Methods and systems for mold releases
Assigneee-Vision Smart Optics, Inc.
InventorAnthony VAN HEUGTEN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Molding optical components with fine (e.g., micron-scale) features from optical adhesive or polymer can be difficult because the optical components often stick to the mold. If the component sticks to the mold, then either the component or the mold may be damaged or destroyed as the component is removed from the mold. This damage can be reduced or avoided altogether by illuminating the interface between the component and the mold with ultraviolet (UV) light before releasing the component from the mold. The UV light reduces the adhesive forces that cause the component and the mold to stick together, making it easier to remove the component from mold without damaging either the mold or the component.
Claims20
A method of forming a molded component using a transparent mold and a molding material, the method comprising:
- disposing the molding material in the transparent mold;
- hardening the molding material in the transparent mold so as to form the molded component;
- illuminating at least a portion of an interface between a surface of the molded component and the mold so as to reduce adhesion between the surface of the molded component and the transparent mold;
- and
- releasing the molded component from the transparent mold.
A method of forming a Fresnel lens, the method comprising:
- disposing a polymer within a mold, the mold defining a surface of the Fresnel lens;
- curing the polymer within the mold so as to form the Fresnel lens;
- illuminating at least a portion of an interface between a surface of the Fresnel lens and the mold with ultraviolet light so as to reduce adhesion between the surface of the Fresnel lens and the mold;
- and
- releasing the Fresnel lens from the mold.
A molded optical component comprising:
- a hardened adhesive material having a surface at least partially ablated by ultraviolet radiation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.