Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an optical film includes a first pressing roller, a second pressing roller, an UV solidifying unit and a winding roller. The first pressing roller and the second pressing roller are spaced a predetermined distance from each other and configured for cooperatively molding the optical film by means of microstructures formed on a peripheral surface of the first pressing roller. Reverse-face microstructures are imprinted on the optical film. A diameter of the first pressing roller is smaller than that of the second pressing roller, and a diameter of the winding roller is larger than that of the second pressing roller. The UV solidifying unit is configured for solidifying the molded optical film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical irradiation unit (10) for a plant (100) for producing workpieces by irradiating powder layers of a raw material powder with laser radiation, comprising optical components (40, 50, 60, 70) for guiding and focussing a beam path of a first laser beam (200), and an optical splitting and coupling unit (62, 64, 66) for splitting the first laser beam (200) into at least two laser sub-beams and/or for coupling a second laser beam (300) with a wavelength differing from the wavelength of the first laser beam (200) into the beam path of the first laser beam (200). The invention also relates to a plant (100) for producing work-pieces by irradiating powder layers of a raw material powder with laser radiation, and to an associated method.

Abstract: A light irradiation molding apparatus includes a pair of rubber die units, which are formed of a rubber material having a property of transmitting light therethrough and form a cavity between facing sides which face each other, and a light irradiation device, which applies light to a particulate or solid thermoplastic resin arranged in the cavity through surfaces of a pair of the rubber die units. In the light irradiation molding apparatus a pair of the rubber die units are made to come close to each other while the thermoplastic resin arranged in the cavity is molten by the light applied from the light irradiation device, and a molded article of the thermoplastic resin is formed in the cavity having a reduced volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process or a device for the production of a three-dimensional object by layer-wise solidification of a photo-polymerizable resin by means of a planar or essentially planar construction/reference plane, at which the photo-polymerizable resin contained in the liquid material is to be hardened by electromagnetic irradiation, and wherein the material application for the subsequent layer automatically results from the separation of the last hardened layer from the construction/-reference plane, whereby the construction/reference plane is formed by an elastic film. The film is fixed in a frame, and the height position of the frame with the film is adjusted in a basin containing the liquid material such that the pressure of the liquid material compensates the sagging of the film (formation of a negative meniscus), and that the lower side of the film is permanently in contact with the material during the whole construction process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device as well as a method for creating three-dimensional structures consisting of a material to be consolidated, in particular a material containing organopolysiloxane, by way of locally selective consolidation of the latter as a result of light-induced organic cross-linking. The device is characterized by a movable focusing optical system for the formation of one or a plurality of laser foci, wherein either the laser beam of a laser source can be introduced into the material to be consolidated through the material container and a movable carrier unit is arranged in said container or the focusing optical system is immersed into the material bath and the laser beams can be introduced into the material to be consolidated via a beam exit area of the focusing optical system.

Abstract: An in-mold coating device comprises a fixed insert, a light generator, a camera, a light sensor, a bolster, a moving insert, the fixed insert is disposed in a fixed plate, the light generator, camera and light sensor are disposed in the fixed insert and equipped with on-off and control wires, the bolster is attached to a bottom of the fixed insert to fix the fixed insert, the camera and light sensor; the fixed inserted is made of transparent material selected from the group consisting of quartz, glass, crystal and coated with a reflective layer on an outer surface thereof, light generated from the light generator is reflected by the reflective layer, photo-curing coating materials are injected into a clearance between the fixed insert and the moving insert and irradiated by the light directly generated from the light generator and multidirectional light reflected by the reflective layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for creating an optical feature, including: providing a substrate; creating one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures on the substrate; and micromachining the one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures on the substrate to create the optical feature. Optionally, the substrate is a photomaterial. The one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures are aligned one or more of substantially perpendicular to, substantially parallel to, and substantially at an angle to the substrate. The one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures have a predetermined frequency, orientation, and angle. Optionally, different portions of the one or more volumetric periodic/non-periodic structures are subjected to different degrees and/or shapes of micromachining.

