Method of molding a lens array

Method of molding a lens array comprising the steps of:

• providing a mold having first and second mold parts;
• providing a lens-holding frame having at least one array of through holes defined therethrough, each said through hole having first and second open ends, a gate being defined through a side wall of each said through hole so as to be in communication with an interior space defined by the side wall of said respective through hole;
• mounting said lens-holding frame to one of said mold parts;
• mounting a plurality of inner core elements to one of said mold parts, each said inner core having a mirror finished lens-forming surface defined thereon;
• inserting a said inner core into each said open end of each said through hole so that a mold cavity is defined by the interior space of each said through hole and the mirror finished lens-forming surfaces of inner cores inserted into the open ends of said respective through hole;
• urging said mold parts together, said mold having sprues and runners in fluid communication with each said gate of said lens forming frame;
• filling said mold cavities with a transparent resin supplied through said sprues and runners of said mold and through said gates of said lens-forming frame;
• and
• cooling said transparent resin.