US Patent 7325488 Method of pressing a ceramic stacked layer structure

A pressing device and a pressing method, wherein the method includes the steps of accommodating a stacked layer structure in a recess in a die body, and pressing the stacked layer structure in the recess of the die body between a bottom plate of the die body that forms a bottom wall of the recess and a top die, while laterally supporting sides or side walls of the die body that form side walls of the recess. The pressing device includes a die body which is small, light, and easy to handle, and also includes thrust mechanisms for laterally positioning the die body. The thrust mechanisms also laterally support the side walls of the die body when a stacked layer structure in the recess of the die body is pressed between the bottom plate of the die body and a top die. The pressing method makes it possible to press a ceramic stacked layer structure efficiently using the small and light die body.