Abstract: A lens fabrication apparatus includes: a lens mold having a connection portion formed on one side thereof and disposed on a light emission surface of a light emitting unit; and a vacuum forming unit discharging air from within the lens mold to the outside through the connection portion or injecting a material into the lens mold through the connection portion.

Abstract: Stereolithography machine (1) comprising: a supporting frame (2); a tank (3) suited to contain a liquid substance; a supporting plate (4) associated with the supporting frame (2), suited to support the tank (3); a stopping unit (5) suited to firmly hold the tank (3) on the supporting plate (4) in a resting position; emitter means (6) suited to direct a predefined electromagnetic radiation (6a) towards the tank (3); a holding unit (7) of the tank (3) operatively associated with the supporting plate (4) through first actuator means (8) configured so as to move the tank (3) with respect to the supporting plate (4) according to a predefined trajectory of movement. The stopping unit (5) comprises second actuator means (17) that define for the stopping unit (5) an active configuration for holding the tank (3) and a rest configuration for releasing the tank (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing structured optical materials. It also relates to a device for producing structured optical materials, and to use of the method. In order to create a novel, continuous method for the production of structured optical materials, which is more economical than the known production method, it is proposed within the scope of the invention that optical material be applied to a carrier, a carrier or protective film be laminated onto the optical material, the resulting laminate be exposed to light and thereby structured, and subsequently a delamination of at least one of the films be performed.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an optical fiber is provided. The method includes creating a green fiber consisting primarily of a ceramic material and sintering the green fiber with a laser by moving the green fiber through a beam of the laser to increase the density of the fiber after sintering. The system for creating a continuous optical fiber includes an extruder, a processing chamber and a laser. The extruder is configured to extrude a ceramic slurry as a green fiber. The processing chamber is configured to receive and process the green fiber. And, the laser is configured to direct a laser spot on the green fiber exiting the processing chamber to sinter the green fiber.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to software and mechanics, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a personal affector machine. In one embodiment, the invention includes a top frame; a cross-member, the cross-member extending from the top frame, the cross-member configurable to do any of translate and rotate relative to the top frame; an affector head, the affector head coupled to the cross-member, the affector head configurable to do any of translate, rotate, and gyrate relative to the top frame, the affector head having an affector; a bottom frame, the bottom frame coupled to the top frame; and a cassette, the cassette configurable to removably securing material therein, the cassette being removably attachable to the bottom frame, wherein the affector is configurable to affecting the material within the cassette in a plurality of dimensions.

Abstract: A windshield repair device includes a bridge, an injector attached to the bridge and at least one UV, e.g., light emitting diode (LED), light source attached to the bridge or integrated into bridge or the injector to provide UV light within or around the injector. The UV, e.g., LED, light source can also be attached to an existing windshield repair device having a bridge and an injector attached to the bridge, so as to retrofit an existing windshield repair device to provide UV light within or around the injector. A method for curing resin provided in a crack in a windshield can be carried out by exposing the resin to UV light from at least one UV LED light source.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system and process are described. In one example of the invention, a fiber optic cable connected with an ultraviolet (UV) LED and related lens forms an accumulation tool. The cable is then merged inside a tank filled with liquid resin that is UV-curable. By controlling the on/off state of the UV-LED and the multi-axis motion of the cable, a physical model, having a desired shape, can be built by selectively curing liquid resin into solid.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing light guide plate includes a coater containing UV curable glue, a first pressing roller and a second pressing roller. The first pressing roller and the second pressing roller are located nearby each other and space a predetermined distance from each other. The coater distributes UV curable glue on the surface of the first pressing roller or the second pressing roller. The first pressing roller and the second pressing roller cooperatively press the distributed UV curable glue. At least one of the first pressing roller and the second pressing roller includes a transparent shell and a UV lamp in the transparent shell. The UV lamp emits UV light to the other pressing roller. The UV lamp solidifies the UV curable glue pressed between the first pressing roller and the second pressing roller.

