Methods of making microstructured lamina and apparatus

A method of assembling lamina comprising:

• providing a lamina comprising a microstructured edge;
• kinematically positioning individual lamina in a fixture forming a stack;
• and
• maintaining the position of the laminae in the stack.

A method of making a lamina comprising:

• providing at least two sheets, each having two major surfaces;
• machining the major surfaces of the sheets to a uniform thickness;
• assembling the sheets into a stack;
• and
• cutting two or more laminae concurrently from the stack.

A method of replicating a master mold comprising:

• providing a stack of laminae in a fixture wherein the stack comprises an exposed microstructured surface;
• attaching a conductive coversheet to the stack such that the microstructured surface is exposed;
• and
• electroforming the exposed surface with an electroplating solution forming a replica.

A fixture for lamina comprising:

• two opposing parallel surfaces connected by a perpendicular base support, said surfaces having an adjustable opening therebetween;
• a means for retracting and advancing at least one of the opposing surfaces for receipt of a lamina;
• and
• a means for kinematically positioning individual lamina.

A method of machining lamina comprising:

• providing a lamina;
• kinematically positioning the lamina in a fixture such that a surface of the lamina is exposed;
• and
• machining the surface of the lamina.