Method for engraving code patterns in a solid piece's tool surface

A method for engraving a solid piece's tool surface with a plurality of code patterns of structures, wherein the plurality of code patterns comprises

• a first code pattern comprising first structures with lateral sizes and pitches each in a range of 20 to 500 μm;
• a second code pattern comprising second structures with lateral sizes and pitches each in a range of 1 to 20 μm;
• and
• a third code pattern comprising third structures with lateral sizes and pitches each in a range of 0.2 to 5 μm;
• the method comprising
• providing a virgin base surface on the solid piece's tool surface;
• polishing the virgin base surface to obtain a polished base surface;
• depositing a hard layer on the polished base surface;
• engraving the third code pattern in the hard layer;
• the method being characterized in that it further comprises
• engraving the first code pattern before the step of depositing the hard layer and
• engraving the second code pattern through the hard layer into the polished base surface.

An embossing tool with a plurality of code patterns as embossing structures, wherein the plurality of code patterns comprises

• a first code pattern comprising first structures with lateral sizes and pitches each in a range of 20 to 500 μm;
• a second code pattern comprising second structures with lateral sizes and pitches each in a range of 1 to 20 μm;
• and
• a third code pattern comprising third structures with lateral sizes and pitches each in a range of 0.2 to 5 μm;
• the embossing tool comprising:
• a base;
• a surface of the base configured to have the first and second structures arranged thereon;
• a hard layer arranged at least on the first structures of the surface of the base;
• and
• a surface of the hard layer comprising the third structures thereon.

An injection mold with a plurality of code patterns as molding structures, wherein the plurality of code patterns comprises

• a first code pattern comprising first structures with lateral sizes and pitches each in a range of 20 to 500 μm;
• a second code pattern comprising second structures with lateral sizes and pitches each in a range of 1 to 20 μm;
• and
• a third code pattern comprising third structures with lateral sizes and pitches each in a range of 0.2 to 5 μm;
• the injection mold comprising:
• a base;
• a surface of the base configured to have the first and second structures arranged therein;
• a hard layer arranged on at least the first structures of the surface of the base;
• a surface of the hard-coating layer comprising the third structures thereon.