Abstract: A device (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layerwise solidification of a building material at positions in the respective layers that correspond to the object is provided. The device comprises a machine frame (2, 3, 4, 5) and a building space (10) that is arranged in the machine frame. In the building space (10) there are arranged: an application device (27) that applies layers of the building material onto a support device (26) and a previously applied layer, respectively, by an application element (61); a dosage device (28, 29) that provides building material for the application device (27) for an application, and a heating device (31) for heating the applied layers of the building material. The application element (61) and/or the dosage device (28, 29) and/or the heating device (31) are removable from the building space (10) without a tool.

Abstract: A microstructure forming method includes a step A of irradiating a region of a substrate, in which a hole-shaped or groove-shaped microstructure is to be formed, with a circularly or elliptically polarized laser beam having a pulse width of which the pulse duration is on the order of picoseconds or shorter, and scanning a focal point at which the laser beam converges to form a modified region, and a step B of performing an etching process on the substrate in which the modified region is formed and removing the modified region to form a microstructure.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn toward compositions, systems, and methods for printing of three-dimensional objects. In one embodiment, a liquid inkjettable material for 3-dimensional printing can comprise from 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % of a pigment, from 10 wt % to 90 wt % of a UV-curable polymer, and from 0.1 wt % to 70 wt % of a polymeric filler. Additionally, the liquid inkjettable material can be jettable from piezo electric inkjet printer nozzles and has acceptable decap performance measured by jetting a normal 50 picoliter ink drop within 10 electric firing pulses after the piezo electric inkjet printer nozzles have been fired and have been subsequently rested for 24 hours.

Abstract: A laser-engraveable composition comprises a laser-engraveable resin having dispersed therein non-crosslinked organic porous particles. These non-crosslinked organic porous particles have a non-crosslinked organic solid phase including an external particle surface and at least one set of discrete pores that are dispersed within the non-crosslinked organic solid phase. The laser-engraveable composition further comprises an infrared radiation absorber within at least some of the non-crosslinked organic porous particles.

Abstract: A method of forming a microstructure includes a Step (A) of forming a modified region in a substrate by irradiating a laser beam having a pulse duration on the order of picoseconds or shorter on a region where a pore-like microstructure is to be provided, and scanning a focal point at which the laser beam is converged; and a Step (B) of forming a microstructure by performing an etching process on the substrate in which the modified region has been formed, and removing the modified region, where a linear polarized laser beam is used as the laser beam in the Step (A), and the laser beam is irradiated so that an orientation of a linear polarization has a certain direction with respect to a direction of scanning the focal point.

Abstract: Flexographic printing precursors are prepared using laser-engraveable compositions containing a laser-engraveable resin and chemically-crosslinked organic porous particles. The presence of these porous particles, which can include an infrared radiation absorber, improves various imaging and performance properties in the preparation of flexographic printing members such as flexographic printing plates and printing sleeves.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integral irradiation unit for hardening light-hardening polymer compositions, a method for producing hardened polymer molded bodies or bodies coated with hardened polymers using the integral irradiation unit, and to the use of the integral irradiation unit for producing molded polymer bodies or bodies coated with polymers.

Abstract: An imprint method for imprinting a pattern of a mold onto a resin material on a substrate. The imprint method includes a step of forming a processed area in which an imprint pattern corresponding to the pattern of the mold is formed, and an outside area formed of a periphery of the processed area, by bringing the mold into contact with the resin material formed on the substrate, so that a portion of the resin material is extruded from the processed area into the outside area, a step of forming a protection layer for protecting the processed area, and a step of removing a layer of the resin material in the outside area, while the imprint pattern formed on a layer of the resin material in the processed area, is protected by the protection layer, so as not to be removed.

