Described are methods of making microstructured articles employing a transfer apparatus. The adjustable seal apparatus includes a seal mechanism for creating a gas-tight seal between the shaft of the mixing apparatus and the wall of the vessel and an adjustable mounting mechanism for selectively positioning the shaft in a desired orientation. The latching ridges are formed in the outer surface of the portion of the mandrel that is between the head and breakable portion thereof, so as to be diagonal relative to the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the mandrel and to cross each other, with the peaks thereof formed in a twill pattern protruding out from the outer surface of that mandrel portion.