B29D11/00557

Methods for preparing customized polymeric articles

The present invention provides a method for preparing a customized polymeric article including: providing two mold half-sections, each half-section having an outer surface and an inner surface; assembling the two mold half-sections to form a mold assembly such that the inner surfaces define a cavity there between; applying one or more magnetic fluids to the inner surface of a mold half-section; inserting a fluid polymeric material into the cavity; controllably applying a magnetic field to the magnetic fluids to form a customized reversible surface in accordance with a predetermined specific surface topography; subjecting the mold assembly to conditions sufficient to effect polymerization or hardening of the fluid polymeric material; and separating the two mold half-sections. Articles prepared by the method also are provided.

System and methods for fabrication of cured articles

A fabrication system comprising a chamber containing an immersion liquid, a reservoir comprising a curable liquid being immiscible with said immersion liquid, the reservoir in fluid communication with a port configured for transferring the curable liquid into said chamber; an actuator configured for being in operable communication with said reservoir; a support configured for binding said curable liquid and in operable communication with said port. Further, a method for manufacturing a cured article with a predetermined shape is provided.

Rapid prototyping of optical components, particularly lenses, for producing customized optical surface shapes

The present invention relates to a method for producing at least one optical component (1), comprising the steps of: a) Providing at least one cavity (2), wherein the at least one cavity (2) is delimited on a first side by a surface (3a) of a first membrane portion (3), wherein a shape of the first membrane portion (3) is adjustable; b) Filling a material (4) into the at least one cavity (2) for forming at least one optical component (1), such that the material (4) contacts a surface (3a) of the first membrane portion (3); c) Adjusting the shape of the first membrane portion (3); d) Curing the material (4) filled into the at least one cavity (2) so that the material (4) forms a first interface (e.g. a first optical surface) (1a) of the at least one optical component (1), which first interface (1a) comprises a shape defined by a shape of the surface (3a) of the first membrane portion (3).

Method for manufacturing a customized optical element to adjust an optical property of an optical component

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a customized optical element to adjust an optical property of an optical component, such as goggles, wherein the method comprises the steps of receiving customer data indicative of a visual defect a person and/or a desired visual correction of the optical component; determining, from the customer data, the shape of a first surface of an optical element to be manufactured, such that the optical component, when the optical element is applied to an optical surface of the optical component, compensates at least partially or entirely the visual defect of the person or exhibits the desired visual correction; manufacturing the optical element using a liquid material that when brought in shape, is solidified.

RAPID PROTOTYPING OF OPTICAL COMPONENTS, PARTICULARLY LENSES, FOR PRODUCING CUSTOMIZED OPTICAL SURFACE SHAPES

Described herein is a method for producing at least one optical component (1), comprising the steps of: a) Providing at least one cavity (2), wherein the at least one cavity (2) is delimited on a first side by a surface (3a) of a first membrane portion (3), wherein a shape of the first membrane portion (3) is adjustable; b) Filling a material (4) into the at least one cavity (2) for forming at least one optical component (1), such that the material (4) contacts a surface (3a) of the first membrane portion (3); c) Adjusting the shape of the first membrane portion (3); d) Curing the material (4) filled into the at least one cavity (2) so that the material (4) forms a first interface (e.g. a first optical surface) (1a) of the at least one optical component (1), which first interface (1a) comprises a shape defined by a shape of the surface (3a) of the first membrane portion (3).