Manufacturing micro-structured elements
US7658877B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
According to the invention, a micro-structured element is manufactured by replicating/shaping (molding or embossing or the like) a 3D-structure in a preliminary product using an replication tool (1). The replication tool comprises a spacer portion (1c) protruding from a replication surface (1a). The replica (the micro-structured element, for example the micro-optical element or micro-optical element component) may be made of epoxy, which is cured—for example UV cured—while the replication tool is still in place. The replication process may be an embossing process, where the deformable or viscous or liquid component of the preliminary product to be shaped is placed on a surface and then the replication tool is pressed against this surface. As an alternative, the replication process may be a molding process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.