Pressing

Pressing consists of compressing one or more elements together, in the same way as for gluing several elements together, with or without holding them in compression for a given time.  Pressing can also be used to modify the elastic potential energy of a system in order to achieve assembly under stress, as when compressing springs in a specific assembly.

Pressing can also be used to create a defined shape (mold) by compressing a specific set of materials (organic, mineral, etc.) with sufficient power. This type of use comes into play for applications such as soap forming, for example.

Pressing also enables elements to be compacted (e.g. compacting powder, chips, etc.).