain disposed on the elastic layer and the elastic layer remains disposed on the bottom panel (eg, panel 140a). To illustrate, the elastic layer can stabilize the laminate(s) by applying a suction on the laminate(s) and the substrate when the topsheet is removed. Some embodiments of the method of the present invention comprise the step of removing the elastic layer and the laminate(s) from the substrate and, if appropriate, transporting the laminate (s) when placed on the elastomeric layer. For purposes of illustration, and with reference to FIG. 27D, the removal of the elastic layer from the bottom plate (along with the number(s) disposed thereon) may be performed by pulling one or more portions (eg, 484) of the elastic layer that are not overlying the bottom plate. Laminate). Some methods include transporting (several) laminates on an elastic layer using, for example, a conveyor and/or one or more clamps. Referring now to Figure 27E, some methods include a step of removing the (s) laminate from the elastic layer. Removing the (s) laminate may include, for example, pulling the elastic layer by at least one of one or more portions of the elastic layer that are not underlying the laminate(s) The (several) laminate peels off the elastic layer. Instance The invention will be described in more detail by way of specific examples. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize a variety of non-critical parameters that can be altered or modified to produce substantially the same results. Example 1 Table 1 contains the laminates produced using the examples of the process of the invention and the parameters used to produce the laminates. Table 1: Laminates produced using examples of the method of the invention Example 2 An embodiment of the method of the invention was used to produce a laminate. Figure 28 is a graph showing one of stack temperature versus time during the generation of laminate. During time period 334, the stack is preheated by pressing the stack between the first set of press elements at one of temperatures of approximately 230 °C. The time period 338 is the period during which the stack is transferred to a second group of pressing elements for merging. During time period 342, the stack is pressed between sets of second press elements at a temperature of approximately 170 °C. The stack is transferred to a third group of pressing elements for cooling during time period 346. During the time period 350, the stack is pressed between the third set of pressing elements at room temperature. Example 3 A simulation was performed for each of the following to compare the thermal and mechanical response of the panels in forming a laminate: (1) a "plate" (Fig. 30A); (2) a plate 140a (Fig. 30B); 3) One plate with a curved edge (a "curved plate") (Fig. 30C). Each of the panels includes a central region having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, two tabs extending from the first lateral edge, and two tabs extending from the second lateral edge. Also, the panels are similarly sized, wherein if one of the first of the panels is placed on top of one of the other of the other of the panels, the openings of the tabs of the first panel may be The openings of the tabs of the second panel are simultaneously aligned. In addition, each of the panels includes SAE 304 stainless steel. The main differences between the boards are described below. For plate 140a, the size of the central region closely matches the size of heating plate 508 (described below). On the other hand, the central area of each of the flat plate and the curved plate is significantly larger than the size of the heating plate 508. In the case of a smaller central region, for the plate 140a, the lateral distance between the outermost edges of the tabs is greater than the width of the central region, and for each of the flat and curved panels, the outermost of the tabs The lateral distance between the edges is equal to the width of the central region. Both the plate 140a and the plate are flat, but the longitudinal edges of the curved plate are curved to define a flange that extends along its central region and the tab. Finally, the plates 140a and the plates each have a thickness of 1 mm, and the curved plates have a thickness of 0.5 mm. Figure 29 illustrates the boundary conditions for each of the simulations. Although boundary conditions are depicted for the plate 140a, the same boundary conditions are used for the flat plate and the curved plate. A heating plate 508 having a constant temperature of 245 ° C contacts the tool plate and transfers heat to the tool plate. For one of the isolation regions 512 around the heating plate 508, heat cannot be added to or lost from the tool plate. Outside the isolation region 512, the portion containing the tabs allows for convective and radiant heat transfer. In the case where the tool plate contacts the heating plate 508 and an isolation region 512, the out-of-plane displacement of the tool plate (eg, the presence of the molded press and laminate) is prevented, and outside the isolation region 512, the plate is allowed to be in-plane. And out-of-plane displacement. For each of the boards, a steady state solution was calculated for each of three different conditions, as set forth in Table 2. Table 2: Environmental conditions The thermal response of each of the panels is depicted: (1) for Condition 1, in Figures 30A through 30C; (2) for Condition 2, in Figures 31A through 31C; and (3) for Condition 3, in Figure 32A To Figure 32C. In each of these figures, the temperature scale is in °C. For each of the conditions, the plate 140a has a more uniform temperature distribution in its central region than the temperature distribution in either of the flat plate and the curved plate in its central region. This is due to the fact that the central region of the plate 140a has a size that more closely matches the size of the heating plate 508. Also driven by the size of its central region, the temperature gradient in the plate 140a is more aligned with the length of the plate than the temperature gradient of the plate and the curved plate, and each of the flat plate and the curved plate has a direction in its larger central region. The temperature gradient of the inner pointing (both in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction). Due to these differences in temperature gradients, in the region where the tabs extend from the central region, the temperature is lower for the flat plate and the curved plate relative to the plate 140a. Mechanical response of each of the panels: (1) for Condition 1, in Figures 33A to 33C; (2) for Condition 2, in Figures 34A to 34C; and (3) for Condition 3, in Figure 35A To Figure 35C. For each of these figures, the scale is in megapascals (MPa). As shown, the central region of the plate and the curved plate has a greater concentration of stress (in both size and magnitude) than in the central region of the plate 140a. Table 3 provides the maximum stress for each of the various conditions. Table 3: Maximum stress (von Mises) As indicated, the stress in the plate 140a is lower than in either of the flat plate and the curved plate. This may be due to the fact that the flat plate and the curved plate each have a large central area across which the temperature of the plate changes and the central area is relatively constrained by the geometry of the plate and the press. On the other hand, in the plate 140a, temperature changes are concentrated in the tabs, which are relatively unconstrained by extending outward from the plate and outside the press. Example 4 The simulations in Example 3 were repeated for condition 140 (Fig. 36B) and plate 140d (Fig. 36C) under Condition 3 (Table 2), and the results were compared with the results for plate 140a under Condition 3 above. 