Papers / Articles

Polymer Optics: A manufacturer’s perspective on the factors that contribute to successful programs,
William S. Beich, Director of New Business Development, and Nicholas Turner, Quality Assurance Manager, G-S PLASTIC OPTICS

Precision polymer optics is a key enabling technology allowing the deployment of sophisticated devices with increasingly complex optics on a cost competitive basis. This is possible because of the incredible versatility that polymer optics offers the designer. The unique nature of injection molding demands a very disciplined approach during the component design and development phase. All too often this process is poorly understood. We will discuss best practices when working with a polymer optics manufacturer. This will be done through an examination of the process of creating state-of-the-art polymer optics and a review of the cost tradeoffs between design tolerances, production volumes, and mold cavitation. Read more.

Injection Molded Polymer Optics in the 21st-Century,
William S. Beich, Director of New Business Development, G-S PLASTIC OPTICS

The technology of injection molded polymer optics has evolved steadily over the past 50 years. Whereas toy optics were once good examples of molded optics, today a wide array of sophisticated polymer optics are manufactured through highly refined manufacturing techniques. It is impossible for the non-specialist to be expert in all the issues surrounding polymer optics production. This article will discuss the core technology employed to produce precision polymer optics. We will describe the key elements of production: thermoplastic resins, molds and molding machines and metrology. We will discuss the principle issues that determine component manufacturability and will discuss some of the issues that arise when embarking on a program of polymer optics. Finally, a case study will be presented to illustrate the process used by the manufacturer to insure program success. Read more.