Abstract: Devices for cutting interconnected plastic products for use in the medical sector provided in a continuous band of plastic, comprising a laser, a laser control system and an optical acquisition and data processing unit are disclosed. Devices for the manufacture of plastic products, such as fillable or filled plastic containers for use in the medical sector, comprising a device for cutting interconnected plastic products provided in a continuous band of plastic as well as a process for cutting interconnected plastic products provided in a continuous band of plastic are disclosed. The optical acquisition unit may determine positional data for the interconnected plastic products provided in the band. From the positional data a cutting pattern may be calculated and transmitted to the laser control system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing a component includes providing a first layer of powdered particles onto a table. The method further includes selectively fusing the first layer of powdered particles by transmitting energy from an energy beam through the table.

Abstract: An improved mold for frozen bars, especially frozen confections on a stick, that allow a quick and convenient release of the frozen confections from the molds by microwave radiation, said molds being made of plasticizer-free, unadulterated, nonrecycled, heat-stable, microwave-transmissible plastic; a method using said mold to produce said frozen confections including the step of using microwave radiation to quickly and conveniently release said confections from said mold; and an article of manufacture comprising the mold hereinabove, in association with instructions for use.

Abstract: An optical molding apparatus molds an optically molded product by stacking cured layers. Each cured layer is formed by emitting light according to cross-sectional-shape data of the optically molded product onto a surface of photo-curable resin. The optical molding apparatus includes an exposing unit and an exposure control unit. The exposing unit performs exposure on the photo-curable resin for each of small work areas that are defined by dividing an overall work area, which is where an optical molding operation is performed, into a plurality of areas. The exposure control unit controls an exposure condition of the exposing unit for each of the small work areas and allows the exposure to be performed collectively on multiple layers' worth of the photo-curable resin in a predetermined one of the small work areas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material using a linear solidification device is shown and described. In certain examples, the linear solidification device includes a laser diode that projects light onto a scanning device, such as a rotating polygonal mirror or a linear scanning micromirror, which then deflects the light onto a photohardenable resin. As a result, the linear solidification device scans a line of solidification energy in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the laser diode. In other examples, the linear solidification device is a laser device array or light emitting diode array that extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light guide plate, and a method and apparatus of manufacturing the same. The light guide plate includes; a transparent substrate including an active area and a dummy area defined in the periphery of the active area, wherein a groove for coupling other members is defined in the dummy area; and a pattern layer disposed on one surface of the substrate. The pattern layer is not disposed on the dummy area of the substrate, but disposed on the active area of the substrate. Since the pattern layer is formed on only the active are of the substrate using a spinless process, a material for forming the pattern layer may not be wasted to reduce material costs. Also, since a plurality of grooves are formed in the substrate before the pattern layer is formed on the substrate, conventional limitations, whereby it is difficult to perform a groove forming process due to a pattern layer cured by forming a plurality of grooves after the pattern layer is formed, may be overcome.

Abstract: The invention is a modelling plate (6; 6?; 6?) for a stereolithography machine (1) suited to produce three-dimensional objects (A) through superimposition of a plurality of layers (E) with predefined thickness of a liquid substance (3) that solidifies when subjected to a selective stimulation (4). The plate (6; 6?; 6?) comprises a work surface (7) that supports the object (A) and grooves (8) made in the work surface (7) along a development trajectory (X).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a three dimensional (3D) object with a rear projection (RP) surface. The method includes providing a rapid prototyping machine, such as a stereolithography machine, with input material, such as a white photopolymer resin. The method includes providing a digital prototyping file, which defines thin, separately grown layers of a digital representation of the 3D object, to a computer control system. With the computer control system, the rapid prototyping machine is operated to form a 3D object using the input material and the digital prototyping file. As a result, the 3D object includes an RP element, which behaves as an RP substrate or surface. A structural portion of the 3D model has a first thickness and an RP portion has a second thickness that is less than the first thickness such that it is translucent to provide an RP element integrally formed with an adjacent structural element.