36A, which is the same as FIG. 32B). The similar plates 140a, plates 140c and 140d each comprise SAE 304 stainless steel and have a thickness of 1 mm. Figures 36A-36C depict the thermal response of each of the panels, and Figures 37A-37C depict the mechanical response of each of the panels. From the thermal response, the temperature distribution in the plates is similar, each being substantially uniform throughout the central region, with temperature variations concentrated in the tabs. Correspondingly, the mechanical response of the board is similar. However, compared to the plate 140a, the stress concentration is smaller in magnitude for the plates 140c and 140d, which may be attributed to the fact that the plates 140c and 140d each have a larger radius corner than the edge of the plate 140a. . These minor stresses are demonstrated in Table 4, and Table 4 contains the maximum stress for each of the panels. Table 4: Maximum stress (von Mises) The displacement of the plate 140c is also calculated. These displacements are shown in Figures 38A-38D: (1) Figure 38A depicts the total displacement; (2) Figure 38B depicts the displacement in the x-direction; (3) Figure 38C depicts the displacement in the z-direction; and (4) Figure 38D depicts the displacement in the y direction. For each of these figures, the x, z, and y directions are as indicated in the figure, and the scale is in mm. Although the x-displacement and the z-displacement are on the order of mm, the y-displacement is on the order of micrometers (μm) or less. Thus, the out-of-plane displacement of the plate 140c is minimal; this is advantageous, at least because such out-of-plane displacement may result in the use of a sheet to form an out-of-plane deformation of one of the laminates. The x-displacement, z-displacement, and y-displacement (labeled in Figure 38A) at opening 178a and at opening 178b are included in Table 5. Table 5: Displacement at openings 178a and 178b By way of illustration, FIG. 39A shows the plate 140c in an undisplaced state, and FIG. 39B shows the plate in an exaggerated displacement state in which the displacement is scaled up by a factor of 200. The portion outside the tab that is cooler than the inner portion of the tab and the central region experiences a smaller displacement than the inner portion and the central region of the tab. Example 5 To investigate the effect of thickness and material on board performance, a simulation using Condition 3 (Table 2) in Example 3 was repeated for the following: (1) A plate that is otherwise similar to the plate of Example 3, but with 2 One thickness of mm; and (2) a plate 140a comprising aluminum instead of SAE 304 stainless steel. Figures 40A and 40B depict the thermal response of these panels (temperature in °C), and Figures 41A and 41B depict the mechanical response (stress in MPa) for such panels. Show increasing plate thickness to promote uniformity of temperature distribution. To illustrate, for thicker plates (Fig. 40A), the tabs are generally hotter, closer to the temperature of the portion of the tool plate that is in contact with the heater plate 508, as compared to the thinner plate (Fig. 32A). See also the corresponding reduction in plate stress (compare Figure 41A for thicker plates versus Figure 35A for thinner plates). The maximum stress in thicker and thinner plates is included in Table 6. Table 6: Maximum stress (von Mises) The effect of the steering material on the board performance, when the SAE 304 stainless steel of the plate 140a was replaced with aluminum, the temperature distribution uniformity was greatly improved (compare Fig. 40B and Fig. 32B) together with the plate stress reduction (compare Fig. 41B and Fig. 35B). ). For illustration, the maximum stress in the aluminum plate 140a and in the SAE 304 stainless steel plate 140a is provided in Table 7. Table 7: Maximum stress (von Mises) Example 6 The simulation in Example 3 was repeated for condition 140 and for plate 140c and plate 140d, except that heating plate 508 had a constant temperature of 400 ° C instead of 245 ° C. Figure 42 depicts the thermal response of plate 140c, where the temperature is in °C, and Figures 43A and 43B depict the mechanical response of plates 140c and 140d, respectively, with stress in MPa. As expected, the elevated temperature of the heater plate 508 results in greater temperature variations and stresses in the two plates. In Figures 43A and 43B, indicated in red, each of the plates exceeds its yield stress (240 MPa for SAE 304 stainless steel) with its tabs attached to its central region. The maximum stress in the two plates is contained in Table 8. Table 8: Maximum stress (von Mises) It is also determined that the plate 140c will have a residual stress of 50 MPa (depicted in Figure 44) if allowed to cool to room temperature. The above description and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of the illustrative embodiments. While the invention has been described with respect to the specific embodiments of the embodiments of the invention Thus, the various illustrative embodiments of the methods and systems are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. The present invention includes all modifications and alternatives that fall within the scope of the invention, and embodiments other than the one shown may include some or all of the features of the depicted embodiments. For example, elements may be omitted or combined into a unitary structure, and/or the connections may be replaced. Moreover, where appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above can be combined with any of the other examples described to form comparable or different properties and/or functions, and Further examples of the same or different problems. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the benefits and advantages described above may be related to one embodiment or may be related to several embodiments. The scope of the invention is not intended to be inclusive, and is not intended to be construed as a s The steps of ... clearly state this limitation.

