Device and method for surface replication

A flaw replication device remotely operable for obtaining a replica of a surface, comprising:

• (a) a replicating plate having side walls that define an enclosure having an open end, said replicating plate being movable between a retracted position and an extended position at which the side walls of the replicating plate are in contact with said surface through which the enclosure is closed;
• (b) a replicating material housing for receiving a curable thixotropic replicating material;
• (c) an extrusion piston slidably received within said replicating material housing and movable between a rearward position and a forward dispensing position;
• (d) a tube providing fluid communication between the enclosure defined by the side walls in said replicating plate and the replicating material housing;
• and
• (e) an actuator operatively coupled to the tube between the replicating plate and the replicating material housing for delivering stress waves to the replicating material during injection and delivery to the surface,
• whereby when said replicating plate is in said extended position, movement of said extrusion piston to said forward dispensing position causes replicating material contained within said replicating material housing to be dispensed through said tube into said enclosure formed by said replicating plate and into contact with said surface, and whereby delivery of said stress waves by said actuator to said replicating material reduces the viscosity of said replicating material during injection and delivery to the surface.