This research introduces a new replicative glass manufacturing approach, namely, non-isothermal glass moulding (NGM)in which glass preforms are reheated and moulded into its final shape. New, flexible mould concepts are introduced to account for the optics' ever-increasing complexity. Besides, alternative mould materials in combination with ultra-precision mould manufacturing technologies, namely, ultra-sonic assisted diamond turning are used to guarantee the highest form accuracy of the used moulding tools. The key to success for a fast time to market is the integration of FEM simulation at the early stage of the process development, which is also presented.
Origin
Fraunhofer Institute, Germany
Journal Title
77 Conference On Glass Problems 2017 141-149
Sector
Special Glass
Class
S 4384