10a‧‧‧ Tools

10b‧‧‧ Tools

10c‧‧ Tools

10d‧‧‧ tools

10e‧‧ Tools

14a‧‧‧ board

14b‧‧‧ board

14c‧‧‧ board

14d‧‧‧ board

14e‧‧‧ board

14f‧‧‧ board

14g‧‧‧ board

14h‧‧‧ board

14i‧‧‧ board

14j‧‧‧ board

14k‧‧‧ first board

14l‧‧‧ second board

14m‧‧‧ first board

14n‧‧‧second board

14o‧‧‧ board

18a‧‧‧Compressed components

18b‧‧‧Compressed components

18c‧‧‧Compressed components

18d‧‧‧Compressed components

22‧‧‧Stacking

26‧‧‧Ontology

30‧‧‧Suppressed surface

34‧‧‧Electric heating elements

38‧‧‧Internal access

50‧‧‧ Press

54‧‧‧Actuator

66‧‧‧metal layer

70‧‧‧ upper surface

74‧‧‧ lower surface

78‧‧‧thickness

90‧‧‧elastic layer

94‧‧‧ Surface area

98‧‧‧ Surface area

100a‧‧ Tools

102‧‧‧ length

106‧‧‧Width

110‧‧‧ thickness

118‧‧‧ fiber

122a‧‧‧First fiber group

122b‧‧‧second fiber group

126a‧‧‧First direction

126b‧‧‧second direction

130‧‧‧ thickness

138a‧‧‧ laminated

138b‧‧‧ laminated

138c‧‧‧ laminated

138d‧‧‧ laminated

138e‧‧‧ laminated

138f‧‧‧ laminated

138g‧‧‧ laminated

138h‧‧‧ laminated

138i‧‧‧ laminated

138j‧‧‧ laminated

140a‧‧‧ board

140b‧‧‧ board

140c‧‧‧ board

140d‧‧‧ board

142‧‧‧Fiber

142a‧‧‧First fiber group

142b‧‧‧Second fiber group

146‧‧‧Material materials

150‧‧‧ Direction

154a‧‧‧First direction

154b‧‧‧second direction

158‧‧‧Minimum angle

162‧‧‧Minimum angle

174‧‧‧1

178‧‧‧ openings

178a‧‧‧ openings

178b‧‧‧ openings

180‧‧‧ angle

Section 182‧‧‧

186‧‧‧End effector

190‧‧‧ distal

194a‧‧‧First fork

194b‧‧‧Second fork

198‧‧‧ transverse dimensions

202‧‧‧Protruding

206‧‧‧ recess

214‧‧‧ convex

218‧‧‧ recess

220‧‧‧ openings

234‧‧‧elastic layer

242‧‧‧Steps

242a‧‧‧Steps

242b‧‧‧Steps

246‧‧‧Steps

250‧‧‧ steps

254a‧‧‧ system

254b‧‧‧ system

258a‧‧‧Compact component group / heat source

258b‧‧‧Compact component group

258c‧‧‧Compact component group

258d‧‧‧Compact component group

258e‧‧‧Compact component group

258f‧‧‧Compact component group

262‧‧‧Elastic layer

270‧‧‧Part I

274a‧‧‧Part II

274b‧‧‧ Part II

278‧‧‧Closed direction

282‧‧‧ angle

290‧‧‧Conveyor

294a‧‧‧Conveyor

294b‧‧‧Conveyor

298‧‧‧Conveyor belt

302‧‧‧roll

314‧‧‧Conveyor belt

318‧‧‧ first floor

322‧‧‧ second floor

334‧‧‧Mechanical arm/time period

338‧‧‧ time period

342‧‧ ‧ time period

346‧‧ ‧ time period

350‧‧ ‧ time period

400a‧‧‧ line

400b‧‧‧ line

404‧‧‧Central area

408‧‧‧ first lateral edge

410‧‧‧second lateral edge

412‧‧‧Width

416‧‧‧ length

420‧‧‧Width

424‧‧‧ length

428‧‧‧distance

432‧‧‧ distance

436‧‧‧ outermost edge

440‧‧‧ outermost edge

444‧‧‧Part 1

448‧‧‧Part II

452‧‧‧Part III

456‧‧‧ first opening

460‧‧‧ second opening

464‧‧‧3rd opening/edge part

468‧‧‧fourth opening/inner edge

472‧‧‧ distance

476‧‧‧Width

480‧‧‧ length

Section 484‧‧‧

486‧‧‧ protruding parts

488‧‧‧Width

492‧‧‧ length

496‧‧‧heating area

500‧‧‧Insulation

504‧‧‧Lamination

508‧‧‧heating plate

512‧‧‧Isolated area

A patent or application file contains at least one color graphic. A copy of this patent or patent application publication with (several) color graphics will be provided by the Patent Office upon payment of the request and the necessary fee. The following figures are illustrated by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, each feature of a given structure is always labeled in every figure in which the structure appears. The same component symbols do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. In fact, the same element symbols may be used to indicate a similar feature or one of the features of similar functionality, which may be the same for different component symbols. Figure 1 depicts a first embodiment of one of the inventive tools for pressing a stack of one or more laminations, shown as being disposed between the pressing elements of a press. 2A and 2B are a plan view and a bottom view, respectively, of one of the tools of FIG. 1. Figure 2C is a cross-sectional side view of the panel of Figures 2A and 2B taken along line 2C-2C of Figure 2A. Figure 3 is a top plan view of one of the elastic layers that may be suitable for use in some embodiments of the tool of the present invention. 