Optical components in injected plastic with non-spherical surfaces

• Grant number: 99/11415-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: March 01, 2000
• End date: April 30, 2003
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Manufacturing Processes
• Principal Investigator: Sergio Antonio de Almeida Nobre
• Grantee: Sergio Antonio de Almeida Nobre
• Company: Optovac Mecânica e Optoeletrônica Ltda
• City: Osasco

Abstract

The goal of this research project is to develop the technology for the manufacturing of high quality optical components with non-spherical surfaces thus qualifying the company in the manufacture of non-spherical optical components, products that use this type of component and also to project and build molds and necessary inserts. The manufacture of injected plastic optical components with non-spherical surfaces involves component project aspects of the molds, inserts and necessary tools, which even in worldwide terms, are only accessible to a few companies. Products with applications of plastic optical components are in increasing demand, given the volume of sophisticated products and the low cost that they bring to the market each year. Examples of products that use this type of technology are the low-cost video camera, compact disc readers, optical linkages, infrared and visible light sensors, etc. The surface of the inserts that make up the most critical parts of the cavity of the required injection molds possess optically polished surfaces that are devised by elaborate mathematical functions. For the manufacturing of these surfaces it is necessary to have equipment with numerical control, with advanced control prerequisites and extremely critical mechanical stability, since the seams of the machinery tooling must be less than the width of the light wave over which the component will work, that is to say, the surfaces must present a final finish comparable to that obtained through optical polishing. (AU)