Abstract
Micro/nano-precision glass molding (MNPGM) is an efficient approach for manufacturing micro/nanostructured glass components with intricate geometry and a high-quality optical finish. In MNPGM, the mold, which directly imprints the desired pattern on the glass substrate, is a key component. To date, a wide variety of mold inserts have been utilized in MNPGM. The aim of this article is to review the latest advances in molds for MNPGM and their fabrication methods. Surface finishing is specifically addressed because molded glass is usually intended for optical applications in which the surface roughness should be lower than the wavelength of incident light to avoid scattering loss. The use of molds for a wide range of molding temperatures is also discussed in detail. Finally, a series of tables summarizing the mold fabrication methods, mold patterns and their dimensions, anti-adhesion coatings, molding conditions, molding methods, surface roughness values, glass substrates and their glass transition temperatures, and associated applications are presented. This review is intended as a roadmap for those interested in the glass molding field.
Highlights
IntroductionNumerous readily scalable methods have been developed to pattern micron- and submicron-sized features onto glass material, and these can generally be classified into (i) wet or dry etching methods using photolithographed or nanosphere lithographed barrier patterns [1,2,3,4], (ii) micromachining methods, which include laser machining, micro-drilling, and powder blasting [5,6,7,8,9], and (iii) micro/nano glass molding methods [10,11,12]
This review discussed the fabrication of commonly used mold inserts for micro/nano glass molding
There are various mold insert techniques involving the use of silicon mold (Si), Ni alloys, silicon carbide (SiC), WC, glassy carbon (GC), and other mold materials
Summary
Numerous readily scalable methods have been developed to pattern micron- and submicron-sized features onto glass material, and these can generally be classified into (i) wet or dry etching methods using photolithographed or nanosphere lithographed barrier patterns [1,2,3,4], (ii) micromachining methods, which include laser machining, micro-drilling, and powder blasting [5,6,7,8,9], and (iii) micro/nano glass molding methods [10,11,12] Of these processes, micro/nano-precision glass molding (MNPGM) has gained significant attention because of its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, cleanliness, and most importantly, environmentally friendliness. MNPGM is typically employed in general optics related to light manipulation, which is important for a wide range of commercial products, including camera lenses, CD and DVD optical lenses, fiber connectors, microflu-
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
