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Microforging technique for fabrication of spherical lens array mold

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Abstract

This paper addressed a fabricating method for spherical lens array mold by microforging. The silicon nitride ceramic balls were performed as indenter on metal materials, such as aluminum alloy, to generate dimples with spherical cross-sectional profiles. Under the proper processing conditions, the spherical lens array mold was fabricated. The effects of indentation force, depth, and pressing time were experimentally investigated. In addition, the morphology and surface property of microforged mold were inspected. Subsequently, the thermoplastic polymer spherical lens array was formed through hot embossing process. The optical performance, such as light spots and focal lengths, was detected. This technique shows great potential for mass production of spherical lens array mold.

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Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51475400 and Grant No. U1505244), Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province (Grant No. 2016 J01269), and Xiamen Municipal Science and Technology Plan Project (Grant No. 3502Z20179030).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen, 361024, China

    Xuefeng Chang, Keyu Xu, Dan Xie, Shanming Luo, Xiayun Shu, Kang Zheng & Bo Li

  2. Key Laboratory of Precision Actuation and Transmission, Fujian Province University, Xiamen, 361024, China

    Xuefeng Chang, Keyu Xu, Dan Xie, Shanming Luo, Xiayun Shu, Huanqi Ding, Kang Zheng & Bo Li

Authors
  1. Xuefeng Chang
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  2. Keyu Xu
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  3. Dan Xie
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  4. Shanming Luo
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  5. Xiayun Shu
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  6. Huanqi Ding
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  7. Kang Zheng
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  8. Bo Li
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Dan Xie or Xiayun Shu.

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Chang, X., Xu, K., Xie, D. et al. Microforging technique for fabrication of spherical lens array mold. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 96, 3843–3850 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-018-1719-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-018-1719-1

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