Abstract: A method for producing a part by molding with an embedded 2D barcode defined in the surface of the part and the embedded 2D barcode subsequently being readable using a light source and a camera, the method including providing a mold with an array of individual areas of optical anisotropic surface structures, where at least a number of the individual optical anisotropic structures forms a two-dimensional barcode or data matrix; making a replica of the mold, the replica including the array having the property that the directional reflection coefficient of the individual areas of optical anisotropic surface structures is depending on the illumination angle and detection angle in a way that is not rotational symmetric around the axis normal to the surface of the replica, the array being readable by illumination and detection of reflection intensity of the illumination source under a non-normal angle to the surface of the replica.

Abstract: A method for producing a part by molding with an embedded 2D barcode defined in the surface of the part and the embedded 2D barcode subsequently being readable using a light source and a camera, the method including providing a mold with an array of individual areas of optical anisotropic surface structures, where at least a number of the individual optical anisotropic structures forms a two-dimensional barcode or data matrix; making a replica of the mold, the replica including the array having the property that the directional reflection coefficient of the individual areas of optical anisotropic surface structures is depending on the illumination angle and detection angle in a way that is not rotational symmetric around the axis normal to the surface of the replica, the array being readable by illumination and detection of reflection intensity of the illumination source under a non-normal angle to the surface of the replica.

Abstract: A method produces a smooth surface on a rough substrate. The rough substrate is coated with a film or particles of spin-on-glass (SOG) dissolved in a solvent using spin coating, spray coating or dip coating. The SOG is made to reflow by using thermal melting and solvent thinning. The reflow is done in an atmosphere containing a partial pressure of the solvent. The reflow allows the SOG to partially melt and to decrease the surface roughnesss of the film. The SOG is cured by thermal curing or UV exposure radiation curing into a hard durable and chemical inert silicon dioxide film. The SOG can be hydrogen silsesquioxane or methyl silsesquioxane dissolved in either methyl isobutyl ketone or volatile methyl siloxanes. The method can include embossing, chemical mechanical polishing, etching and functionalizing the surface. The substrate can be a cast, mould or form for producing a polymer or a glass replica.

Abstract: The present invention solves numerous problems in state-of-the-art industrial polymer shaping of micro and nanostructures. The problems of high tool polishing requirements, the inability to define an arbitrary topographical structure on an arbitrary free-form (curved) surface, limited durability and replication quality, as well as providing a convenient method for functionalizing the surface. The invention solves these problems by deploying a ceramic material precursor, which may be coated onto a conventional polymer shaping tool, micro- or nanostructured by mechanical contact (embossing), cured into a hard, durable ceramic material comprising the desired structures. The ceramic material is functionalisable by silane chemistry, due to its high surface density of —OH groups. This apparatus may then be used in a conventional polymer shaping process to make nanostructured polymer replicas.

Abstract: A method of providing at least one heat sensitive material on at least part of a surface of a polymer article formed from a heated polymer whose temperature is sufficient to adversely affect the at least one heat sensitive material, wherein an at least partly textured shaping surface is provided. The heat sensitive material is applied to at least part of the shaping surface, the shaping surface being at a temperature at which the heat sensitive material is not adversely affected. The heated polymer is brought in contact with the shaping surface and formed by the surface shape of the shaping surface. The at least one heat sensitive material is transferred from the shaping surface to the polymer surface, while maintaining sufficiently low the temperature of the shaping surface so that the heat sensitive material is not substantially adversely affected by heat upon or after contact with the heated polymer.

Abstract: A method of providing at least one heat sensitive material on at least part of a surface of a polymer article formed from a heated polymer whose temperature is sufficient to adversely affect the at least one heat sensitive material, wherein an at least partly textured shaping surface is provided. The heat sensitive material is applied to at least part of the shaping surface, the shaping surface being at a temperature at which the heat sensitive material is not adversely affected. The heated polymer is brought in contact with the shaping surface and formed by the surface shape of the shaping surface. The at least one heat sensitive material is transferred from the shaping surface to the polymer surface, while maintaining sufficiently low the temperature of the shaping surface so that the heat sensitive material is not substantially adversely affected by heat upon or after contact with the heated polymer.