Method for microforming microstructured films and lenses
AssigneeEssilor International
InventorsAhmed DRAMMEH, Zbigniew TOKARSKI, Aref JALLOULI
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Abstract
A method of forming an optical element includes providing a forming insert in a thermoforming apparatus, the forming insert including a plurality of microstructures formed on a forming surface of the forming insert; heating the forming insert to a first predetermined temperature; disposing an element comprised of a polymer material in the thermoforming apparatus and in contact with the forming surface of the forming insert; and thermoforming, via the forming surface of the forming insert, the element, the molded element having microstructures formed on a surface thereof.
Claims15
A method of forming an optical element, comprising:
- providing a forming insert in a thermoforming apparatus, the forming insert including a plurality of microstructures formed on a forming surface of the forming insert;
- heating the forming insert to a first predetermined temperature;
- disposing an element comprised of a polymer material in the thermoforming apparatus and in contact with the forming surface of the forming insert;
- and
- thermoforming, via the forming surface of the forming insert, the element, the thermoformed element having microstructures formed on a surface thereof.
A thermoforming apparatus, comprising:
- a forming insert including a plurality of microstructures formed on a forming surface thereof;
- a heating element heating the forming insert to a first predetermined temperature;
- and
- a pressure system, a vacuum system, and/or mechanical force system that supports thermoforming of an element to form microstructures on a surface thereof by applying a pressure, a vacuum suction and/or a mechanical force to an element in contact with the forming surface of the forming insert.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.