a composite article having large scale predictable dimensional stability comprises a metal foil backing having adhered thereto a layer of cured polymer having an exposed surface bearing a three - dimensional microstructure of precisely shaped and located functional discontinuities . the article is made by depositing a layer of a radiation curable composition onto a metal foil backing , contacting a master with a pattern capable of imparting a three - dimensional microstructure of precisely shaped and located functional discontinuities into the layer of radiation curable composition , while the layer of radiation curable composition is in contact with the master , exposing the curable composition to radiation to cure the composition , and separating the cured polymer layer on the metal foil backing from the surface of the master . either the metal foil backing or the master may be radiation transmissive .