4A through 4D are cross-sectional side views of the panels, which may be suitable for use in some embodiments of the tool of the present invention. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of one of the tools of Figure 1 shown coupled to one of a stack of one or more laminations. 6A and 6B are, respectively, a bottom view and a top view, respectively, of a panel that may be suitable for use in some embodiments of the tool of the present invention. Figure 6C is an enlarged, scaled view of one of the tabs of the panels of Figures 6A and 6B. Figure 7 is a top plan view of one of the panels that may be suitable for use in some embodiments of the tool of the present invention. Figure 8A is a top plan view of one of the panels of some embodiments of the tool of the present invention. Figure 8B is an enlarged, scaled view of one of the tabs of the panel of Figure 8A. Figure 9A is a top plan view of one of the panels of Figures 6A through 6C with an elastic layer disposed thereon. Figure 9B is a top plan view of the panel of Figure 9A and the elastic layer having one or more of the laminations disposed on the elastomeric layer. Figure 9C is a cross-sectional side view of one of the plates, elastic layers and stack of Figure 9B (taken along line 9C-9C of Figure 9B) with the other plate positioned such that the stack is placed between the plates. Figure 10 shows the panels of Figures 6A through 6C positioned on a pressing surface of a press. Figure 11 is an exploded view of one of a stack of one or more laminations that may be pressed using some embodiments of the tool of the present invention. Figure 12 depicts a laminate that may be included in one of a stack of one or more laminations. 13A and 13B are top and side views, respectively, of a third embodiment of the inventive tool including tabs that facilitate coupling the plates of the tool together. 14A and 14B depict a fourth embodiment of one of the inventive tools comprising tabs that facilitate coupling the plates of the tool together. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional side view of one of the tabs that may be included in some embodiments of the tool of the present invention. 16A and 16B depict one method of some embodiments for handling a tool of the present invention. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional side view of a fifth embodiment of one of the tools of the present invention comprising a projection(s) and a plurality of recesses for coupling the plates of the tool together. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional side view of a sixth embodiment of one of the tools of the present invention for forming a laminate having a non-planar portion. Figure 19 is a top plan view of one of the panels that may be suitable for use in some of the tools of the present invention, the panel comprising openings for mitigating the deformation of the panel due to thermal expansion. Figure 20 depicts one method for pressing two or more stacks of one or more laminations using one embodiment of the tool of the present invention. 21 depicts an embodiment of the method of the present invention for forming a laminate by preheating one of a stack of one or more laminations, combining and stacking using a first press element, and cooling the stack using a second set of press elements . Figure 22 depicts a first embodiment of the inventive system for forming a laminate that can be used to implement some of the methods of Figure 21. 23 is a cross-sectional side view of one of the sets of compression elements that may be suitable for use in some embodiments of the methods and/or systems of the present invention. Figure 24 is a side elevational view of one of the conveyors of one of the stacks of one or more laminations (e.g., between groups of pressing elements) that may be suitable for use in some embodiments of the methods and/or systems of the present invention. