1. A method of forming a material into a predetermined shape comprising the steps of: establishing relative motion between the material and a transition surface through which the material passes; imparting cross-sectional dimensions to the material as the material passes through the transition surface, the cross-sectional dimensions conforming to those of the predetermined shape; varying, as the material passes through the transition surface, at least one of the group of variables consisting of the cross-sectional dimensions of the material, the rates-of-change of the cross-sectional dimensions of the material, the rates of movement of the material relative to the transition surface, the differential rates of movement of the material relative to the transition surface, the instantaneous angles of movement of the material relative to the transition surface, and the instantaneous differential angles of movement of the material relative to the tradition surface; abruptly stabilizing the material substantially as it achieves the desired cross-section and angle of movement through the transition surface so that the material, as it is stabilized, becomes an addition to a stabilized portion of the formed shape; and controlling the position, orientation, and velocity of the formed shape relative to the transition surface.