Abstract: A relief print master is created with a printhead that jets droplets of a polymerizable liquid on a cylindrical sleeve. The droplets follow a spiral path on the cylindrical sleeve. In a multiple printhead unit, there are different spiral paths associated with the constituting printheads in the multiple printhead unit. The distance between the spiral paths is not even. Preferred embodiments of the current invention provide a method and a system so that the distance between these spiral paths becomes even. The system can also be used for the creation of other types of print masters, such as offset print plates.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a mold that has a porous alumina layer over its surface, which is capable of preventing formation of pits (recesses). A moth-eye mold manufacturing method of an embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a mold which has a porous alumina layer over its surface, including the steps of: providing a mold base which includes an aluminum base and an aluminum film deposited on a surface of the aluminum base, the aluminum film having a purity of not less than 99.99 mass %; anodizing a surface of the aluminum film to form a porous alumina layer which has a plurality of minute recessed portions; and bringing the porous alumina layer into contact with an etching solution to enlarge the plurality of minute recessed portions of the porous alumina layer.

Abstract: A method of etching through-substrate vias comprising depositing a layer of embossable material on a first side and a second side of a thin-film stack, the thin-film stack including a base substrate, embossing the embossable material deposited on the first side and the second side of the thin-film stack with a pattern, hardening the embossable material, and etching the first and second sides of the thin-film stack, the etching of the second side of the thin-film stack forming vias through the base substrate.

Abstract: A system for embossing a pattern on a storage tape component includes a storage tape component having a curable layer, an ultraviolet light source, and an embossing drum. The embossing drum has an exterior drum section and an interior cavity. The exterior drum section is transmissive to ultraviolet light and has an outer surface that contacts the curable layer. The outer surface includes a first pattern that is complementary to a second pattern to be formed on the storage tape component. The exterior drum section is rotatable about a center such that the storage tape component moves in concert with the outer drum section while the curable layer is cured by ultraviolet radiation emanating from the ultraviolet light source.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing an object by sequentially forming thin layers of a construction material one on top of the other responsive to data defining the object, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of printing heads each having a surface formed with a plurality of output orifices and controllable to dispense the construction material through each orifice independently of the other orifices; a shuttle to which the printing heads are mounted; a support surface; and a controller adapted to control the shuttle to move back and forth over the support surface and as the shuttle moves to control the printing heads to dispense the construction material through each of their respective orifices responsive to the data to form a first layer on the support surface and thereafter, sequentially the other layers; wherein each printing head is dismountable from the shuttle and replaceable independently of the other printing heads.

Abstract: The present application relates to a full wafer nanoimprint lithography device comprises a wafer stage, a full wafer coated with a liquid resist, a demolding nozzle, a composite mold, an imprint head, a pressure passageway, a vacuum passageway and a UV light source. The present application also relates to an imprinting method using the full wafer nanoimprint lithography device comprises the following steps: 1) a pretreatment process; 2) an imprinting process; 3) a curing process; and 4) a demolding process. The device and the method can be used for high volume manufacturing photonic crystal LEDs, nano patterned sapphire substrates and the like in large scale patterning on the non-planar surface or substrate.

Abstract: This invention discloses apparatus for generating an ophthalmic lens with at least a portion of one surface free-formed from a Reactive Mixture. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is formed on a substrate with an arcuate optical quality surface via a source of actinic radiation controllable to cure a definable portion of a volume of Reactive Mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a composite sheet. The method comprises (a) irradiating a sheet of fibres and a matrix film at an irradiation zone with a plasma at substantially atmospheric pressure, and (b) impregnating the sheet of fibres with the matrix at an adhesion zone. The processes (a) and (b) are performed simultaneously, and the matrix film is irradiated with a plasma at said irradiation zone after being unwound from a roller and prior to entering said adhesion zone.

Abstract: Method for aseptic moulding of containers (2) of plastic material, comprising the steps of: heating parisons (4) of plastic material; sterilizing the parisons (5) by means of soft X-rays inside an advancing tunnel (7) after heating them and before moulding them; blowing the heated and sterilized parisons (4) in such a way as to obtain the containers.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing an electrode tape is disclosed. The machine includes a conveyor, a conductive structure coil, an adhesive material supply unit and a curing unit. The conveyor includes a molding belt with at least one groove and a roller used to drive the molding belt. The conductive structure coil is adapted to provide a conductive structure to the at least one groove of the molding belt. The adhesive material supply unit is adapted to provide an adhesive material to a surface of the molding belt. The curing unit is adapted to cure the adhesive material provided on the surface of the molding belt into a film.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses and methods of creating fibers, such as microfibers and nanofibers. The methods discussed herein employ centrifugal forces to transform material into fibers. Apparatuses that may be used to create fibers are also described. Embodiments described herein relate to multilayer fiber producing devices.

