Patent ID: 8108982

Claim:
A tool for forming an article in a molding operation comprising: a tool body formed from a first non-particulate material; and a particulate material bonded to the tool body; wherein the tool body, the tool body and the particulate material, or the particulate material provide a forming surface for forming the article; wherein the particulate material, or the particulate material and the tool body collectively provide a duct for conveying a fluid for a transfer of heat with the forming surface through the tool body and the duct during a molding operation; wherein the tool further comprises a heat transfer material mounted to the tool body and the particulate material, spaced apart from the forming surface, the heat transfer material having a coefficient of thermal conductivity that is greater than that of the first material and the particulate material; and wherein the heat transfer material and the particulate material, or the heat transfer material, the particulate material and the tool body collectively provide the duct for conveying a fluid for a transfer of heat with the forming surface through the tool body and the heat transfer material during the molding operation.