A comprehensive review of theory and technology of glass molding process

Abstract

With the development of aerospace, military, medical, and 3C industries, the design of aspherical optical component has attracted more and more attention. As a substitute for the traditional manufacturing process for glass materials, the glass molding process (GMP) has the advantages of high forming accuracy, short production cycle, low cost, and non-pollution. This paper presents an overview of recent progresses of theory and technology in the glass molding process. The existing theoretical models (stress relaxation and structural relaxation) of glass material in GMP are introduced, and the most recent applications of these theoretical models are discussed. In addition, the latest advancements in theory of applying both high-frequency microwave and ultrasound-assisted techniques in GMP are detailed. Moreover, the implementations of both apparatus (heating source, ultrasonic vibration auxiliary device, molds, and measurement and controller) and whole machine of GMP are compared in detail. Lastly, the reasonable ranges and change rules of molding conditions, such as molding temperature, molding pressure, and holding time, are reviewed, and effects of GMP on performances (temperature distribution, stress, curve deviation) are discussed.