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional side view of one of the conveyor belts of one of the stacks of one or more laminations (e.g., between groups of pressing elements) that may be suitable for use in some embodiments of the method and/or system of the present invention. The conveyor belt comprises a layer, at least a portion of which is configured to become part of a laminate formed during the stacking of the stack. Figure 26 depicts a second embodiment of a system of the invention for forming a laminate that can be used to implement some of the methods of Figure 21. 27A-27E illustrate an embodiment of the method of the present invention for producing one or more laminates comprising: (1) placing one or more stacks of one or more laminations on a top plate of a tool Between the bottom plate and the elastic layer disposed between the stack and the bottom plate; (2) combining (several) stacks by at least pressing the plate with a press (Fig. 27A); from (several) layers The press removes the top plate without removing the laminate(s) from the elastic layer or removing the elastic layer from the bottom plate (Fig. 27C); and (3) removing the elastic layer from the bottom plate without removing (several) from the elastic layer Laminate (Fig. 27D). Figure 28 is a graph of stack temperature versus time during the production of a laminate using an embodiment of the method of the present invention. Figure 29 illustrates the boundary conditions for the simulation of the heating of the panel when a panel is used to form a laminate. 30A to 32C each show a steady state temperature of a plate when used to form a laminate, wherein each of the drawing numbers 30, 31 and 32 corresponds to a respective condition group, and each drawing letter corresponds to a respective plate: A corresponds to In a "flat plate"; B corresponds to the plate of FIGS. 6A to 6C; and C corresponds to a plate having a curved edge (a "curved plate"). Figures 33A through 35C show the steady state stresses of the plates and conditions of Figures 30A through 32C, respectively. Figures 36A-36C show the steady state temperatures of the panels of Figures 6A-6C, the panels of Figure 7, and the panels of Figures 8A and 8B, respectively, used to form a laminate under the same conditions. 37A to 37C show the steady-state stresses of the plates and conditions of Figs. 36A to 36C, respectively. Figures 38A-38D show steady state displacement (total displacement and displacement in the x, z, and y directions, respectively) of a plate when used to form a laminate. Figures 39A and 39B show one of the plates in an undisplaced state (Figure 39A) and in one of the (amplified) shifted states (Figure 39B). Figure 40A shows the steady state temperature of one of the plates under the conditions of Figure 32A, which is otherwise similar to the plate of Figure 32A but thicker. Figure 40B shows the steady state temperature of one of the plates under the conditions of Figure 32B, which is otherwise similar to the plate of Figure 32B but including a different material. Figure 41A shows the steady state stress of the plate and conditions of Figure 40A. Figure 41B shows the steady state stress of the plate and conditions of Figure 40B. Figure 42 shows the steady state temperature of the panel of Figure 36B, otherwise similar to the conditions of Figure 36B but with conditions applied to one of the plates at a higher temperature. Figure 43A shows the steady state stress of the plate and conditions of Figure 42. Figure 43B shows the steady state stress of the panel of Figure 36C, otherwise similar to the condition of Figure 36C but with conditions applied to one of the plates at a higher temperature. Figure 44 shows the residual stress of the panel of Figure 43A used to form a laminate under conditions of Figure 43A and then allowed to cool to room temperature.

