| abstract |
A method and a device are disclosed wherein a shrinkable polymer material is formed in situ in a mold without defects and with no internal stresses. A monomer or polymer solution is injected into the mold and solidified sequentially through the mold by exposure to an agent such as ultraviolet radiation, with simultaneous addition of monomer or polymer solution into the area of the mold not yet exposed to the solidifying agent. By controlling the rate at which the solidifying agent is moved across the mold and the monomer or polymer solution is injected into the mold, the resulting product completely fills the mold and is stressfree. |