Open-face molding

An open-face molding apparatus for use in open-face injection molding operations to more accurately control the thickness of coatings applied to workpiece surfaces of slightly varying contour profiles;

• the apparatus comprising:
• a rigid tool backing;
• a conformable tool face carried by the rigid tool backing;
• a perimeter seal configured to seal the conformable tool face around its perimeter to a workpiece surface, the conformable tool face and perimeter seal being configured to define a mold cavity together with the workpiece surface;
• and
• an array of actuators connected between the rigid tool backing and the conformable tool face and configured to deflect corresponding portions of the conformable tool face relative to the rigid tool backing to provide a desired tool face contour and desired spacings between the conformable tool face and the workpiece surface.