Claims (15)

A method for producing one or more laminates, the method comprising: placing one or more stacks of one or more laminations between a top and bottom plates of a tool and disposed on the bottom plate On an elastic layer, the arrangement is such that for each of the stacks: each of the plates is underlying or overlying the stack; and the elastic layer is underlying the stack; at least Combining the plates by pressing the plates between the pressed surfaces of a press to produce one or more laminates; and removing the (etc.) layers between the plates by at least Press: (a) removing the top plate from the (etc.) laminate without removing or removing the elastic layer from the elastic layer; and (b) from the bottom plate The elastic layer is removed without removing the (etc.) laminate from the elastic layer. The method of claim 1, wherein: after the stacking is performed, one or more portions of the elastic layer are not overlaid on the bottom plate; and removing the elastic layer from the bottom plate includes by the (etc.) At least one of the elastic layer portions pulls the elastic layer. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein: each of the panels comprises: a central region; and a tab extending outwardly from an edge of the central region; after placing the (etc.) stack, Each of the panels, at least a portion of each of the tabs is neither overlying nor underlying the elastic layer; and the method includes using one of at least one coupled to the tab portions A conveyor or one or more fixtures to transport the (etc.) stack. The method of claim 3, wherein: the central region is rectangular and has: a length; a width; and a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge; both of the tabs are outwardly from the first lateral edge Extending, and both of the tabs extend outwardly from the second lateral edge; for the plurality of tabs extending from the same one of the lateral edges, the outermost edges of the tabs One of the widths between the widths parallel to the central region is at least 5% greater than the width of the central region; and for the plurality of tabs extending from different ones of the lateral edges, One of the distances between the outermost edges of the tabs parallel to the central region is at least 20% greater than the length of the central region. The method of claim 1 or 2, which comprises peeling the elastic layer from the (etc.) laminate. The method of claim 5, wherein: after arranging the (equal) stack, one or more portions of one of the elastic layers are not underlying the stack, and stripping the elastic layer includes The elastic layer is pulled by at least one of the (equal) elastic layer portions. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic layer comprises polytetrafluoroethylene, hydrazine, and/or polyimine. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic layer has a thickness of less than approximately 3.0 millimeters (mm). The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plates has a thickness of less than approximately 2.0 mm. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the (etc.) laminates has a thickness of less than approximately 2.0 mm. A system for pressing one or more stacks of one or more laminations, the system comprising: a tool comprising a shape configured to be disposed on one or more of the one or more laminations a top plate and a bottom plate on opposite sides, each of the plates having: a central region overlying or underlying the stack when the stack is placed between the plates; a sheet extending outwardly from an edge of the central region and configured to be coupled to a conveyor or one or more clamps to move the panel; and an elastic layer configured to be disposed on the top panel and the Between (or) between stacks or between the bottom plate and the (etc.) stack; wherein the elastic layer is sized to be disposed between the plates such that for each of the plates: the elasticity The layer is overlaid or underlying at least 90% of the central region; one or more portions of the elastic layer are neither overlying nor underlying the plate; and at least a portion of each of the segments The elastic layer is not overlaid nor underneath. The system of claim 11, wherein for each of the panels, the central region is rectangular and has: a length; a width; and a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The system of claim 12, wherein the elastic layer has: a width that is at least 5% greater than the width of the central region of each of the panels; and/or a length that is greater than each of the panels The length of the central region is at least 5% greater. The system of claim 12 or 13, wherein for each of the panels: both of the tabs extend outwardly from the first lateral edge, and the two of the tabs are from the second lateral direction Extending outwardly from the edge; for the plurality of tabs extending from the same one of the lateral edges, one of the width measurements between the outermost edges of the tabs parallel to the central region The distance is at least 5% greater than the width of the central region; and for the plurality of tabs extending from different ones of the lateral edges, the outermost edges of the tabs are parallel to the center One of the length measurements of the region is at least 20% greater than the length of the central region. The system of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the elastic layer comprises polytetrafluoroethylene, hydrazine and/or polyimine.