Abstract: This invention discloses Lens Precursors and apparatus for generating an ophthalmic lens precursor with at least a portion of one surface free-formed from a Reactive Mixture. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic Lens Precursor is formed on a substrate with an arcuate optical quality surface via a source of actinic radiation controllable to cure a definable portion of a volume of Reactive Mixture.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus (1) for producing a three-dimensional object layer by layer using a powdery material which can be solidified by irradiating it with an energy beam, such as electromagnetic radiation or an electron beam, said apparatus (1) comprising: a working area (3) onto which layers of powdery material are to be placed; a powder storage unit (11) comprising a base surface (13) for supporting a supply of powder (2); and a powder distribution member (6); wherein the base surface (13) extends along a side of the working area (3), wherein the distribution member (6) extends in a direction along the base surface (13) and said side of the working area (3) and is arranged to be moveable in a plane above, and substantially parallel to, the base surface (13) and the working area (3), and wherein the distribution member (6) is arranged to be moveable into a supply of powder (2) placed onto the base surface (13) such as to bring about a transfer of a portion of powder from a side of the distributi

Abstract: Methods for producing contact lenses from a polymerizable composition are provided. The methods generally include providing a carrier carrying a plurality of molds each of which contains a polymerizable composition. A chamber is provided which contains a light source providing light to the chamber effective to facilitate polymerization of the polymerizable composition. The molds in the carrier are exposed to the light in the chamber. During this exposing, the light source is monitored, for example, using digital addressable lighting interface (DALI) technology.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing coils (9) with longitudinal sections (9a) and narrow deflection bends (9b) by winding wires (8) on winding mandrels (4) with complementary cross sections with the supply of heating energy and subsequent fixing by cooling. To attain the object to rule out the spring rebounds of the coils (9) at the points of narrowest radii of curvature as far as possible and to produce coils (9) with high precision with high efficiency, it is proposed according to the invention that the heating energy is brought to act on the coils (9) at least mainly in the region of the narrow deflection bends (9b). This can be carried out by the targeted application of heating gases or hot air, laser radiation, contact heating, plasma radiation and ultrasound.

Abstract: A micro-optical element includes a support substrate, a micro-optical lens in a cured replication material on a first surface of the support substrate, and an opaque material aligned with and overlapping the micro-optical lens along a vertical direction.

Abstract: Imprint templates for use in nanoimprint lithography methods, a nanoimprint device suitable for UV nanoimprint lithography methods and a nanostructuring method for direct structuring of a UV-sensitive imprint material on a substrate are provided. The imprint templates, nanoimprint device and nanostructuring method can be used both for ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography and for thermal nanoimprint lithography. The imprint template includes a nontransparent structured chip and a transparent substrate. An at least partially nontransparent imprint template as well as a UV source situated above the imprint template holder are used for structuring by indirect exposure by reflection of light emitted from the UV radiation source in the direction of a photoactive layer.

Abstract: A method of producing a container from a thermoplastic blank, including a step in which the blank is heated using at least one beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation, and a step in which the container is formed from the blank thus heated. The invention also relates to an installation which is used to produce containers and which includes a unit for heating the blanks in order to form containers from the blanks thus heated. The inventive installation defines a path along which the blanks travel inside the heating unit. In addition, the heating unit includes at least one coherent electromagnetic radiation source which is directed toward a zone that is located on the aforementioned path.

Abstract: An injection nozzle having a nozzle body defining an injection cavity and at least one curing device integrally formed within the nozzle body.