Optical disk molding apparatus and method

A method for removing an optical disk from a molding apparatus, wherein

• the molding apparatus includes
• (i) a first mold and a second mold defining a cavity therebetween, and
• (ii) a stamper within the cavity, the stamper having data to be transferred to material that is to be molded into the optical disk within the cavity, and
• the material is molded into the optical disk within the cavity when the first and second molds are in a closed position such that the stamper becomes attached to the optical disk, said method comprising:
• relatively moving said first and second molds away from said closed position by a first distance such that a first release space part is formed by causing a first part of said optical disk to be separated from one of said first mold and said stamper;
• supplying a gas to said first release space part such that said optical disk becomes completely separated from said one of said first mold and said stamper;
• then
• further relatively moving said first and second molds away from said closed position by a second distance such that a second release space part is formed by causing a second part of said optical disk to be separated from the other of said first mold and said stamper, wherein a sum of said first distance and said second distance is about 0.3 mm;
• and
• supplying a gas to said second release space part such that said optical disk becomes completely separated from said other of said first mold and said stamper.