Three-dimensional composites use fiber preforms constructed from yarns or tows arranged into complex three-dimensional structures. Compression molding used preforms made by an extruder/wink cutter or a roller die/die cutter. In preparation of compression molding baby nipples and golf ball centers the preforms were extruded. Pastes have to contain smooth spherical particles, preforms are ideally made of round wire. Fibre preforms are how the fibres are manufactured before being bonded to the matrix. The use of foils and preforms reduces waste and enhances manufacturing efficiency. The TFP technology allows the fabrication of preforms tailored for specific composite components or reinforcements. Some preforms are also used in diodes, rectifiers, optoelectronic devices and components packaging. It is simple to use foils and preforms at automatic production and assembling steps. This temperature independence allows thicker fiber preforms and larger product geometries to be economical. Flux-coated preforms can also be used to eliminate flux residue entirely from the soldering process. Subsequently, tapes, parts and preforms can be made by e.g. slitting, cutting, stamping and etching. Consequently, before consolidation, tufted preforms are not easier to handle than unreinforced ones. Parle Agro also diversified into production of PET preforms (semi-finished bottles) in 1996. Sometimes, stone "preforms" are used.